As the summer heat simmers down and the new Serie A season approaches, fantasy football managers across Italy (and beyond) are sharpening their pencils, poring over team sheets, and trying to uncover the hidden gems that will propel them to glory. This year, the spotlight falls on Udinese, a club that consistently embodies the spirit of resilience, having secured their Serie A status for another season. But what does the 2025-26 campaign truly hold for the Friulian side, and more importantly, for your fantasy squad?
The Post-Season Review: Stability Amidst Ambition
Udinese concluded the previous season in a respectable twelfth position. It was a tale of two halves, really: a robust first half saw them sitting ninth with 25 points, even surpassing Roma`s tally at that point. The second half, however, proved more challenging, yielding only 19 points. Despite this fluctuation, the primary objective – Serie A survival – was achieved comfortably and well in advance, much to the delight of the passionate fanbase.
Under the guidance of manager Runjaic, who successfully navigated his inaugural year in Italian football, there`s a tangible sense of optimism. His words, “Europe? It`s a long-term objective,” echo the aspirations simmering within the club. However, the path to European football, a dream largely absent since the Guidolin era of 2013-14, already appears laden with obstacles, primarily due to key departures.
Navigating the Transfer Tides: Departures and Arrivals
The summer transfer window is a double-edged sword, offering both opportunity and challenge. Udinese has certainly felt its sting with the exits of two significant figures: Lorenzo Lucca, a promising forward, has moved to Napoli, and defensive stalwart Bijol has joined Leeds. These are considerable losses that will undoubtedly reshape the team`s dynamics.
Yet, where one door closes, another often opens. The most notable incoming transfer thus far is Jakub Piotrowski, a Polish international midfielder acquired from Ludogorets. Piotrowski brings European experience and a reputation for industrious play, potentially filling a crucial void in the center of the park.
Fantasy Insight: The departure of a key striker like Lucca leaves a void, creating opportunities for others. Likewise, a new arrival like Piotrowski, especially at a potentially low fantasy price, could be a shrewd acquisition if he hits the ground running.
Fantasy Football Forecast: Who to Bank On?
For every fantasy manager, the core of a successful squad lies in its dependable starters. Udinese offers a few such stalwarts for the upcoming season:
- Oumar Solet (Defender, ~20 credits): Arguably one of last season`s breakout defensive revelations, Solet is a cornerstone of Runjaic`s defense. His solid average rating of 6.3 makes him an excellent choice for modifier leagues, and with 1 goal and 2 assists, he also offers bonus points. A reliable pick.
- Ekkelenkamp (Midfielder, ~22 credits): The Dutch midfielder was a protagonist in the previous campaign, contributing 3 goals and 2 assists. His fantasy average of 6.2 suggests consistent performance. He could be a valuable, mid-range option for your midfield.
- Florian Thauvin (Forward, ~39 credits): The captain of the Bianconeri, Thauvin, is the undisputed attacking lynchpin. If he remains at the club (a crucial “if” for now, as negotiations with Lens reportedly continue), he`s almost a mandatory pick. Last season, he notched an impressive 8 goals and 3 assists, boasting an overall fantasy average close to 7.3. He`s also the designated penalty taker, adding significant value.
Unearthing the Unexpected: Potential Surprise Packages
The true satisfaction in fantasy football often comes from discovering those undervalued players who exceed expectations. Udinese`s squad holds a few names that could become this season`s dark horses:
- Arthur Atta (Midfielder, ~16 credits): Recently acquired permanently from Metz, Atta appears poised for a breakthrough season. After a quiet debut year with zero goals and just one assist, he has reportedly shown leadership qualities and found the net in pre-season. He could be a pleasant surprise.
- Jakub Piotrowski (Midfielder, ~7 credits): The new Polish international signing is an intriguing prospect, particularly at such a low credit cost. With 23 appearances across Europa and Conference League, he brings valuable European experience. Keep a close eye on his integration into the squad.
- Keinan Davis (Forward, ~19 credits): With Lucca`s departure, Davis is expected to play a more central role in Udinese`s attack, potentially partnering with Thauvin. Having scored only twice last season, the 1998-born forward will be eager to prove himself and could be a high-upside gamble.
Tactical Outlook and Set-Piece Specialist
Runjaic is expected to favor a 4-4-2 formation, providing a clear structure for the team. Understanding the likely lineup is crucial for fantasy planning:
Probable Udinese Formation (4-4-2):
Sava; Ehizibue, Solet, Kristensen, Zemura; Ekkelenkamp, Lovric, Karlstrom, Atta; Thauvin, Davis.
The Designated Penalty Taker:
For all crucial spot-kicks, look no further than Florian Thauvin. His designation as the primary penalty taker significantly boosts his fantasy value, making him a prime candidate for captaincy on match days.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
Udinese`s 2025-26 season will be a test of adaptation and ambition. While the departure of key players presents an immediate challenge, the arrival of Piotrowski and the potential emergence of talents like Atta and Davis offer exciting new possibilities. Runjaic`s long-term vision for Europe, though currently a distant aspiration, provides a guiding light for the club`s development. For fantasy managers, this blend of established reliability and untapped potential makes Udinese a fascinating team to monitor. Strategic picks from this squad could very well be the difference-makers in your pursuit of fantasy glory.
Disclaimer: Fantasy football valuations and player performances are subject to change based on pre-season form, injuries, and further transfer market activity. Always conduct your own research before making final squad selections.