Udinese boss Runjaic: 'We paid dearly for double injury, Lazio are a top team'
Quick summary
Udinese manager Kosta Runjaic lamented a double injury blow that cost his side in their defeat to Lazio, while praising the Roman club's quality.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceKosta Runjaic believes Udinese paid a heavy price for losing both Jakub Piotrowski and Oumar Solet to injury during their 2-1 defeat to Lazio .
The hosts took the lead through Jesper Karlstrom early in the second half, but goals from Davide Frattesi and Albert Gudmundsson turned the game around for Gennaro Gattuso’s side.
Runjaic admitted the two first-half injuries significantly complicated his ability to manage the game, particularly after Udinese were forced to use two substitution slots before the interval.
“We lost Piotrowski and Solet and we paid a heavy price for those two changes, as we lost two substitution slots, so I had doubts,” Runjaic told DAZN, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb .
“Lazio played well, they are a strong team and they have bought strong players. They started as favourites. We could have taken a point, but they certainly deserved to score at least one goal.”
UDINE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 07: Davide Frattesi of SS Lazio competes for the ball with Enzo Ebosse of Udinese Calcio during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and SS Lazio at Stadio Friuli on September 07, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images) Runjaic ‘didn’t want to risk Davis’ after double injury blow in first half of Lazio defeat The Udinese coach also explained his decision to withdraw Keinan Davis in the second half, insisting he did not want to risk the striker as his side struggled to retain possession.
“Both teams were tired, but we have to respect their qualities and we weren’t able to have the possession we wanted. I didn’t want to risk Davis and the changes in the first half affected us.”
Runjaic also admitted Udinese lack a natural alternative to Davis, while summer signing James Abankwah still needs time to adapt to the demands of Serie A.
“Abankwah still has to adapt to the pace of Serie A and, in terms of the changes, Lazio were superior.”
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What happened
Following a Serie A defeat to Lazio, Udinese head coach Kosta Runjaic expressed frustration that injuries to two players during the match had a decisive impact on the result. He acknowledged Lazio's strength, calling them a top team. The comments come as Udinese deal with fitness concerns heading into their next fixture, while Lazio continue their strong campaign in Italy's top flight.
Chance analysis
Runjaic's post-match comments blend two familiar storylines in modern football: the thin margin injuries create for mid-table sides, and the gap between clubs chasing European places and those fighting for safety. With two players potentially added to the treatment room, Udinese's depth will be tested in the coming weeks, while Lazio's billing as a 'top team' reflects their growing standing in Serie A this season.
Udinese face a likely dip in availability and squad depth, while Lazio's momentum is reinforced as a credible top-tier Serie A side.