Davis to start as Udinese target first home win since May

Udinese have not won at home since May 2, and Keinan Davis will start against Lecce as Kosta Runjaic’s side try to end that run. Runjaic called Sunday’s Serie A fixture fundamental and said Udinese must “reverse the trend” in front of their supporters.

The coach described Udinese’s campaign as below expectations, but said the situation was not desperate. His team has analysed its problems and prepared for Lecce, he said. Runjaic also believes Udinese dominated their last two matches and improved tactically. The next step, he stressed, is to concede fewer goals and finish the chances they create.

That task matters against opponents who, according to Runjaic, have defended compactly and punished Udinese. He wants his players to stay concentrated and defend together when they lose the ball. “We want to win, especially at home,” he said.

Davis is available and will start, although his minutes will depend on how the match develops. Alessandro Zanoli is also available, Arizala has returned, and Palma is fit after coming back in the previous match. David Alaba has had another week of training, but Runjaic put his chances of starting at “51% and 49%.” Abankwah is available after a nerve-related twinge against Torino. Nicolò Zaniolo, Gueye and Bayo remain out.

Runjaic also addressed Maduka Okoye’s costly decision against Torino. He said he had spoken clearly with the goalkeeper and that Okoye knows his decision led to a goal. Runjaic nevertheless backed him as “one of the five best goalkeepers in Serie A” when he gives everything.

Udinese won seven home games two seasons ago and six last season. Runjaic wants more this time, starting against a Lecce side sitting 13th with six points from six matches and a goal difference of minus six. Ilic is out, while Berisha and Stulic are doubtful.

Kick-off is at 12:30 CEST on Sunday, October 18. For Udinese, the challenge is to turn the improvement Runjaic sees into a home result.