In northern Italy, Udinese has shown steady improvement, achieving its highest finish since the 2012-13 season. As they celebrate their 130th anniversary, the club aims for more success in Serie A. With only Jesper Karlstorm participating in the recent World Cup, manager Kosta Runjaic capitalizes on a standard preseason, while the squad remains largely intact, aside from the departure of Arthur Atta.

Udinese has a reputation for developing young talent, balancing player sales with league aspirations. Gokhan Inler, the technical director, emphasized the importance of pushing young players to excel:

"We have a lot of young players, and that’s why I’m here... Udinese is famous for giving time to the players to develop."

The club's transfer strategy combines young talents like Idrissa Gueye with seasoned players such as Nicolo Zaniolo. The multi-club ownership model shared with Watford allows players to develop in the Championship before returning to Italy, benefiting both clubs. Inler noted:

"Having Watford and Udine is a good combination for the players."

With investments in facilities, Udinese has steadily improved its league position over the last three seasons. Inler, a former player, understands the players' journey, sharing his experiences of both triumph and hardship. Recently extending his contract, he remains committed to guiding Udinese toward European qualification, focusing on continuous improvement.

The club's ambitious goals reflect a dedication to enhancing their standing in Italian football, making the journey toward European contention an ongoing mission.