Alessandro Zanoli
UDI
Back on the mend
Zanoli "had another muscular hiccup and won't be an option Sunday, but the tests didn't show any strain," coach Kosta Runjiac relayed.
Analysis: Zanoli experienced his second small setback shortly after returning from an ACL tear and could sit out multiple matches even if the problem is minor again. Nicolo Bertola and Oier Zarraga will continue to be emergency solutions behind Mergim Vojvoda on the right flank.
Launches two crosses against Lecce
Zanoli (thigh) registered two crosses (zero accurate) and one tackle (one won) and completed 13 passes in 26 minutes in Sunday's 3-0 loss to Lecce.
Analysis: Zanoli was utilized off the bench following a hiccup and looked pretty shifty. He starred alongside Mergim Vojvoda in a different scheme in this one. He might need a little more time before being ready for full minutes. He has recorded one shot (zero on target), two chances created and six crosses (one accurate) through two cameos.
Good to go for Lecce clash
Zanoli (undisclosed) "will be with us Sunday," coach Kosta Runjaic stated.
Analysis: Zanoli will make a quick return after sitting one out because of a muscular ailment and will back up Mergim Vojvoda, as he's done in his lone appearance since returning from a massive knee injury, posting one off-target shot, two key passes and four crosses (one accurate) in 19 minutes.
Unavailable versus Torino
Zanoli "is a late scratch because of muscle fatigue, and we didn't want to take risks given his recent serious knee injury," coach Kosta Runjaic stated.
Analysis: Zanoli returned before the break and had a decent cameo but picked up a minor muscular problem late in the week and will be held out altogether. Mergim Vojvoda will continue to be the lone pure option on the right wing, like earlier in the season.
Looks spry versus Cagliari
Zanoli (knee) had four crosses (one accurate), two chances created and one off-target shot in 19 minutes in Saturday's 1-0 loss to Cagliari.
Analysis: Zanoli had a good burst despite being sidelined for most of the year to recover from an ACL tear and provided a significant jolt off the bench, even though Udinese didn't find a late equalizer. He'll challenge Mergim Vojvoda and Hassane Kamara once he's fit enough to start.
On bench Saturday
Zanoli (knee) is on the bench for Saturday's clash against Cagliari.
Analysis: Zanoli returned to the matchday squad after coach Kosta Runjaic confirmed he had worked hard to be ready following the ACL rupture he suffered in late January, with his recovery throughout the summer paving the way for his inclusion among the substitutes. The right-back is expected to provide cover behind Mergim Vojvoda, resuming the backup role he had filled previously as he builds his match sharpness after such a lengthy absence. He scored once, assisted twice and notched 15 chances created, 39 crosses and 25 tackles across 19 appearances last season, and Udinese will manage his minutes carefully as he works his way back.
Probable for Cagliari fixture
Zanoli (knee) "has worked hard to be ready to play this week, and I think he'll be able to do so," coach Kosta Runjaic announced.
Analysis: Zanoli ruptured his right ACL in late January and has been ramping up throughout the summer. He should be available, barring a late U-turn, and back up Mergim Vojvoda. He scored once, assisted twice and notched 15 chances created, 39 crosses (12 accurate) and 25 tackles in 19 appearances (16 starts) last season.
Not cleared yet
Zanoli has been practicing regularly, but he didn't make the game-day squad list for Saturday's Coppa Italia match versus Padova and didn't get minutes in the friendlies.
Analysis: Zanoli is getting close after tearing his knee in late January, but he's not quite ready yet and will likely miss time at the beginning of the season. He'll need a while to round into shape after exiting the rehab protocol. Mergim Vojvoda has replaced Kingsley Ehizibue as the starter at the position, with Oier Zarraga and Nicolo Bertola as his deputies for the time being.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare