Udinese Calcio is one of the oldest football clubs in Italy. It was officially founded in 1896 as part of the Società Udinese di Ginnastica e Scherma (Udinese Society for Gymnastics and Fencing).
The football section began operating independently by 1911, which is typically cited as the formal birth year of the club as a footballing entity.
Based in the northeastern city of Udine, Udinese represents the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region – a proud and distinct area with its own dialect and traditions.
This regional identity remains central to the club’s culture and fanbase.
Udinese’s Achievements
While Udinese has never won a major national title, it has achieved remarkable success for a “provincial” club:
Domestic
- Serie B Champions: 1955–56, 1978–79
- Best Serie A Finish: 3rd place in 2004–05, qualifying for the UEFA Champions League
- Multiple top 7 finishes in the 2000s and early 2010s under managers like Luciano Spalletti and Francesco Guidolin
European Adventures
- UEFA Champions League: Qualified in 2005–06 and 2011–12 (eliminated in qualifiers)
- UEFA Cup / Europa League:
- Quarter-finalists in 2008–09
- Known for memorable matches vs. teams like Borussia Dortmund and Zenit
Reputation
- Globally admired for youth development and talent spotting, especially from South America and Africa
- Players like Alexis Sánchez, Mehdi Benatia, Samir Handanović, Gökhan Inler, and Antonio Di Natale became stars through Udinese
In Summary
Udinese is a model of resilience and smart football — a small-town club with a sharp eye for talent and an ability to survive and thrive in Italy’s top flight despite financial limitations.
Their legacy is built not on trophies, but on overachievement, identity, and consistency.
And though the Rosenthal incident casts a shadow, Udinese today is seen as progressive, diverse, and a vital part of Italian football’s landscape.
Basic Info
- Full Name: Udinese Calcio S.p.A.
- Founded: 1896 (football section began in 1911)
- Stadium: Bluenergy Stadium – Stadio Friuli, Udine
- Capacity: 25,000
- Club Colors: Black and White
- Nickname: Le Zebrette (The Little Zebras)
- Head coach: Kosta Runjaić
Legends
- Antonio Di Natale: Club icon and all-time top scorer (191 goals). Known for his loyalty, technique, and leadership.
- Zico: Brazilian legend who played for Udinese in the 1980s, bringing global prestige to the club.
- Luis Helguera, David Pizarro, Alexis Sánchez, and Oliver Bierhoff – all players who flourished in Udine before starring for bigger clubs.
Rivalries and Friendships
Rivalries:
- Triestina: The Derby del Triveneto has historical regional tension, though less intense in recent years due to league separation.
- Hellas Verona: Often heated due to Northern Italy political and cultural tensions.
- Vicenza & Venezia: Regional rivalry in Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Veneto.
Friendships:
Udinese has a friendly relationship with Salzburg (the original club, not Red Bull Salzburg), as well as with Vicenza and Arezzo.
Historically, Udinese had a twinning arrangement with Bologna, but it was broken after some incidents.
Roma and Udinese’s relationship is thought to be a relatively new “friendship” between the two clubs.
The primary recent connection stems from a game in March 2024 that was abandoned due to Evan Ndicka’s collapse, and the subsequent resumption of the match from the 72nd minute.
Ultra Groups and Supporters
Udinese’s ultras are based in the Curva Nord of the Bluenergy Stadium.
Main groups:
- Quelli della Nord
- Udinese Fans
- Friulani al Seguito
The fan culture reflects Friulian pride, regional identity, and a family-friendly but loyal base. The club is loved deeply in Udine and across the Friuli region, seen as a symbol of resilience and independence.
The Ronnie Rosenthal Incident
In the early 1990s, Israeli striker Ronnie Rosenthal (ex-Liverpool, Spurs and Watford) was set to join Udinese.
But the deal was blocked by sections of Udinese’s ultras, who opposed the signing due to his nationality. The rejection was linked to anti-Israel sentiment tied to political tensions in the Middle East at the time.
This controversial and regrettable incident highlighted a dark side of Italian fan culture – where politics and identity often intrude upon sporting decisions.
While the club’s management was open to the signing, the backlash from the Curva Nord caused them to backtrack. Rosenthal never signed.
It remains one of the most infamous examples of ultras influencing a club’s transfer activity for non-sporting reasons.
Ticket Information
Where to buy:
- Online: https://www.udinese.it
- At the stadium box office: open several days before matchday
- Official Udinese stores in Udine
Prices:
- General admission starts around €15–25 for regular matches
- Discounts often available for children, seniors, and local residents
Sections:
- Curva Nord: Home ultras
- Tribuna Centrale: Best view, higher price
- Distinti & Curva Sud: Away fans and neutrals
How to Get to the Stadium
Stadium Address: Piazzale Argentina 3, 33100 Udine UD, Italy
From Udine city centre:
- Bus: Lines 2, 9, or 10 from the central train station (Stazione FS)
- Taxi/Uber: ~10–15 minutes
- On foot: Around 30–40 minutes walk from the city centre
Driving:
- Easily accessible via A23 motorway, exit Udine Sud
Ample parking available around the stadium
Where to eat & drink before the game
In Udine city centre:
- Osteria Al Cappello – traditional Friulian food
- Trattoria Ai Frati – cosy and authentic
- Café Contarena – for pre-match espresso or aperitivo
Near the stadium:
- Bar Stadio – classic fan bar with panini and beer
- Panificio Cose Buone – great for takeaway snacks and pastries
What Udinese means to the fans
Udinese is not just a football club – it’s a regional identity. For the people of Friuli, who speak their own language and maintain a unique cultural heritage, Udinese is a source of pride and belonging.
Unlike clubs backed by global empires, Udinese remains community-rooted, known for sustainability, talent development, and fighting against the odds.
The Pozzo family ownership, also linked to Watford (England) and formerly Granada (Spain), has created a global scouting network, but fans remain proudly local.
Supporting Udinese means:
“Being small, being smart, and never giving in.”
The loyalty of the fans, especially in a region known for hard work and humility, ensures that every match at the Bluenergy Stadium feels intimate and passionate.
