Nicolò Zaniolo deployed as striker in Udinese's draw with Como
Nicolò Zaniolo was deployed as a central striker for Udinese in their Serie A match against Como on Sunday, a notable tactical shift for the Italian attacker. The match at the Bluenergy Stadium ended in a 1-1 draw, with Zaniolo playing the full 90 minutes in the unfamiliar role. His selection up front was a direct response to the suspension of regular forward Keinan Davis, as confirmed by Udinese's official team sheet released ahead of the 31st matchday.
Udinese manager Kosta Runjaic, fresh from a victory over Genoa, opted for a 3-4-2-1 formation with Zaniolo as its focal point. Maduka Okoye started in goal behind a defensive trio of Rasmus Kristensen, Craig Kabasele, and Oumar Solet. The midfield saw Emil Krafth and Hassane Kamara operate as wing-backs, with Simon Karlstrom and Kacper Piotrowski in the center. Lazar Samardzic and Jens Petter Hauge were listed in attacking midfield roles just behind Zaniolo.
Opposite them, Como, managed by Cesc Fabregas and seeking a sixth consecutive league win, lined up in a 4-2-3-1. Their attack was led by Anastasios Douvikas, supported by an attacking trio of Ilaix Moriba, Maxence Caqueret, and Matias Arezo. Fabregas confirmed Douvikas as his starting striker in the pre-match build-up, a consistent choice for the in-form club. The tactical battle saw Runjaic adapt his resources to cover a key absence, turning to Zaniolo's physicality and direct running to lead the line.
For Zaniolo, the start as a number nine represents a new chapter in a career that has seen him operate primarily as a winger or attacking midfielder. The 24-year-old joined Udinese on a permanent deal last summer after a successful loan spell from Galatasaray, a move intended to reignite his career in Italy after stints at Roma and Aston Villa. His versatility has been an asset, though his goal output has been inconsistent in recent seasons.
From a club perspective, the tactical adjustment highlights Udinese's reliance on a small core of attacking players and the need for squad depth. The draw leaves Udinese in a mid-table position, with the point doing little to alter their comfortable position away from the relegation battle. For Como, the result under Fabregas continues a remarkable season that has seen the newly-promoted side challenge for European qualification, with Douvikas proving to be a reliable source of goals.
The experiment with Zaniolo as a central striker may be a temporary solution, but it offers Runjaic an alternative tactical profile for future matches. Whether this becomes a more permanent positional change for the player will depend on his effectiveness in the role and the return of other forwards from injury and suspension. The match itself was a tightly contested affair, reflecting the competitive nature of this season's Serie A.
