Udinese manager Kosta Runjaic said his side produced “two different halves” after they were beaten by Lazio in the third round of Serie A.
The result was particularly disappointing for Udinese because the team have traditionally performed strongly in front of their home supporters. However, that advantage was not enough to prevent Lazio from leaving with victory.
Runjaic’s assessment focused on the contrast between the two periods of the match. The Udinese manager said his team failed in the second half, highlighting that collapse as the central issue in the outcome rather than offering a wider reaction to the defeat.
The coach’s comments came immediately after the game, with the home side unable to turn their usual strength on their own ground into a positive result. Lazio took advantage of the situation to claim the points in the third round of the Italian championship.
For Udinese, the defeat provides an early setback in Serie A. Their home form has generally been regarded as an important part of their performances, making the loss to Lazio a result that will attract particular attention. Runjaic’s description of the match as “two different halves” underlined the difference between the team’s display before and after the interval.
The result also sets up a demanding next fixture for Udinese. In the following round of the Italian championship, they will face Inter Milan.
That match will give Runjaic and his players an immediate opportunity to respond to the Lazio defeat, although the identity of their next opponents means the challenge will be a significant one. Inter Milan will be Udinese’s next test in Serie A after the home loss, while the focus within the Udinese camp will remain on avoiding a repeat of the second-half problems identified by their manager.
Runjaic’s post-match reaction therefore centred on two linked points: Udinese had been beaten by Lazio despite their strong record at home, and the team had not maintained its level after half-time. His summary of “two different halves” was the clearest explanation offered for the defeat.
Udinese now turn their attention to Inter Milan and the next round of the championship. The match will be their first chance to put the Lazio result behind them and show a more consistent performance across the full game.