Controversy erupted in Italy on Friday evening when Lorenzo Lucca was immediately substituted by coach Kosta Runjaic after converting a penalty. In the post-match press conference, the coach explained why the former Ajax player was taken off.
Udinese secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Lecce on Friday evening, but instead of the focus being on a crucial three points, the match was overshadowed by a dramatic and controversial moment involving Lorenzo Lucca.
The former Ajax striker scored the only goal of the match from the penalty spot in the 73rd minute, securing the win for his team. However, what should have been a moment of triumph quickly turned into one of confusion and tension, as Lucca was immediately substituted by coach Kosta Runjaic. His removal from the game, just seconds after scoring, left fans, analysts, and even teammates puzzled, sparking widespread discussion about what had happened on the pitch.
The controversy began when Udinese was awarded a penalty in the second half. As per the team’s set hierarchy, captain Florian Thauvin is the designated penalty taker. Thauvin was on the field, but Lucca, showing unwavering determination, took control of the situation. He grabbed the ball, made it clear that he would be taking the shot, and refused to step aside despite protests from his teammates. While such moments of self-confidence are often praised in football, this particular act went against the pre-established rules within the squad. Despite the internal disagreement, Lucca proceeded to take the penalty and dispatched it confidently, sending the Lecce goalkeeper the wrong way. However, instead of running toward his teammates in celebration, the striker chose to celebrate alone, further emphasizing the tension that had already been brewing on the pitch. Moments later, as Lecce prepared to restart the match, Runjaic made a swift and unexpected substitution, taking Lucca off and replacing him with Iker Bravo. The decision sent shockwaves through the stadium and left fans questioning why the match-winner was taken off immediately after scoring.
In the post-match press conference, Runjaic addressed the situation directly and made it clear that the decision was not based on performance but rather on discipline. He expressed frustration with how Lucca had disregarded the team’s internal structure, stating, "We have clear agreements, and there is a hierarchy when it comes to penalties. I already disagreed with the discussion they had on the pitch; they talked about it for too long. In the end, Lucca made the decision on his own, as an individual. I thought it was better to take him off, despite his well-taken penalty." His words left no doubt that he had acted swiftly to reinforce the importance of discipline and respect within the squad. He further emphasized that he had no tolerance for players who do not follow the team’s rules, stating, "I made this decision. I have no patience for players who do not respect the rules. I simply had to react. We will resolve this situation in the coming week and focus on the next match."
While the immediate reaction was one of shock, questions now arise regarding Lucca’s future within the squad. The 23-year-old forward has been an important player for Udinese, but this incident could affect his standing within the team. Football history has seen similar moments where talented players have fallen out of favor due to disciplinary issues, and this could be a turning point in Lucca’s relationship with the club. His willingness to take responsibility and score in a crucial moment is commendable, but it came at the cost of undermining his captain and coach. If not handled properly, such actions can lead to locker-room tensions. Reports from within the club suggest that internal discussions will take place to address the matter, with the hope of ensuring that all players adhere to team rules moving forward. Lucca himself has not yet spoken publicly about the situation, leaving fans wondering whether he will apologize, justify his actions, or stand by his decision. His response in the coming days could be crucial in determining how this situation unfolds.
Despite the controversy, Udinese’s victory was a vital result in their battle to avoid relegation. Every point matters at this stage of the season, and the club will be hoping to build on this win rather than let the distraction of internal conflicts take over. However, the timing of this incident is far from ideal, and with important fixtures ahead, Runjaic will need to ensure that the focus remains on performance rather than off-field drama. Whether Lucca will be included in the starting lineup for the next match remains uncertain, but this episode will certainly be a major talking point in the coming days. For now, Udinese has secured three points, but the long-term consequences of this incident remain to be seen. Will Lucca and Runjaic find common ground, or will this lead to further tensions within the squad? One thing is certain: this story is far from over.
