Runjaic explains why he took Lucca off after scoring penalty: ‘We have hierarchies’

Udinese head coach Kosta Runjaic has clarified his decision to substitute Lorenzo Lucca just minutes after the striker scored a penalty in their 1-0 win over Lecce.

Lucca defied the team’s set-piece hierarchy by insisting on taking the spot-kick instead of designated taker Florian Thauvin, leading to a dispute with teammates and an isolated celebration.

Runjaic explained post-match that while Lucca converted the penalty well, he acted independently and disregarded team rules.

The coach stated, “I don’t like those who don’t respect the rules, so I had to take measures,” but assured that the issue would be addressed in training.