UDINESE'S LUCCA STIRS CONTROVERSY BY TAKING THAUVIN'S PENALTY
A heated moment during the 26th round of Serie A sparked conversations about team hierarchy and respect.
Udinese's Lorenzo Lucca caused quite the stir recently during their Serie A match against Lecce, as he controversially decided to take a penalty meant for captain Florian Thauvin. This incident not only drew attention to Lucca's questionable decision but also raised eyebrows about the dynamics within the team.
On February 21, 2025, with Udinese struggling at the 10th position of the Serie A, they were awarded a penalty kick after 32 minutes of play against Lecce. Traditionally, Florian Thauvin has been the designated penalty taker for Udinese. Yet, as the moment approached, Lucca seized the ball, adamantly refusing to let go and insisting on taking the kick himself.
The situation escalated when teammates, including Alexis Sanchez and goalkeeper Jaka Bijol, confronted Lucca, urging him to follow the established order. Regardless of their protests, Lucca maintained his position and was eventually rewarded for his defiance: he successfully converted the penalty, securing the only goal of the match.
Despite this, Lucca's actions elicited disdain from his teammates, who refrained from celebrating alongside him after his successful kick—a clear display of the growing tension. Following the goal, Udinese's head coach Kosta Runjaic made the decision to substitute Lucca just four minutes later. The exchange between the coach and Lucca was described as icy, indicating there were serious repercussions for Lucca's insubordination.
Runjaic later spoke about the situation, stating, "Lorenzo Lucca missed the respect for his team. I don't like those who don't follow rules." He emphasized the importance of adhering to the team's set hierarchy, reaffirming Thauvin's role as the primary penalty taker. This sentiment was echoed by many within the club and the broader Serie A community, who viewed Lucca's decision as disrespectful.
Lucca's solitary goal celebration only added to the awkward atmosphere. The moment not only highlighted individual ambition but also raised questions about the unity and resilience of the team. Shortly after the match, tensions were palpable as Thauvin could be heard expressing his disbelief at the penalty pursuit, underscoring the discontent during post-match discussions.
This incident is reminiscent of Thauvin's past experiences during his tenure at Olympique de Marseille, where he dealt with similar conflicts with teammates. The dynamics of team roles and responsibilities have once again come to the forefront, showcasing the potential cracks within the squad which could hinder future performances.
For Thauvin, the season remained productive overall—he has 6 goals and 3 assists to his name. Despite the troubling episode, he seemed to have acclimatized well to Serie A after moving from Marseille, even thriving with Udinese's recent performances. They are currently positioned mid-table, but with key matches coming up, the incident could have long-lasting effects if not resolved.
While Lucca's successful penalty may have helped bring home the win this time, the underlying issues raised by his actions cannot be ignored. Moving forward, Udinese will need to address the tensions highlighted by the penalty situation to maintain their competitive edge. The question remains whether this minor dispute will serve as inspiration for growth or be the thorn at their side as they navigate the remainder of the season.
Only time will tell how this penalty incident will affect the morale and unity of Udinese as they aim for success with several matchdays still on the horizon.