After a poor season in 1987–88, Pozzo retained Nedo Sonetti as Udinese coach, making several prominent team signings, such as Antonio De Vitis, Giuseppe Minaudo, Angelo Orlando, Settimio Lucci, Antonio Paganin, Zennoni, Giuseppe Catalano, Marco Branca and Claudio Garella. The reinforced squad subsequently earned promotion for the 1988–89 Serie A season.