1998–99 Udinese Calcio season
Udinese Calcio only faded a little bit compared to its club record-breaking 1997–98 season, in which it finished third in Serie A. With topscorer Oliver Bierhoff, midfielder Thomas Helveg and coach Alberto Zaccheroni all departing for Milan, Udinese was looking to be on the back foot prior to the start of the season. Márcio Amoroso proved to be a worthy replacement for Bierhoff, with 22 goals following increased responsibility. With this, Amoroso became topscorer himself, and departed for Parma, with a substantial sum being paid by the Parmesans. The highlight of Udinese's season was  the qualification for the 1999–2000 UEFA Cup, which was clinched in a so-called "spareggio" against Juventus, since the clubs were tied on points for sixth. Thanks to a goalless draw at home, and Paolo Poggi's equaliser in Turin, Udinese clinched the sixth place and the UEFA Cup slot. Competitions. Serie A. Matches. UEFA Cup qualification. (Udinese therefore declared sixth in the league standings. Udinese qualified for the 1999–2000 UEFA Cup). UEFA Cup. First round