Idrissa Gueye, the 19-year-old forward on Udinese's books, made his Serie A 2026-27 debut as Kosta Runjaić's side drew 1-1 at home against Como at the Bluenergy Stadium on August 23rd — a result that left the Friulani with one point from their opening match and questions about the weeks ahead.
The result itself was a reasonable start for a team still finding its shape under Runjaić. Udinese led through Kamara's opener before Como levelled through Douvikas in the second half. A point at home against a Como side managed by Fabregas is not a disaster, but the manner of the equalizer — and the injury suffered by Nicolò Zaniolo late in the match — casts a shadow over what might have been a confident opening weekend.
Zaniolo's absence matters for the squad context around Gueye. Reports confirm a biceps femoris injury that will keep the attacking midfielder out until October, alongside fellow absentee Palma. For a young forward still establishing himself in Serie A, the departure of creative options around him can cut both ways: fewer competitors for attacking positions, but also a thinner platform of service and combination play.
Gueye's own numbers from matchday one are modest — no goals, no assists, a rating of 6.20 across his single appearance. His AI overall score of 57 out of 100, with a potential ceiling of 68, frames him accurately: a player in the early stages of a developmental arc, not yet a reliable output generator but carrying room to grow within the system.
At 19, the margin for patience is real. Runjaić's Udinese sit 11th after one round, which tells us almost nothing about where this team is headed, but the injury news means the coach will need contributions from across his squad sooner than planned. Whether Gueye can push into that space — and convert a 6.20 debut rating into something more decisive — is the question this season will answer.