In the 1997-98 season, Udinese Calcio finished third in Serie A, part due to the performances of striker Oliver Bierhoff, who scored 27 league goals in 34 matches. The season was the team's highest final league position since the 1954-55 season.
Bierhoff coach Alberto Zaccheroni and winger Thomas Helveg left for Milan at the end of the season, ensuring Udinese had "much work" to do to maintain its level.
Squad
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Source: 1997–98 Serie A, RSSSF.com, Soccerway Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Head-to-head points; 3) Head-to-head goal difference; 4) Goal difference; 5) Goals scored; 6) Draw. (Note: Head-to-head record is used only after all the matches between the teams in question have been played).[1] (C) Champions Notes:
^Fiorentina finished ahead of Parma on head-to-head points: FIO 1–1 PAR; PAR 1–2 FIO.