| Season: | 2002–03 |
| Chairman: | Giampaolo Pozzo |
| League Result: | 6th |
| League Topscorer: | Vincenzo Iaquinta David Pizarro (7) |
| Cup2 Result: | Second Round |
| Nextseason: | 2003–04 |
Udinese Calcio bounced back from the hugely disappointing 2001–02 Serie A season, in which it only just managed to avoid relegation. Under new coach Luciano Spalletti, Udinese gathered strength, and was a constant feature on the top half of the league table. Even though the squad lacked the goalscoring punch, the defence led by Néstor Sensini and surprising goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis held it together to such a degree it finished sixth in the league. Also Czech signing Marek Jankulovski impressed, the Napoli signing switching form left-wing to left back, causing interest from several bigger clubs. In the offence, Udinese's most influential player was David Pizarro, who scored seven times from the midfield and grabbed the attention from Lazio, who tried to sign him and teammate Martin Jørgensen immediately after the season had finished. Undisclosed Lazio players refused moving to Udine as compensation for the transfers, and both stayed on, much to the relief of Spalletti.
Valerio Bertotto
Néstor Sensini
Felipe Mirko Pieri
Marek Jankulovski
Mohammed Gargo Thomas Manfredini
Régis Genaux
Samuel Caballero Andrea Sottil Giampiero Pinzi Sulley Muntari
David Pizarro Alberto Fabio Rossitto Sergio AlmirónThe match was abandoned due to Como fans rioting against a third penalty for Udinese in the match. Following previous misses by Vincenzo Iaquinta and Roberto Muzzi; David Pizarro was set to take the third one, but the riots ended the match prematurely. Udinese was handed the win 2–0, with Pinzi as the only goalscorer. Como was given a four-match suspension from playing at home.