The 1996-97 campaign delivered Udinese's best season since the Zico era, culminating in a spectacular 5th-place finish in Serie A and securing a highly coveted spot in the UEFA Cup. Under manager Alberto Zaccheroni, the Bianconeri's success was spearheaded by a prolific goal-scoring trio: German striker Oliver Bierhoff and Italian forward Paolo Poggi, who each notched 13 goals, alongside Márcio Amoroso's 12. This standout year firmly re-established Udinese in the top flight and remains a defining chapter of their modern history.