English striker Keinan Davis is quietly enjoying a strong season at Serie A side Udinese, having scored eight goals so far. In an exclusive interview Jan Denemark, Davis discussed what drew him to Italy, the skills he brings to the pitch, and his experience as one of the few British players in the Italian top flight.

Growing up in Stevenage, Davis joined Aston Villa’s academy at 17 and went on to make over 70 league appearances for the Birmingham club. After loan spells at Nottingham Forest and Watford, he moved to Udinese in September 2023 on a four-year contract for an undisclosed fee. Following two challenging seasons in front of goal, the 28-year-old has found his scoring form while helping Udinese remain in the top half of Serie A.

Adjusting to Serie A and Life in Italy

“It’s obviously different from England,” Davis said. “It’s rare for an English player to come here, but seeing players like Fikayo Tomori and Tammy Abraham succeed gave me confidence. Once you spend a season or two, you pick up the culture and the style of play, and it becomes easier.”

Off the pitch, Davis has adapted well. “My life is very basic—football-focused with my daughter and my girlfriend. The Italian lifestyle isn’t that different from how I lived in England,” he explained.

Choosing Udinese

Davis emphasized that the move to Udinese was entirely his decision. “I was on loan at Watford, so I was still signed to Aston Villa. When Udinese called, I came to see the city, the stadium, and the training facilities—it really impressed me and boosted my decision.”

He added that the success of other English players in Italy played a role. “Seeing Tomori win the title at Milan shows that English players can thrive here, and that influenced my choice.”

Playing Style and On-Field Partnership

Davis believes his physicality and hold-up play give him an edge in Serie A. “My first two seasons were affected by injuries, but this year I’ve been able to play consistently and it’s showing on the pitch,” he said.

The striker has set personal goals for the season: “As a striker, scoring is your job. I want to reach double digits this season and I set my targets at the start so I can reflect and plan for the next season.”

He also highlighted the influence of his English football upbringing: “Aggression and tenacity are part of my game. Serie A is tactical, but when spaces open up, I can capitalize on them.”

Davis praised his partnership with Nicolo Zaniolo, describing the duo as a throwback to traditional physical striking partnerships. “Defences have to work extra hard against us. If they leave us one-on-one, we’re very effective at holding the ball and turning. Playing with Nico is fantastic.”

Udinese’s Player Development Reputation

Udinese’s reputation for developing players and selling them to bigger clubs also appealed to Davis. “They have a proven recipe for developing players, giving them a platform to perform, and then moving on. That definitely played a part in my decision.”

However, Davis is focused on the present. “I’m really enjoying playing here. At 28, it’s not about moving on; I’m enjoying the moment with my family and the club.”

Sustainability at Udinese

Davis also expressed pride in Udinese’s eco-friendly initiatives. “The stadium uses solar panels and shares energy on match days. Being part of a club that prioritizes sustainability is positive, and I’m proud to represent that.”