In answer to your question I played professional table tennis (recently retired) I had family in Rome so moved here as at that time was easier to get around continental Europe and to travel to SE Asia than being based in Scotland.
All of your points are very valid. Udine is a beautiful city but can be very cold and wet in the Winter. Very different than being in Bologna for example.
Next year is a big season for him - probably a make or break season in terms of pushing on at Udinese.