Alaba completed his medical at Villa Stuart in Rome and travelled on to Udine, where Udinese's hierarchy and head coach Kosta Runjaić were waiting, ahead of the free transfer becoming official.
The Austrian, a free agent since his contract at Real Madrid expired on 1 July, had been linked with a string of clubs including Inter Miami, Club América, Union Berlin and Hamburger SV before settling on Udinese, who moved quickly once he became available and saw off interest from bigger Serie A names.
Former Austria international Gyorgy Garics, who played alongside Alaba for the national team, praised his old teammate's career and character in an interview with TuttoMercatoWeb back in June, when he was already being linked with clubs in Italy: "David is a friend, we played together and we spoke just a few days ago.
"What can I say? He's had an incredible journey. He ended up in the right place at the right time and had a fantastic career. You don't spend all those years between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid unless you have the qualities of a champion.
"Beyond his footballing qualities, he brings his human qualities to the dressing room. Those are needed in today's football and he could do well for Italian clubs. I'd be pleased if he came here, he still has a lot to give with the experience he has."
Alaba's honours list is extensive: ten Austrian Footballer of the Year awards, four Club World Cups, four UEFA Super Cups, four Champions Leagues, a Copa del Rey, a Spanish Super Cup, two LaLiga titles, six German Super Cups, six German Cups and ten Bundesliga titles, making him one of the most decorated active footballers in the world.
He is expected to provide Udinese with defensive experience they currently lack after injuries to Oumar Solet and the departure of Thomas Kristensen to Atalanta, with his first appearance likely to come at Torino on 12 October, after the international break.