Early career
Born in Foča, Rade Krunic started his career with the local club Sutjeska Foča, for whom he made his professional debut in 2012.
In January 2013, he joined Serbian side Donji Srem.
In August 2014, he was transferred to Italian outfit Hellas Verona, but was immediately sent back on a six-month loan to Donji Srem. When Hellas Verona began its off-season winter training in January 2015, Krunić did not show up and the club had no idea of his whereabouts, after which they threatened to register a complaint with UEFA and FIFA. Donji Srem, the team to which Krunić was loaned from Verona, paid a compensation fee for Krunić’s absence.
On 30 January 2015, it was announced that Rade Krunic joined Borac Čačak. After Krunić’s promotion, his former club Donji Srem filed a complaint to the Serbian FA, and criticized the Association for pressuring them to break FIFA rules in regards to Verona’s legal grievances about Krunić.
Empoli
On 1 July 2015, Krunić signed a three-year contract with Italian club Empoli. He made his competitive debut for the club against Sassuolo on 4 October 2015. Later that month, he scored his first goal for Empoli, in a 2–0 triumph over Genoa.
In October 2017, Krunić prolonged his contract until June 2021. In that season, he played a big part in team’s promotion just one season after being relegated, as they were crowned Serie B champions on 28 April 2018. Krunić was also named in the best team of the league for the season, with an impact of 5 goals and 10 assists.
On 1 December 2018, in his 100th game for the club, he managed to score a goal and provide an assist against SPAL.