4 October 2012 was one of Udinese’s most memorable European nights, as they beat Liverpool at Anfield on matchday two of the 2012/13 Europa League Group Stage.
Udinese got off to a bad start at Anfield, as Jonjo Shelvey gave the hosts the lead. Liverpool dominated the first 45 minutes of the match and no one could have anticipated what would happen in the second half.
At half time, Francesco Guidolin subbed off Pablo Armero and brought on Andrea Lazzari in his place. The whole team returned to the pitch with renewed energy and scored the equaliser after just one minute in a collective play that ended with Antonio Di Natale’s goal. This boosted the team’s morale, as they started pressing high and successfully taking the lead thanks to Sebastian Coates’s own goal. Just two minutes later, Udinese did the unthinkable: Giovanni Pasquale fired a powerful strike from outside the penalty box and made it 3-1. Liverpool immediately reacted, with Luis Suarez pulling one back, but Udinese gave it their all and kept the lead, ultimately becoming the fourth Italian team ever to win at Anfield.
Although Udinese’s European campaign would unfortunately came to an early end, as they failed to make it through the Group Stage, however their fans will never forget the night when Udinese beat Liverpool at Anfield.
Liverpool 2-3 Udinese (HT: 1-0)
Scorers: Shelvey 22, Di Natale 46, Coates (OG) 70, Pasquale 72, Suarez 75
Liverpool: Reina; Johnson, Carragher, Coates, Robinson; Henderson (Gerrard 65), Shelvey, Allen; Downing, Borini (Sterling 80), Assaidi (Suarez 60).
Subs not used: Jones, Skrtel, Sahin, Wisdom.
Coach: Rodgers.
Subs not used: Jones, Skrtel, Sahin, Wisdom.
Coach: Rodgers.
Udinese: Brkic; Benatia, Danilo, Domizzi; Faraoni, Pinzi (Willians 70), Badu, Pasquale; Pereyra, Armero (Lazzari 46); Di Natale (Ranegie 86).
Subs not used: Padelli, Coda, Heurtaux, Fabbrini.
Coach: Guidolin.
Subs not used: Padelli, Coda, Heurtaux, Fabbrini.
Coach: Guidolin.