Udinese closed out their 2022 campaign with an impressive performance against league leaders Napoli. Andrea Sottil’s men tried to take the game to the home side and created lots of great chances but couldn’t convert them into goals. The Azzurri, however, proved clinical when they pressed on the counter and managed to take the lead in the first half through Victor Osimhen and Piotr Zielinski, meaning that they went in at half-time two goals to the good in a scoreline which did not reflect the run of play.
It was a similar story at the start of the second half, as Udinese came out all guns blazing and looked dangerous. However, again, they couldn’t find the net and Napoli countered, this time with Elif Elmas scoring their third. Many would have written off the visitors at this stage, but Udinese showed heart and fighting spirit, finding the net twice in three minutes through Illija Nestorovski and Lazar Samardzic’s fantastic efforts. The team tried hard to complete their comeback but couldn’t find that all-important third goal. Despite not picking up any points on this trip, Andrea Sottil’s men can hold their heads high as they finish the year with a spirited performance before Serie A takes a break for the World Cup.
NAPOLI 3-2 UDINESE (HT: 2-0)
Scorers: Osimhen 15, Zielinski 31, Elmas 58, Nestorovski 79, 82’ Samardzic 82.
Napoli (4-2-3-1): Meret; Di Lorenzo, Kim, Juan Jesus (Ostigard 60), Olivera (Mario Rui 46); Anguissa, Lobotka; Lozano (Politano 60), Zielinski (Ndombele 67), Elmas; Osimhen.
Subs not used: Marfella, Idasiak, Demme, Simeone, Zerbin, Zedadka, Zanoli, Gaetano, Raspadori.
Coach: Spalletti.
Udinese (3-5-2): Silvestri; Perez, Bijol, Ebosse; Ehizibue, Lovric, Walace (70’ Jajalo 70), Arslan (56’ Samardzic 56), Pereyra; Beto (70’ Nestorovski 70), Deulofeu (25’ Success 25).
Subs not used: Padelli, Piana, Festy, Abankwah, Guessand, Pafundi.
Coach: Sottil.
Referee: AYROLDI
Assistants: RANGHETTI, DEL GIOVANE
Fourth official: BARONI
VAR: ABISSO
Assistant VAR: NASCA
Added time: 3 + 4.
Possession: 63.3% - 36.6%.
Corners: 5 - 3.
Bookings: Juan Jesus 24, Walace 26, Pereyra, Ehizibue 68, Mario Rui 78, Ebosse 84.