Udinese defeated Empoli 2-1 at the Stadio Carlo Castellani on Monday night in Serie A.
It was captain and veteran Antonio Di Natale who scored against his former side with a pin-point header in the 19th minute. A Riccardo Saponara spot-kick that brought the Azzurri level but it was an unexpected goal from Silvan Widmer that sealed the win for the visitors.
Both sides began the match with the clear intent of a victory, as the play was heavily contested in the midfield. The fixture heralded the return of AC Milan loanee Saponara to the Azzurri whom was eager to highlight his importance and was continually involved in the crucial exchanges.
The Azzurri elected to come forward on the counter-attack to expose their Bianconeri counterparts however the coach Andrea Stramaccioni’s men were compact and alert in defence and nullified any threat on goal.
Indeed it took only 19 minutes for Di Natale to find the back of the net with a precise header via an Allan cross.
Play was invariably in favour of the home side, who maintained 60 per cent of the possession. However the Bianconeri continued to advance, only to see the final ball fail to reach anyone in the box.
Yet it was Saponara who was the star of the show and proved to be a difficult force to contain. The 23-year-old managed to get behind the Zebrette back line and on two occasions had shots narrowly deflected over the cross bar.
A goal from the Italian international seemed imminent and his opportunity arrived in the 36th minute following a handball by Brazilian defender Danilo. Saponara calmly converted from the spot with his goal completing his fairytale start for his former club.
The introduction of centre-back Federico Barba in place of the injured Lorenzo Tonelli, signalled the end of the first term.
The second half began much like the first with both sides contesting the ball high up the pitch, however it was a rejuvenated Bianconeri squad that nearly took the lead after a Di Natale free-kick resulted in a Danilo shot, narrowly flashing wide of the near post.
Coach Maurizio Sarri’s men continued to persist down the right flank with midfielder Daniele Croce anchoring the Azzurri midfield.
However it was an unlikely goal that gave the Zebrette the lead, as Swiss international Silvan Widmer’s strike deflected into the goal via the far post, leaving the goal keeper Sepe stunned.
The visitors were reduced to ten following the red card awarded to Greek international Panagiotis Kone after his elbow to the face of Mirko Valdifiori.
Sarri’s side were calm and collected and attempted to come forward at any given opportunity yet failed to capitalise.
The win is only the third away victory for the Bianconeri this season.
