Udinese fought back to defeat Chievo 3-2 in an exciting encounter at the Stadio Bentegodi.
Chievo opened the scoring through Alberto Paloschi before an own goal by Sebastian Frey levelled the score just before the break. Roberto Inglese added another for Chievo but a second half brace from Cyril Thereau was too much for the home side to claw back from.
Udinese had the first clear-cut opportunity in the opening stages when Rodrigo Aguirre headed his effort just over the bar.
In the 24th minute, Chievo’s Valter Birsa saw his free kick fingertipped over by goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis. Alessandro Gamberini’s header from the ensuing corner then crashed back off the crossbar.
The Flying Donkeys did manage to open the scoring minutes later when Paloschi was able to pounce on the rebound after Birsa forced a save out of Karnezis.
Cyril Thereau thought he had drawn Udinese level at the half-hour mark but the goal was called back for offside.
Udinese managed to get on the scoresheet in the 42nd minute through a Frey howler. The full-back attempted to collect Birsa’s low cross but could only bundle it over the line.
The home side’s good fortune continued after the break and seconds into the second half took the lead when Rodrigo Aguirre’s miskick fell to the feet of Thereau at the back post who then converted with a backheel.
Chievo equalised in the 72nd minute against the run of play. Roberto Inglese gathered on the edge of the box and turned to unleash a scorcher into the top corner of the net.
Udinese reclaimed the lead in the 80th minute when Antonio Di Natale played Thereau through, the Frenchman then chipped Albano Bizzarri from a tight angle.
A minute later and it was Chievo’s turn to have a goal disallowed, Massimo Gobbi’s effort being chalked off for a push on Danilo.
Stoppage time saw Udinese hit the bar with Ali Adnan’s scorcher, then with the last kick of the match Albano Bizzarri pulled off a fingertip save on Di Natale; a fitting end to a thrilling feast of football.
The result sees the visitors move above Chievo and claim 11th place while the Gialloblu are in 14th.
