Genoa came minutes away from posting back-to-back Serie A wins for the first time in over two years, but Udinese spoiled their party. Albero Gilardino’s men were 2-1 up at halftime of an enthralling encounter at Dacia Arena, only to relinquish that lead in stoppage time.
Udinese headed into this round as one of only three sides in Serie A yet to win a game this season. With Andrea Sottil’s future at Friuli on the line, the hosts desperately needed three points. However, the match got off to a wayward start for the downtrodden Udine outfit.
Buzzing from an incredible performance against Roma in midweek Serie A action, Albert Gudmundsson opened the scoring with a superb finish from the edge of the box. Genoa’s high press forced a turnover higher up the pitch, with Morten Frendrup picking out the Iceland international, who smashed the ball in the top corner with a sensational strike.
However, Udinese replied quickly. Lorenzo Lucca scored his first Serie A goal for Sottil’s side midway through the first half to level the score. The home side’s celebrations didn’t last long as Gudmundsson stepped up again to restore Genoa’s lead.
After VAR disallowed his goal before the half-hour mark, the versatile forward eventually completed his double on the stroke of halftime. His effort from just inside the box took a slight deflection and tricked Udinese goalkeeper Marco Silvestri.
Gilardino’s defensive-minded approach in the second half almost paid dividends. Unfortunately for Genoa, Udinese found a late equalizer through Alan Matturro’s clumsy own goal three minutes before the final whistle. With the clock ticking away, Sandi Lovric picked up a reckless red card.
Wheather a point would be enough to keep Sottil at Udinese remains to be seen.
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