The Bianconeri came into this contest one point ahead of their illustrious opponents and were looking for five league wins in a row for the first time since December 2017. However, they fell behind inside five minutes for what was their first goal conceded on home soil this term. Matteo Darmian was fouled on the edge of Udinese’s area, and Nicolò Barella bent a beautiful free-kick over the wall and into the top right-hand corner of Marco Silvestri’s goal, leaving the former Leeds United goalkeeper with no chance.
Midway through the first half though, Andrea Sottil’s men drew level through a free-kick of their own, as Roberto Pereyra’s inswinging delivery bounced off Milan Škriniar and dribbled past Samir Handanović, who made more than 200 appearances for Udinese between 2004 and 2012. The home fans were up on their feet in appreciation of Silvestri shortly afterwards as he superbly tipped Alessandro Bastoni’s thunderous volley over the bar, seconds before both he and Henrikh Mkhitaryan were withdrawn for Federico Dimarco and Roberto Gagliardini respectively.
A flicked Edin Džeko header then served a reminder of the danger he poses, while Udinese’s team-mate Beto had a penalty shout dismissed by VAR after a tangle of legs with Denzel Dumfries as the half, despite being absorbing, saw few good chances as central areas became congested at both ends of the pitch.
With both sides scrapping for the win, the yellow cards began to rack up, with Marcelo Brozović one of seven players to be booked, meaning he misses the next game against Roma after his fifth caution of the campaign. Incredibly, Udinese’s first effort on target came just after the hour as Handanović tipped compatriot Sandi Lovrić’s low strike wide, and Sottil’s side had a golden opportunity to retake the lead when Gerard Deulofeu scampered forward and struck a post.
But the diminutive Spaniard would ensure he became the hero, as he produced a brilliant header to convert Jaka Bijol’s corner on 84 minutes, which left Handanović stranded and sent the home supporters wild, before Deulofeu turned provider in stoppage time, lofting a ball to the back post for Arslan to stoop and guide in off the bar.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Gerard Deulofeu (Udinese)
