Second straight defeat for Napoli after Lisbon as Udinese claim a statement win thanks to a moment of magic from the Dutch midfielder
Napoli’s difficult week goes from bad to worse. Five days after their Champions League setback in Lisbon, the Partenopei fall again, this time in Serie A, beaten 1–0 by a sharp and well-organized Udinese side at the Bluenergy Stadium. The match is decided by a spectacular second-half strike from Jurgen Ekkelenkamp, a goal that rewards the Friulani’s greater freshness and intensity.
A flat first half, few sparks
The opening 45 minutes offer little to excite. Udinese are cautious and rarely trouble Milinković-Savić, while Napoli rely mostly on Spinazzola’s runs and Højlund’s physical battles up front. The Danish striker wrestles with Kabasele and Solet but struggles to find clean chances, as Runjaic’s defense keeps its shape.
Udinese come alive after the break
The hosts emerge from halftime with a different edge. Napoli are briefly caught off guard when Davis finishes a rebound, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. Moments later, Milinković-Savić produces a brilliant reflex save on Piotrowski’s thunderous effort that crashes off the crossbar.
Zaniolo, lively and aggressive, thinks he has broken the deadlock himself, but his goal is chalked off for a foul earlier in the move. The warning signs are clear—and Napoli fail to heed them.
Ekkelenkamp’s moment of brilliance
The decisive moment arrives in the 73rd minute. Given space on the edge of the area, Ekkelenkamp curls a stunning right-footed shot beyond Milinković-Savić, a goal of pure quality that lifts the home crowd and punishes Napoli’s lapse in concentration.
Conte’s side finally reacts in the closing stages, but too late. Højlund wastes a golden chance for the equalizer, while former Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca rattles the outside of the post. Udinese hold firm and celebrate another prestigious scalp after their earlier win over Inter.
Napoli leave Friuli with serious questions to answer, while Udinese continue to prove they are one of the league’s most uncomfortable opponents.
Match Report
Udinese 1–0 Napoli
Scorers: 73’ Ekkelenkamp (U)
Udinese (3-5-2):
Okoye; Kristensen, Kabasele, Solet; Zanoli (Goglichidze 90’+), Piotrowski, Karlström, Ekkelenkamp (Zarraga 83’), Bertola (Ehizibue 84’); Zaniolo (Bravo 90’+), Davis (Buksa 83’).
Coach: Runjaic
Napoli (3-4-2-1):
Milinković-Savić; Beukema (Politano 61’), Rrahmani, Buongiorno (Olivera 75’); Di Lorenzo, McTominay, Elmas (Lucca 83’), Spinazzola (Gutiérrez 83’); Neres, Lang (Lobotka 61’); Højlund.
Coach: Conte
Referee: Sozza
Bookings: Zaniolo (Udinese)
Red cards: None
