Udinese vs Napoli: Maduka Okoye keeps cleansheet as Zebras down Serie A champions

Napoli missed the chance to go top of the table, as they were shocked by mid-table side Udinese. The Zebras played a perfect game plan, and their Super Eagles shot-stopper, Maduka Okoye, kept a clean sheet in the 1–0 victory. 

The first half was a tactical battle with Napoli controlling territory but struggling to convert possession into clear openings. Udinese sat compact and looked dangerous on the break, forcing the visitors to probe through midfield. 

The second half was more of the same. Napoli had their share of the ball but lacked the cutting edge inside the final third, with efforts from Rasmus Højlund and David Neres failing to test Udinese’s defence meaningfully. 

As the clock ticked past the hour mark, momentum seemed to be building for the Serie A leaders, but the breakthrough came from the hosts instead. In the 73rd minute, Jurgen Ekkelenkamp collected the ball outside the box and thumped a stunning strike that arrowed into the top corner.

Napoli pressed for an equaliser in the final stages, but Udinese’s backline held firm. The hosts marshalled their defensive shape well and limited Napoli to speculative attempts, holding on to a famous victory.