Brilliant Nigerian duo lift Udinese to five-star victory against Cagliari
Brilliant Nigerian duo lift Udinese to five-star victory against Cagliari
The I Bianconeri gave a season-best performance, as they dispatched the Serie A strugglers in emphatic fashion
Super Eagles star Isaac Success assisted two goals, while Nigeria-eligible defender Destiny Udogie was brilliant in defence to help Udinese to an outstanding 5-1 victory over Serie A strugglers Cagliari.
Success returned to the Udinese starting lineup after missing the last two games due to injury. And Udogie kept his place at right-back forbthe fifth consecutive game.
The I Bianconeri started on the front foot, but it was Cagliari who drew first blood in the 32nd minute through Joao Pedro.
However, it turned out to be their undoing, as it opened the floodgates for Udinese. Just six minutes after Cagliari scored, Becao restored parity, making it 1-1.
Udinese pushed further, and they could have added more if not for Pereyra’s poor finishing. Nonetheless, they finally successfully carved out an opening in the Cagliari defence, as Beto struck home just before the stroke of halftime.
Despite being in front, Udinese entered the second half with more fire, and it took just four minutes after the restart for them to add to their tally. Success planted a beautiful pass to leave Beto one on one with the keeper, and the Portuguese striker dispatched with a flourish to make it 3-1.
Ten minutes later, Success provided another assist to Nahuel Molina who lobbed Cagliari keeper Alessio Cragno to increase his side’s lead.
Success was taken off in the 63rd minute for Pussetto.
Udogie was also brilliant on the afternoon, the youngster had two tackles, two successful dribbles, and an 86 percent pass accuracy.
The final nail was put in the Cagliari by Beto who secured his first hat-trick of the season after he placed a beautiful header into the Islander net to make it 5-1.
Udinese held out for the 5-1 victory, their highest of this season’s campaign.