Third time lucky for Ekkelenkamp after VAR saves, Napoli toothless in Udine | OneFootball

Napoli does not take advantage of Milan's half-step against Sassuolo (2-2 final at San Siro), quite the opposite. They lose 1-0 against the Friulians at the Bluenergy Stadium in Udine. The match is decided by the Dutch midfielder after two goals were disallowed (via technology) for Davis and Zaniolo and a really positive second half for the home team. After a lion-hearted performance against Juve, Hojlund has the potential equalizer on his conscience.

Third time's a charm. Ekkelenkamp is prodigious after VAR's grace, Napoli lacks bite in Udine

Napoli falls in Udine, decisive is Ekkelenkamp's masterpiece goal, repeating his feat from last year. A golden opportunity for Chivu's Inter to leap to the top

Udinese secures a prestigious victory by defeating Napoli 1-0 on the fifteenth matchday. At the Bluenergy Stadium, the Bianconeri put on a solid, organized, and courageous performance, rewarded by Ekkelenkamp's splendid long-range shot in the second half. A heavy defeat for the Azzurri, who appeared off-color for long stretches and unable to capitalize on Milan's draw against Sassuolo, a missed chance to extend their lead at the top of the standings.

Antonio Conte's Napoli arrives in Friuli with an almost obligatory lineup, due to a still crowded infirmary. Compared to recent outings, the only change is Spinazzola on the left flank replacing Olivera. The goal is twofold: to redeem the European slip against Benfica and capitalize on Milan's half-slip in the lunch match.

Facing them, an Udinese coming off two consecutive defeats but determined to honor the home commitment against the reigning champions. The Friulians' attitude is clear from the start: a compact team, balanced midfield, and targeted aggression in the crucial areas of the field.

The first half proceeds at a contained pace, with both teams very careful not to concede space. Udinese initially appears more reactive, while Napoli struggles to find continuity in their play. The Azzurri become dangerous with Lang, stopped by a decisive intervention from Bertola, and later with Hojlund, whom Okoye is ready to face.

The Bianconeri respond around the half-hour mark with a long-range shot from Ekkelenkamp, easily neutralized by Milinkovic-Savic. It's a game of details, where caution prevails and chances can be counted on one hand.

In the second half, Udinese gradually increases the pace and finds the net in the 52nd minute with Davis. The celebration is short-lived: after a VAR check, referee Sozza disallows it for an offside position of the Bianconeri forward on Bertola's shot.

The Friulians are undeterred and continue to push. In the 59th minute, Piotrowski comes close to scoring, hitting a stunning crossbar with a powerful long-range shot. VAR is again in the spotlight in the 69th minute when Zaniolo's goal is disallowed for a foul by Karlstrom on Lobotka. As someone on the sidelines would say, "it was only a matter of time."

The decisive goal comes in the 73rd minute. Ekkelenkamp receives the ball on the left, cuts inside, and unleashes a precise and powerful right-footed shot that goes past Milinkovic-Savic. An unstoppable strike that certifies Udinese's superiority in the second half and rewards a performance of great intensity.

Napoli tries to react in the final moments, but does so in a disorganized manner. Hojlund wastes a glaring chance from close range, while Lucca only hits the outer post, leaving the result unchanged.

The victory allows Udinese to regain confidence and precious points, while for Napoli, it's a significant misstep. The Azzurri not only miss the chance to take the solo lead but also give Inter an important assist in the title race.

Now, Conte's team turns their focus to the Italian Super Cup, where Milan awaits them. An immediate change of pace will be needed, as the performance at Bluenergy left more than one alarm bell ringing.

UDINESE-NAPOLI 1-0

Udinese (3-5-2): Okoye 6.5; Kristensen 6.5, Kabasele 6.5, Solet 6.5; Zanoli 6.5 (45’+4′ st Goglichidze NG), Piotrowski 6.5, Karlstrom 6, Ekkelenkamp 7 (39′ st Zarraga NG), Bertola 6 (39′ st Ehzibue sv); Zaniolo 7 (45’+1′ st Bravo NG), Davis 7 (39 st’ Buksa NG). Coach: Runjaic 7

Napoli (3-4-3): Milinkovic Savic 6; Beukema 5.5, Rrahmani 5.5 (16′ st Lobotka 5), Buongiorno 5.5 (30 ‘st Olivera 5.5); Di Lorenzo 5, McTominay 5, Elmas 5 (38′ st Lucca 6), Spinazzola 5.5 (38′ st Gutierrez NG); Neres 5, Hojlund 4.5, Lang 5 (16’ st Politano 5.5). Coach: Conte 4.5.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.