goals from Niang and Samardžić on penalties, verdict postponed until the last day

Udinese and Empoli drew 1-1 at the Dacia Arena thanks to goals, both from penalties, by M’Baye Niang in the 90th and of Lazar Samardžić in 104th. At the 40th the Azzurri had taken the lead through Youssef Maleh, but the goal was disallowed for a foul by Niang against Thomas Kristensen.

The two teams postpone the decisive verdict to the 38th and final day to avoid relegation. The Friulians have risen to 34 points and are fourth from last, the Tuscans are third from last at 33. The Bianconeri will meet next Sunday away against Frosinone, who also won 0-1 today in Monza. The Ciociarians in turn still have to fight to save themselves. The Azzurri will instead take to the field at home against Roma.

The first half

How much sporting tension for the decisive match between Udinese and Empoli. Whoever loses is almost doomed in the fight not to be relegated, so out of the hat comes a practically blocked first half played between the two halves of the pitch.

Cannavaro’s boys were attentive in defense and less in attack against the Tuscan blues, well placed on the field, who had also taken the lead in the 40th minute with a great goal from Maleh. Nothing to be done however because with the help of VAR Guida cancels the goal.

And in the locker rooms we go with a lot of running around, little show and no goals.

LaPresse

Udinese vs Empoli – Serie A TIM 2023/2024

The second half

At the 57th acceleration on the right by Lucca, cross into the area, Davis arrives and heads it looking for the far post, the ball goes out just a little.

At the end of the match, a foul in the area by Samardžić on Maleh. The referee waits for the VAR to be checked and blows the penalty. Niang strikes to the left of goalkeeper Okoye who dives, deflects, the ball grazes the post and enters the net: Empoli ahead.

In the 102nd minute Fazzini holds Payero by the shirt in the small area. The VAR starts the check and decides to recall the referee Guide to the on field review. The referee blows the whistle for the penalty kick. Samardžić shoots into the top corner and scores: it’s Udinese’s draw in the 104th.

LaPresse

Serie A, Udinese – Empoli. Goal by Niang