Udinese 1-2 Lazio: Biancocelesti Maintain Perfect Record
Lazio kept their perfect start to the Serie A season alive after coming from behind to defeat Udinese 2-1 at the Bluenergy Stadium, thanks to goals from Davide Frattesi and debutant Albert Gudmundsson.
First-Half Frustrations & Mandas Heroics
Gennaro Gattuso’s side stepped onto the pitch in Udine wearing their third kit for the first time this season, aiming to build on back-to-back victories over Bologna and Genoa.
However, it was the hosts who nearly struck early. In the 12th minute, Christos Mandas pulled off a spectacular double save to deny Keinan Davis from point-blank range before reacting brilliantly to thwart Hassane Kamara on the rebound with his leg.
Lazio threatened down the left through Nuno Tavares, whose dangerous crosses caused chaos in the Friulani box, while Mattia Zaccagni saw a free-kick saved by Maduka Okoye. Despite maintaining plenty of possession through Kenneth Taylor and Reda Belahyane in midfield, Lazio went into the break level at 0-0.
Udinese Strike First Before Frattesi Rescues Lazio
The second half began on a disastrous note for the Biancocelesti. Andrea Pinamonti was forced off after picking up an ankle injury, and just moments later in the 49th minute, Udinese capitalized. Jesper Karlstrom burst into the penalty area, receiving a pass from Davis, and slotted his effort between Mandas’ legs to put the home side ahead.
Gattuso responded quickly by introducing Tijjani Noslin and Matteo Cancellieri. The changes injected fresh energy into Lazio’s attack, with Cancellieri and Taylor testing Okoye from distance.
In the 75th minute, Lazio’s pressure paid off. Zaccagni beat Jordan Vojvoda on the left flank before delivering an inch-perfect low cross into the box for Frattesi, who arrived right on cue to fire home his third goal in three matches and level the score at 1-1.
Gudmundsson’s Dream Debut Delivers All Three Points
Refusing to settle for a draw, Lazio continued to press forward. In the 87th minute, Zaccagni collected a defensive clearance and struck a brilliant volley that crashed off the woodwork with Okoye well beaten.
Just two minutes later, the moment of magic arrived. New signing Albert Gudmundsson—who had come off the bench in the 80th minute for his Lazio debut—got on the end of a delicate left-footed cross from central defender Danilho Doekhi. The Icelandic international guided a superb header straight into the top corner, sparking wild celebrations on the Lazio bench.
The 2-1 victory moves Lazio to nine points from three matches, keeping them tied at the top of the Serie A table alongside Inter Milan and Roma.
Player Ratings
Starting XI
Christos Mandas – 7
Crucial early double save on Davis and Kamara kept Lazio in the match. Unfortunate to be beaten through his legs for Karlstrom’s opener, but otherwise composed and reliable in his high claims.
Romano Floriani Mussolini – 6.5
Showed impressive athletic traits and maturity against a physical opponent in Kamara. Mured a dangerous attempt from Ekkelenkamp in the first half.
Danilho Doekhi – 7
Battled hard in physical duels all night and provided the decisive moment of quality late on with a soft, precise left-footed cross for Gudmundsson’s winner.
Oliver Provstgaard – 6
Struggled slightly with his positioning on Udinese’s opening goal, leaving too much space open central for Karlstrom to exploit.
Nuno Tavares – 7
A constant threat down the left wing. Drove at the opposition defense, drew multiple bookings, and created numerical overloads throughout the 90 minutes.
Davide Frattesi – 9 (Man of the Match)
Simply unstoppable in the box right now. Scored his third goal in three Serie A matches with another classic striker-like ghosting run into the box. Ran himself into the ground before being substituted.
Reda Belahyane – 6.5
Handled Udinese’s physical midfield well despite occasional moments of pressure. Kept ball distribution neat and effective.
Kenneth Taylor – 7
Displaying real leadership and quality in the middle. Orchestrated tempo alongside Frattesi, came close with a second-half shot, and won back possession in the build-up to the winning goal.
Gustav Isaksen – 5.5
Started his first match after returning from pubalgia surgery. Had a bright opening ten minutes but faded quickly before being withdrawn early in the second half.
Andrea Pinamonti – 5.5
A difficult full debut where he was largely isolated from the main build-up play. Forced off early in the second half following a heavy fall and ankle injury.
Mattia Zaccagni – 7
Stepped up as captain when the team needed him most. Provided a magnificent assist for Frattesi’s equalizer and saw his stunning volley hit the post right before the winner.
Substitutes
Matteo Cancellieri (53′) – 6.5
Brought determination and direct running to the right flank, driving Udinese deeper into their own penalty area.
Tijjani Noslin (53′) – 6
Worked hard off the ball and stretched Udinese’s three-man backline with his movement.
Albert Gudmundsson (80′) – 8
A dream debut. Needed less than ten minutes to make a match-winning impact with a brilliant header into the top corner.
Alfonso Pedraza (91′) – N/A
Manager
Gennaro Gattuso – 8
Maintained team composure after going behind, made proactive substitutions that turned the match around, and engineered a third straight win to keep Lazio atop the Serie A standings.
