Coppa Italia: Maduka Okoye Benched as Simeon Nwankwo Scores in Udinese Victory Over Salernitana

Coppa Italia: Maduka Okoye Benched as Simeon Nwankwo Scores in Udinese Victory Over Salernitana

Maduka Okoye was given a well-deserved rest during Udinese’s 3-1 victory over Serie B side Salernitana in the Coppa Italia round of 32 on Wednesday.

Okoye watched from the bench as Simeon Nwankwo netted Salernitana’s only goal in a game that saw Udinese bounce back from their 3-0 Serie A defeat against AS Roma in style, footballrover reports.

The match kicked off under bright conditions at the Bluenergy Stadium – Stadio Friuli – with both teams looking lively.

However, it was Udinese who took control early when Jakal Bijol fired in a powerful shot from the edge of the box, giving the home side a 1-0 lead after just 20 minutes.

Salernitana didn’t take long to respond, and just five minutes later, Nwankwo worked his magic.

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The Nigerian forward calmly placed the ball into the net from inside the box, leaving the Udinese goalkeeper with no chance.Coppa Italia: Maduka Okoye Benched as Simeon Nwankwo Scores in Udinese Victory Over Salernitana

It was Nwankwo’s third goal of the season across all competitions.

With one minute left in the first half, Lorenzo Lucca restored Udinese’s lead from the penalty spot, following a VAR review that confirmed a foul inside the box.

Moments into the second half, Udinese extended their lead to 3-1 when first-half substitute Jurgen Ekkelenkamp tapped in an easy goal, effectively putting the game beyond Salernitana’s reach.

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Salernitana had a golden chance to reduce the deficit in the 84th minute, but Venezuelan striker Ernesto Torregrossa squandered the opportunity from the penalty spot, with Udinese’s goalkeeper making a comfortable save.

To make matters worse for Salernitana, Giulio Maggiore received a straight red card for a reckless ankle-high challenge deep into stoppage time, leaving his team with just 10 men as the game drew to a close.

While ball possession and goal attempts were fairly balanced, Udinese proved more clinical, sealing their spot in the next round of the Coppa Italia.

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This victory marked Udinese’s fourth win in their last five games, while Salernitana extended their winless streak to four matches (three losses, one draw).

Maduka Okoye is now expected to return between the sticks when Udinese face league champions Inter Milan on Saturday.

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