Udinese and Verona Settle for 1-1 Draw in Serie A Opener
Udinese and Hellas Verona opened their Serie A campaigns with a well-contested 1–1 draw at the Bluenergy Stadium, with both sides showing flashes of promise but ultimately sharing the spoils in a match full of missed opportunities and fine margins.
The first half saw Udinese dominate possession but struggle to create clear-cut chances, while Verona looked dangerous on the counter, albeit in short bursts. Neither side truly threatened until after the break, when the tempo increased and the game came to life.
In the 53rd minute, it was Thomas Kristensen who opened the scoring for the hosts, rising highest to head in a corner and give Udinese a deserved lead. The Friulians pushed for a second, with Sarraga and Camara both striking the crossbar in a matter of minutes—agony for the home crowd.
Verona, however, showed grit and resilience. In the 73rd minute, Serdar latched onto a cross in the box and calmly slotted it past the keeper, equalising right in front of the traveling fans. It was a vital moment that shifted momentum in the visitors’ favour.
In the dying stages, Udinese hit the woodwork for a third time, as luck continued to evade them. Despite the frustration, both managers — Costas Runjaic for Udinese and Paolo Zanetti for Verona — seemed content with a point.
2025-26, Italy - Serie A
Udinese - Verona 1:1 (0:0)
Goals: Kristensen T., 53 (1:0); Serdar, 73 (1:1)
Udinese: Sava R.; Bertola; Ehizibue; Solet; Kristensen T.; Zemura (Kamara H., 79); Atta; Lovric S. (Zarraga, 61); Karlstrom; Davis K. (Piotrowski, 74); Bravo I. (Bayo, 61)
Bench: Padelli; Goglichidze S.; Kabasele; Ekkelenkamp; Miller L.; Modesto Rui; Pejiсiс
Yellow Cards: Bravo I. 33; Davis K. 70; Bertola 88
Verona: Montipò; Núñez U.; Bradarić D. (Belghali, 72); Cham (Oyegoke, 82); Frese; Serdar (Ebosse, 82); Bernède; Nelsson V.; Sarr A. (Mosquera, 66); Giovane; Niasse (Harroui, 66)
Bench: Perilli S.; Toniolo; Charlys; Lambourde; Mitrović St.; Rocha Livramento; Kastanos; Ajayi Jr
Yellow Cards: Ebosse 85; Belghali 90
