Udinese manager, Kosta Runjaic has attributed his team’s 2-1 loss to Torino in the Italian Serie A on Monday evening to a critical error involving Super Eagles goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye and central defender, Nicolo Bertola.
The defeat at the Olimpico Grande Torino marked Udinese’s fourth consecutive loss despite Jurgen Ekkelenkamp equalising Daniel Bragança’s first-half goal before the interval.
Torino reclaimed the lead in the second half when substitute, Sandro Kulenović capitalised on a collision between Okoye and Bertola to score into an empty net.
Okoye had advanced from his position to deal with a long-range pass but collided with Bertola, allowing Kulenović to take advantage and score the decisive goal.
After the match, Runjaic expressed his disappointment over the costly mistake, insisting that Udinese would have secured a draw had it not occurred.
According to statements reported by Diretta, the German coach said, “Primarily, we must address the error committed by Bertola and Okoye.
“Had that mistake not occurred, the match would have ended in a draw. We have suffered four consecutive defeats as a result of errors.
“This outcome is unsatisfactory to me, and as a team, we remain dissatisfied, despite our respectable performance this evening.”
Serie A: ‘I’m not happy’ – Udinese coach laments as Okoye’s mistake leads to defeat vs Torino