Super Eagles defender, William Troost-Ekong was at the heart of Udinese defence as the team held Napoli to a 1-1 draw in Saturday’s Serie A clash at the Dacia Arena.
The Nigerian international, who was playing in his 13th appearance for the Le Zebrette, prevented Napoli duo of Lorenzo Insigne and Hirving Lozano from making any meaning impact in the game.
Troost-Ekong could have opened his 2019/2020 Serie A goal account in the 67th minute but his header only hit the top of the crossbar.
His strong defensive ability forced Napoli manager, Carlo Ancelotti to substitutes the duo of Lorenzo Insigne and Hirving Lozano from the encounter as they could not get past Ekong.
Udinese took the lead on the half-hour mark when Seko Fofana drove through the heart of the Napoli midfield before sliding a pinpoint pass into the path of Kevin Lasagna, who slotted the ball beyond the onrushing Alex Meret.
The visitors struggled to impose themselves upon the game in the second half, but a crisp strike from Piotr Zielinski leveled the scores with 20 minutes left on the clock.
Napoli continued to push for their first win in seven league matches, but ultimately they were unable to break down their stubborn hosts, and Ancelotti’s top-four ambitions are lying in tatters.
Udinese’s tough run of fixtures continues as they face the daunting trip to Turin next Sunday, where they will take on champions Juventus.
