Maduka Okoye has conceded that Inter Milan’s quality proved decisive as his side suffered a 5-3 defeat at San Siro on Monday.
Udinese stunned the home crowd with two goals inside the first 15 minutes, as James Abankwah and Jurgen Ekkelenkamp gave the visitors an early advantage.
Inter, however, quickly changed the momentum of the Serie A encounter. Carlos Augusto pulled one back before Niccolò Barella levelled the score within a 10-minute spell.
Marcus Thuram then completed Inter’s comeback three minutes before the hour mark, putting the hosts ahead for the first time.
The Italian side continued to press and increased their advantage through Francesco Pio Esposito and Ange-Yoan Bonny to move 5-2 ahead.
Idrissa Gueye scored for Udinese in stoppage time, but the late goal could not prevent Inter from securing all three points.
Reflecting on the result, Okoye said Udinese found it difficult to cope with Inter’s attacking intensity, particularly at San Siro.
“It’s always difficult against Inter at San Siro. They play very attacking football and don’t stop even after scoring three or four goals. We also had our chances, but they are too strong,” Okoye told Udinese’s official website.
The Nigeria international had spoken about the challenge posed by Inter before kick-off, while insisting that Udinese had prepared for the encounter.
“There’s no easy way to stop Inter; they have so much quality, but we’ve prepared. It’s always special to play at San Siro; we’re here to get a result,” he said.
Okoye also acknowledged the role played by Udinese coach Kosta Runjaić, the club’s technical staff and his fellow goalkeepers in his development since arriving from Watford in 2023.
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“Since I’ve been at Udine, I’ve gained experience; Coach Runjaic, the staff, and the other goalkeepers have helped me. I’m happy to have made progress, but I still want to improve,” the goalkeeper said.
The 27-year-old enjoyed a productive campaign last season, recording 10 clean sheets in 30 Serie A appearances as Udinese finished the league season in 10th position.
His form reportedly drew interest from Inter during the summer transfer window, although the goalkeeper ultimately stayed with Udinese.
Following Monday’s defeat, Udinese have four points and will now prepare for their next Serie A fixture against Cagliari on Saturday at the Bluenergy Stadium.