The Nigerian International, Maduka Okoye was handed the first start for Udinese in a 1-1 draw against Cremonese in a Matchday-7 Serie A fixtures and denied Jamie Vardy the golden chance to claim a victory for Cremonese at Stadio Giovanni Zini.
Udinese head coach Kosta Runjaic has maintained total trust in Maduka Okoye despite the goalkeeper’s two-month ban for his involvement in a betting scandal.
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Okoye was handed the ban after he was alleged to have deliberately picked up a yellow card in a Serie A match involving Udinese and Lazio in the 2023/24 season.
Romania international Răzvan Sava has done well in his absence, and many expect him to keep his place between the sticks. Runjaic however gave Okoye the chance to return to the position.
“Okoye has always been our number one, even when he wasn’t available. I’m happy he’s back. I can’t tell you if he’ll play in Cremona, but he’s ready,” Runjaic told the club’s official website before the match.
Filippo Terracciano scores early in the 4th minute to give Cremonese the lead, but Nicolo Zaniolo restores parity in the 51st minute to claim an away point for Udinese.
Jamie Vardy made his first Serie A start in the game and missed a golden opportunity to win it at the death for Cremonese, but the Nigerian goalkeeper was too good to deny the former Leicester city forward.
