Serie A
Udinese held at home by Como after second-half equaliser from Douvikas
Hassanou Kamara put the hosts ahead early in the second half, but Aris Douvikas struck for Como to salvage a draw in Udine
Udinese opened their Serie A campaign at home to Como at the Bluenergy Stadium, with Kosta Runjaic’s side lining up in a 3-4-2-1 formation under the watch of referee Alberto Ruben Arena. The hosts made the breakthrough in the 29th minute when Hassanou Kamara tapped in from close range, converting a cutback from J. Ekkelenkamp to give Udinese a 1-0 lead heading into the break. Como, managed by Cesc Fabregas in a 4-2-3-1 shape, struggled to create clear chances in the opening period as Udinese’s back three kept them at bay. The visitors pulled level in the 54th minute when Aris Douvikas finished cleanly, sending the travelling supporters into celebration and shifting momentum firmly in Como’s direction. Udinese responded with urgency, with J. Piotrowski and J. Abankwah both receiving yellow cards as the home side pushed forward in search of a winner. Despite late pressure, including a yellow card for U. Gomez in stoppage time, neither side could find another goal, leaving the score tied at 1-1. The result leaves both sides with a point from their opening fixture, with Como sitting fourth and Udinese tenth in the early league table. The draw offered few clues about either team’s long-term prospects, but Como will take encouragement from their resilience in coming from behind to secure a valuable away point.