Serie A: Udinese Wins Thriller Against Cagliari

Udinese secures a thrilling win over Cagliari thanks to Thomas Kristensen's unusual goal, snapping a five-match losing streak.

Udinese dealt a blow to Cagliari's confidence and Serie A aspirations with a surprising goal from Thomas Kristensen, who scored with his stomach.

Cagliari had believed they secured top-flight safety after their 2-0 win over Verona, but Udinese's win added uncertainty. Meanwhile, Udinese snapped a five-match losing streak with a 0-0 draw against Bologna, despite missing Kingsley Ehizibue and Martin Payero due to suspensions, and having Florian Thauvin, Lorenzo Lucca, and Isaak Toure out with injuries.

Roberto Piccoli had a golden opportunity to score when he latched onto Zito Luvumbo's clever pass over the top, but his angled drive narrowly missed the far post.

Udinese took advantage of a defensive lapse to take the lead. Sebastiano Luperto failed to intercept a pass down the right, allowing Rui Modesto to pull the ball back from the byline for Oier Zarraga to score from close range.

Three points for Udinese! 👏#CagliariUdinese pic.twitter.com/bYSo22hxeJ

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) May 3, 2025

Cagliari leveled the score when Antoine Makoumbou delivered a precise ball over the top, which Nadir Zortea controlled and finished with a left-footed shot into the far corner, despite Zion Suzuki getting a fingertip to the ball.

Udinese responded with attempts to reclaim the lead, with Keinan Davis hitting the target from a tight angle, and Sandi Lovric unable to keep his effort down after being set up by Davis.

Udinese restored their lead in unusual fashion when Hassane Kamara's corner kick took multiple deflections off Keinan Davis and Oumar Solet before Thomas Kristensen scored with his stomach, bundling the ball over the line at the back post.

Jose Luis Palomino narrowly missed connecting with Mattia Felici's cross. Later, Roberto Piccoli wasted a one-on-one opportunity, firing over the bar after being set up by Alessandro Deiola, who had cleverly controlled the ball with a back-heel flick.

The win marked Udinese's first Serie A victory in over two months.

Thomas Kristensen is the Panini Player of the Match for #CagliariUdinese! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/Abk38AEJCR

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) May 3, 2025