Okoye admits Inter too strong for Udinese

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Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has admitted Inter Milan’s quality proved too much for his side after their 5-3 defeat at the San Siro on Monday night, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

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Udinese made a blistering start to the Serie A encounter, taking a two-goal lead inside the opening 15 minutes through James Abankwah and Jurgen Ekkelenkamp.

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Inter responded strongly as Carlos Augusto and Niccolò Barella struck within 10 minutes to restore parity before Marcus Thuram completed the comeback three minutes before the hour mark.

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Francesco Pio Esposito and Ange-Yoan Bonny then extended Inter’s advantage to 5-2, with Idrissa Gueye scoring a late consolation for Udinese in stoppage time.

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Reflecting on the defeat, Okoye acknowledged the difficulty of facing Inter at the San Siro and their relentless attacking approach.

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“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.

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Before the match, the Nigeria international had acknowledged the difficulty of containing Inter but expressed confidence in Udinese’s preparation.

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“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,” Okoye said.

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The 27-year-old also credited Udinese head coach Kosta Runjaić, his technical staff and fellow goalkeepers for contributing to his development since he joined the club 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,” he said.

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Okoye enjoyed an impressive campaign last season, keeping 10 clean sheets in 30 Serie A appearances as Udinese finished 10th.

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His performances also reportedly attracted interest from Inter during the summer transfer window, although he ultimately remained with Udinese.

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The defeat leaves Udinese with four points, with Okoye and his teammates now turning their attention to Saturday’s home clash against Cagliari at the Bluenergy Stadium.

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