Udinese 1-0 Atalanta: Lookman dropped after rocket goal as Okoye shines, keeps clean sheet

In a dramatic Serie A showdown at the Bluenergy Stadium on Saturday, Udinese secured an important 1-0 victory over Atalanta BC, snapping La Dea's long-standing unbeaten record for the season.

Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye delivered a solid performance, recording a crucial clean sheet in his third consecutive start for the Zebrette.

The lone goal came just before halftime from a sublime strike by Nicolo Zaniolo. However, the post-match discourse will centre on Atalanta coach Ivan Jaric's controversial decision to drop key forward Ademola Lookman, the other Nigerian international, to the bench despite his stunning strike in mid-week against AC Milan.

Okoye was rarely tested for Udinese, but looked confident and relaxed, demonstrating the kind of commanding presence that earned him his starting spot. 

The Nigerian shot-stopper, who recently returned from a suspension related to a betting investigation, maintained an impenetrable goal for the full 90 minutes.

The victory was Udinese's fourth win of the season and lifted them further away from the relegation zone.

On the opposite end, the absence of Lookman from Atalanta's starting XI was immediately felt. The forward, who scored a spectacular equaliser against AC Milan just days earlier, was surprisingly relegated to the bench by Coach Ivan.

The decision proved fatal in the 40th minute when Udinese took the lead. A swift move down the left saw Hassane Kamara pull the ball back to an unmarked Zaniolo, who swept home his third goal in his last four Serie A games. The deficit was one Atalanta could not overturn.

Lookman was eventually introduced in the second half but couldn't reverse the flow, with Udinese's defense, marshaled by Okoye, holding firm. 

The defeat is Atalanta's first Serie A loss of the 2025/2026 campaign, ending a remarkable nine-game unbeaten run (W2, D7) and halting a frustrating sequence of five consecutive draws

Atalanta came into the match as the league's last unbeaten side, but their form had been hampered by a spate of draws. 

Jarić's tactical switch, which removed a player, Lookman, after that confidence-boosting rocket strike against Milan was widely celebrated, will face intense scrutiny. 

Had Lookman started, his ability to create and finish could have provided the vital edge Atalanta needed against a reinvigorated Udinese side.

What's Next? Can Maduka Okoye maintain his sensational form and secure another clean sheet next weekend, or will Atalanta's coach restore Ademola Lookman to the starting XI to reignite their title challenge?