It was a nervy end to the Serie A clash between Udinese and Lazio at the Stadio Friuli and the hosts held on for a deserved win and maximum points despite playing with 10 men.

Udinese entered the game on the back of the opening day draw against Bologna, having come from behind and their goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye made six saves in that game alone aiding his team in securing a point.

The Nigerian was yet again in action this Saturday, days after committing his long term to the club, and Okoye was solid between the sticks.

He made four saves as Udinese’s defense came under intense pressure from the fleeting attack of Le Aquile, which also had summer signing and Okoye’s compatriot Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.

Bashiru started for Lazio and was a key threat until his substitution in the 60th mute.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru under pressure from Kingsley Ehizibue during the Serie A match between Udinese and SS Lazio at Stadio Friuli. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)

It was the midfielder’s second consecutive league game, but unlike against Venezia, his side was on the losing end.

Lazio did start from a losing position as they were behind inside the opening five minutes after Lorenzo Lucca struck the back of the net from a Florian Thauvin assist.

Udinese got a second four minutes after the break, this time Thauvin getting his name on the score sheet.

However the tide turned quickly in favour of the visitors after Hassane Kamara got booked for a second offense and was given his marching orders.

The numerical advantage wouldn’t count immediately, but Lazio halved the deficit in the fifth minute of additional time.

But, Okoye stood between them and the equalizer they so desperately sought.

Eventually, the final whistle went off and Udinese got all the points in the bag for their first win of the Serie A season.