Maduka Okoye has spoken candidly about Udinese's heavy 5-3 loss to Inter Milan at the San Siro, conceding that the Serie A champions proved a level above his side on the night.

Udinese's bright start undone by Inter's ruthlessness

Udinese made a remarkable opening, surging into a 2-0 lead within the first 15 minutes. James Abankwah got the scoring under way before Jurgen Ekkelenkamp doubled the advantage, giving the visitors hope of a famous result.

Inter, however, responded with sharp efficiency. Carlos Augusto and Niccolò Barella struck within 10 minutes of each other to level the match, and Marcus Thuram completed the comeback with a goal just before the hour mark to put the hosts ahead for the first time.

Francesco Pio Esposito and Ange-Yoan Bonny then extended Inter's lead to 5-2, all but ending the contest. Idrissa Gueye pulled one back for Udinese deep into stoppage time, but the scoreline ultimately read 5-3 in favour of the hosts.

Okoye reflects on a tough evening

The Nigeria international goalkeeper did not shy away from acknowledging Inter's superiority.

"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,"

The result leaves Udinese on four points in the Serie A table. Their attention now shifts to a home fixture against Cagliari at the Bluenergy Stadium on Saturday.