Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye conceded twice but also made three crucial saves as Udinese claimed a dramatic 3-2 away win over AC Monza in Saturday's Serie A fixture — a result that secured all three points despite a spirited Monza fightback.

Udinese took the lead against the run of play, with Jakub Piotrowski capitalising on too much time and space in the Monza half to sweep home from 12 yards. Monza responded swiftly, with Andrea Colpani springing the offside trap after an inspired pass from Mangas to level matters in a composed finish past Okoye.

The visitors, however, extended their advantage by scoring twice more before the half-time whistle — two goals conceded during first-half stoppage time that effectively knocked the stuffing out of Monza's challenge.

Gustavo Varela pulled one back for the hosts after Ebenezer Akinsanmiro — who had entered the pitch as a 54th-minute substitute for Mout — stood up a cross from the left that Varela steered home from seven yards with a firm header. It was Varela's second goal in as many Serie A appearances.

Udinese had also threatened through efforts from Ekkelenkamp and Davis, but despite Monza's renewed pressure, the away side held firm. Okoye's three saves in the second half proved decisive in shutting the door on the hosts' comeback bid as Udinese ran out 3-2 winners.