Udinese veteran goalkeeper Daniele Padelli has thrown his weight behind Nigerian international Maduka Okoye, pushing back against the mounting criticism directed at the shot-stopper during a torrid run of form for the club.

Okoye has endured a bruising campaign between the sticks for the Zebras — conceding 25 goals and keeping just one clean sheet in Serie A this season — a record that has drawn sharp scrutiny from supporters and observers alike.

Padelli says Okoye is being scapegoated

Padelli, however, is adamant that placing the burden of Udinese's collective failures on one player is deeply unfair. The experienced Italian goalkeeper drew on his own past to illustrate the point.