Udinese double over Torino lifts them to 47 points in Serie A mid-table

Key facts

• Udinese beat Torino 2-0 at BluEnergy Stadium on Matchday 35.
• Kingsley Ehizibue opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time.
• Thomas Kristensen doubled the lead in the 51st minute from a corner.
• Udinese now have 47 points, sitting 10th; Torino have 41 points in 13th.
• It is Udinese's first league double over Torino since 2008.
• Torino had drawn 2-2 with Inter Milan the previous week.
• Roberto D'Aversa has taken 14 points from eight games since taking over Torino.

Ehizibue and Kristensen seal victory

Udinese defeated Torino 2-0 on Saturday at the BluEnergy Stadium, with goals from Kingsley Ehizibue and captain Thomas Kristensen. The result moves Udinese to 47 points, maintaining their 10th-place position, while Torino remain 13th with 41 points. Ehizibue broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time. Oumar Solet won the ball high up the pitch and fed Jurgen Ekkelenkamp, whose low cross from the right was mishandled by Torino goalkeeper Alberto Paleari. The ball fell to Ehizibue after a miskick from left-back Obrador, and the wing-back poked home for his second goal in as many games. Kristensen doubled the lead six minutes into the second half. A pinpoint corner from midfielder Miller found the centre-back, who rose highest to beat Paleari and power the ball into the net.

Missed chance for Buksa before opener

Udinese could have taken the lead earlier in the first half but for a glaring miss from striker Adam Buksa. Midway through the half, after a one-on-one between Nicolò Zaniolo and Paleari was saved, Buksa had the goal at his mercy but struck the post. Zaniolo scored on the rebound, but the effort was ruled out for offside. The miss did not prove costly, as Udinese dominated possession and created several chances before finally breaking through. Torino, meanwhile, struggled to mount any sustained attacking threat, managing only a few half-chances.

Udinese's resurgence under Kosta Runjaic

Udinese's victory continues a strong run of form under German coach Kosta Runjaic. Since the start of March, they have drawn with European contenders Atalanta and Como, and beaten Genoa and Fiorentina. The team has shown marked improvement since Runjaic took over two years ago, inheriting a side that had narrowly avoided relegation. Last season, Udinese finished 12th, and they are now vying for a rare top-half finish. The win over Torino keeps them level on points with 10th-placed Sassuolo, though they have failed to score in their last three home fixtures prior to this match.

Torino's revival under D'Aversa stalls

Torino arrived at the BluEnergy Stadium on the back of a morale-boosting 2-2 draw with Scudetto favourites Inter Milan the previous week. Giovanni Simeone continued his hot streak with a goal, and captain Nikola Vlasic equalised from the penalty spot. That result extended Torino's unbeaten run under Roberto D'Aversa, who took over two months ago. Since D'Aversa's arrival, Torino would rank fifth in Serie A with 14 points from eight games, and they boast the league's joint-third best attack in that period, with 14 goals scored. Only Inter and high-flying Como have managed more. However, Saturday's defeat was a setback, and they remain in 13th place, well clear of relegation danger but unable to push higher.

First double over Torino since 2008

The win also marked a historic milestone for Udinese: their first league double over Torino since 2008. They had won the reverse fixture 2-1 in January, and Saturday's victory completed the double. The achievement underscores the progress made under Runjaic, who has transformed a relegation-threatened side into one capable of competing for a top-half finish. Torino, meanwhile, will look to regroup under D'Aversa, who has stabilised the team after a difficult first half of the season. With four games remaining, both sides have clear objectives: Udinese aim to secure a top-half finish, while Torino seek to build on their recent form and finish the season strongly.

What next for both sides

Udinese will look to build on this victory as they push for a top-half finish. Their next fixture is against a direct rival, and they will need to maintain their defensive solidity after keeping a clean sheet. Torino, meanwhile, face a crucial run-in as they aim to climb the table under D'Aversa. The Serie A season is entering its final stretch, with four games remaining. For Udinese, a top-half finish would represent a significant achievement, while Torino will hope to continue their upward trajectory under their new manager. Both sides have shown they can compete with the league's best, and the final weeks promise to be decisive.

The bottom line

• Udinese beat Torino 2-0, with goals from Ehizibue and Kristensen, to secure their first league double over Torino since 2008.
• Udinese now have 47 points in 10th place; Torino remain 13th with 41 points.
• Kosta Runjaic has transformed Udinese from a relegation-threatened side into a top-half contender.
• Roberto D'Aversa has taken 14 points from eight games since taking over Torino, but Saturday's defeat was a setback.
• Torino had drawn 2-2 with Inter Milan the previous week, with Simeone and Vlasic scoring.
• With four games left, both sides have clear objectives: Udinese aim for a top-half finish, Torino seek to build momentum.