Chievo 0 : 2 Udinese - Udinese in pole position

Posted Sunday, May 15, 2011 by PA

Udinese moved back into fourth place in Serie A - and in line for the final Champions League qualification spot - with a 2-0 victory at Chievo.

Mauricio Isla put the visitors ahead from long range before the half-hour mark and Kwadwo Asamoah doubled their advantage with 15 minutes remaining.

The Friuli outfit held on to claim three vital points at Verona's Stadio Bentegodi to go two points clear of fifth-placed Lazio - who beat Genoa 4-2 yesterday - heading into the final week of the season.

Francesco Guidolin's Udinese host champions AC Milan next weekend.

The first opportunity of the game fell to Isla, but his low right-footed effort was kept out by Chievo goalkeeper Stefano Sorrentino.

Samir Handanovic was called into action at the other end moments later.

Milos Dimitrijevic hit a 30-yard strike and the Udinese goalkeeper did well to avert the danger.

Udinese had a good chance to go in front in the ninth minute.

Almen Abdi set up Serie A's top scorer Antonio Di Natale inside the area but his powerful strike was well saved by Sorrentino.

Di Natale was unlucky not to put his team in front in the 21st minute as his 15-yard attempt struck the bar.

Udinese's efforts were rewarded in the 28th minute when Isla fired past Sorrentino from 35 yards.

On the stroke of half-time, Isla fed Pablo Almero but his central effort did not trouble the Chievo keeper.

The hosts showed more determination after the restart but struggled to break down Udinese's well-organised defence.

Sergio Pellissier tried his luck from long range on the hour mark but his attempt flew just wide of the far post.

Chievo could have equalised soon after but Handanovic did well to parry away Gelson Fernandes' powerful header that looked destined for the bottom-right corner.

Just when Chievo looked to be getting closer, Udinese put the result beyond doubt with the second goal.

Giampiero Pinzi fed Asamoah just outside the area and his left-footed strike towards the far post beat Sorrentino.