Maduka Okoye’s penalty save proved decisive as Udinese drew with Parma away from home, bringing an end to their run of six consecutive defeats in Serie A.

Kosta Runjaic’s side arrived at Parma under pressure after losing their previous six league matches, but produced an encouraging display in their efforts to avoid relegation.

Udinese created the clearer opportunities and had several chances to claim all three points. However, they ultimately relied on goalkeeper Okoye to secure a share of the points.

The Nigeria international had initially appeared to put his side in trouble when he failed to hold a corner. The loose ball struck James Abankwah’s arm, resulting in a penalty for Parma.

Okoye responded immediately, producing an excellent save to deny Adrian Bernabe from the spot. The intervention earned him the Man of the Match award and ensured that his earlier error did not prove costly.

Reflecting on the result, Okoye said Udinese were already looking ahead to their next fixture despite their desire to take maximum points.

“We always want to win and we need points. Today we got one, and that’s fine. Now we’re immediately focusing on the next one. The penalty save was pure instinct,” Okoye told the club’s official website.

The goalkeeper also said Udinese had been unfortunate during their difficult run and highlighted the absence of players such as Zaniolo, whose importance was particularly evident in the match against Parma.

“We’ve been unlucky in these games, and we’ve also been missing players like Zaniolo, whose importance we saw today,” he added.

The draw gives Udinese a positive result after a damaging sequence of defeats. Although they were unable to convert their chances into a victory, Okoye’s penalty save helped them leave Parma with a point and stop their losing streak.