Okoye Faces Torino Test as Udinese Seek to End Losing Run

Udinese will look to halt a three-match losing streak when they visit Torino on Monday, October 12, 2026, with Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye expected to play a key role in the Serie A fixture. Both teams have collected four points from their opening five matches, leaving them seeking a turnaround after difficult starts to the season.

According to afrik-foot.com, Okoye has started every league match for Udinese this season. The goalkeeper recorded 10 clean sheets last season and was among the substitutes for Nigeria's two Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers in September.

Udinese enter the match after conceding eight goals across their last three league defeats, including a 3-5 home loss to Inter and a 1-2 defeat against Lazio. Kosta Runjaic's team have also failed to win away from home, drawing against Como and losing to Lazio and Cagliari.

Torino have experienced similar inconsistency under first-year Serie A head coach Ignazio Abate. Their only victory in five league matches came against Fiorentina on September 5, when they won 2-1 at home. They subsequently lost 0-2 away to Roma before drawing 1-1 with Bologna in their latest reported outing on September 19.

Udinese have nevertheless maintained some attacking threat, scoring in four of their five league games. According to the match preview, Jurgen Ekkelenkamp and Hassane Kamara have each registered two goals and one assist, making them important contributors ahead of the trip to Turin.

Torino's attacking options could depend on the fitness of Che Adams, their leading scorer, whose availability remains uncertain following an injury. Pietro Pellegri is also continuing his recovery from a long-term knee injury and has not yet regained match fitness.

Torino have additional concerns over Niccolo Fortini, who sustained an adductor strain while on duty with Italy's Under-21 team and has been training individually. Pietro Comuzzo and Casadei, however, have returned to full training after recent absences, giving Abate additional options in central areas.

Udinese face their own selection problems, with Idrissa Gueye sidelined long-term by an ankle injury, Zaniolo unavailable because of a thigh problem, and Jakub Piotrowski absent with a health issue. Juan Arizala, Keinan Davis and Matteo Palma are also doubts, according to the preview.

The recent head-to-head record favors Udinese. They won 2-0 at home in May 2026 and defeated Torino 2-1 away in January 2026. Torino's most recent victory in the fixture came in April 2025, when they won 2-0 at home.

Across their previous 28 meetings, Torino have recorded 14 victories, while Udinese have won eight. The five most recent encounters also include a 2-2 draw and a home defeat for Udinese.

Both managers are expected to use a 3-5-2 formation. Torino's projected lineup includes Cömert, Ismajli and Comuzzo in defense, with Vlasic and Simeone leading the attack, while Okoye is projected to start behind Udinese's back three of Abankwah, Kabasele and Solet.

Abate took charge of Torino on June 12, 2026, replacing Roberto D'Aversa, and signed a contract through 2028. Runjaic has managed Udinese since July 1, 2024, after succeeding Fabio Cannavaro.