On this day in 2012, Udinese pulled off one of their greatest-ever results with a 3-2 win over Liverpool at the legendary Anfield.
Led by Francesco Guidolin, the performance instantly became part of Udinese folklore – and has remained so ever since.
Liverpool took the lead through Jonjo Shelvey on 23 minutes and preserved the lead until half time, but things would change after the break.
Antonio Di Natale equalised in the 46th minute, finishing off a flowing move with side-footed half volley that left goalkeeper Pepe Reina clutching at thin air. The goal galvanised Guidolin’s side, whose play became slicker with every passing minute.
Udinese’s efforts were rewarded on 70 minutes, when Mehdi Benatia – up for a free-kick – got his head to the ball and nodded it towards the goal. The ball took a deflection off defender Sebastian Coates and duly ended up in the back of the net – Udinese were ahead.
Liverpool roared back in search of an equaliser, but it was Udinese who found the net yet again to send the travelling fans wild. Di Natale held the ball up with trademark class before spying the run of the onrushing Giovanni Pasquale, who pounced on Di Natale’s lay-back to fire an unstoppable shot into the bottom corner.
Back came Liverpool – and this time they quickly struck back through Luis Suarez, who made it 3-2. Anfield urged its heroes on, with Liverpool camped out in the Udinese half for the rest of the game, but Guidolin’s men fought tooth and nail until the final whistle confirmed the famous win.
Below is the team that beat Liverpool that day.
Below is the team that beat Liverpool that day.
Udinese: Brkic, Benatia, Danilo, Domizzi; Faraoni, Badu, Pinzi (Willians 70), Asamoah, Armero (Lazzari HT); Pereyra; Di Natale (Ranegie 86).
Subs not used: Padelli, Coda, Heurtaux, Fabbrini.
Coach: Guidolin.