Udinese fell to a 2-1 defeat against last season’s runners-up in the UAE top flight, Shabab Al-Ahli, despite a spirited second-half performance.
Shabab Al-Ahli got off to a strong start, with Kauan Santos forcing an early save from Daniele Padelli and Igor Gomes narrowly missing the goal with a header from a corner.
Although the Emirati side enjoyed more possession, the Zebrette defended compactly until Guilherme Bala broke free on the left flank. He delivered a low cross to Mateusao, who opened the scoring at the near post in the 17th minute.
Just before the half-hour mark Jurgen Ekkelenkamp won a penalty, but Matheus Donelli saved Kenan Davis's spot-kick and also blocked the follow-up attempt. Moments later, the English forward had another chance from a Nicolo Bertola cross but failed to hit the target with his header.
Udinese had more control of the game in the second half and attempted to increase the pressure on their opponents. However, Shabab Al-Ahli doubled their lead on the hour mark through Sultan Adil.
The Zebrette continued to attack and finally broke through with 15 minutes left on the block, with Adam Buksa halving the deficit. James Abankwah had a good chance in stoppage time but failed to get his effort on target.
Next up for Udinese are two games this weekend against Mainz and Trabzonspor.
Udinese 1-2 Shabab Al-Ahli (HT 0-1)
Scorers: Mateusao 17, Adil 59, Buksa 74
Udinese (3-4-2-1): Padelli (Piana 46); Palma (Mlacic 46), Kristensen (Solet 46), Bertola (Kabasele 60); Vojvoda (Abankwah 60), Miller (Lovric 46), Piotrowski (Zarraga 60), Kamara (Ebosse 46); Zaniolo (Gueye 46), Ekkelenkamp (Gomez 60); Davis (c) (Buksa 46).
Unused substitutes: Piana, Pirih, Goglichidze, Pejicic, Bayo, Vinciati, Camara.
Coach: Kosta Runjaic
Shabab Al-Ahli (4-2-3-1): Matheus Donelli (Al-Meqbaali 46); Kauan Santos (Matheus Henrique 46), Igor Gomes (Keita 46), Renan (Fernandes 83), Seifi (Nasser 46); Breno (Irala 46), Maksimovic (Ezatolahi 46); Cartabia (cap.) (Juma 46), Yuri Cesar (Adil 46, Thiago Scarpino 70), Guilherme Bala (Al-Ghassani 46, Ghandipour 84); Mateusao (Azmoun 46).
Unused substitutes: Al-Menhali, Al-Senani, Garcia, João Marcelo, Doumbia.
Coach: Andre Jardine
Referee: Sampl
Assistants: Vucanovic, Tali