Ignazio Abate’s first home win in charge arrived with the patience and resolve Torino had been seeking. The result was settled after the interval, when the Granata found greater intensity and condemned Udinese to a fourth consecutive defeat.
Abate welcomed the performance without allowing the occasion to carry his team away. He saw a side that had answered a difficult opponent with discipline before taking control in the second half.
Quick facts
- Torino recorded Abate’s first home victory as coach.
- The decisive contribution came from substitutes Nikola Vlasic and Nikola Kulenovic.
- Udinese suffered their fourth loss in succession.
- Abate dedicated the win to the supporters who turned out on Monday night.
“I am pleased with the team’s attitude and character,” Abate said. “It was a deserved win, and we stepped up a gear after half-time.”
Udinese had arrived as a technically demanding opponent, capable of keeping the ball well, but Torino defended in an organised manner. Abate said the squad at his disposal had substance and still had room to develop.
He also made a point of sharing the evening with the home crowd. The turnout for a Monday fixture impressed him, and he said the success belonged to those supporters as much as to the team.
The changes from the bench altered the match. Vlasic and Kulenovic combined for the winning goal, giving Abate a practical reward for his substitutions and the players who accepted their role during the game.
Abate reserved particular praise for Kulenovic, describing the forward as a player who can add something when introduced. He highlighted his energy, application and readiness to make an impact when called upon.
For Torino, it was a home result that gives Abate’s work a firmer footing. The next challenge is to turn the character shown against Udinese into a more regular feature of their league season.
