The Salentini were under increasing pressure after dropping dangerously near to the relegation zone with just one point through eight games, which sparked fan demonstrations against the team. The Friulani, on the other hand, were comfortably in the middle of the table after a recent 3-0 victory against Cremonese, despite the season-ending injuries to Gerard Deulofeu and Enzo Ebosse, as well as Isaac Success, Beto, and Isaac Success.
Following Walace's misplaced pass out of the back, Jaka Bijol was cautioned and threatened with a red card for bringing down Federico Di Francesco just outside the box. Lorenzo Colombo and Oudin then barely missed a Gabriel Strefezza shot that crossed the goal's face. In minute 27, Kingsley Ehizibue's volley at the back post was blocked by Udinese. However, that was a rare break, and Bijol took a big risk by clearing the Strefezza pull-back from the byline.