James Abankwah scores first Serie A goal for Udinese

Udinese defender James Abankwah scored his first Serie A goal during a match against Inter Milan at the San Siro. The 22-year-old Republic of Ireland international headed in a delivery from Unai Gómez in the ninth minute to give Udinese an early 1-0 lead.

Despite the early advantage and a second goal from Jurgen Ekkelenkamp that briefly put Udinese ahead 2-0, Inter Milan staged a comeback. Inter secured a 5-3 victory with goals from Carlos Augusto, Nicolò Barella, Marcus Thuram, Francesco Pio Esposito, and Ange-Yoan Bonny. Idrissa Gueye scored a late goal for Udinese in stoppage time.

Abankwah, who previously spent time on loan at Watford, has become a regular starter for Udinese this season. The Waterford-born defender has earned four caps for the Ireland national team.