Udinese cruised into the knock out phases of the UEFA Cup thanks to a 2-1 win over Dinamo Zagreb but the events on the pitch were overshadowed by trouble in the stands.  For once it was not Italian fans to blame for the disturbances but the visitors from Zagreb as they caused the game to be delayed by throwing a succession of flares onto the pitch.  That failed to help their team in anyway and they were well beaten even if they did manage to scramble home a last gasp consolation.  Udinese have not been playing well recently and though they rotated some players for this tie they will be delighted to get back to winning ways.  They are still capable of finishing in the European spots in the league but for now getting to the next round of the current UEFA competition will be enough to give them a boost.

The home side were without Pasquale who was suspended and Zapata who is struggling with injury but Sala and Felipe continued to deputise in the defence while Domizzi also came back in.  The midfield only started with Inler out of the usual starting trio and Obodo took his chance well by grabbing what turned out to be the winning goal.  A strong attacking line-up was fielded with stars Quagliarella and Di Natale joining Pepe who was back from a domestic ban. The guests needed a win but elected to start with a conservative 4-5-1 formation.  With key midfielder Morales and attacker Mandzukic both missing it was perhaps understandable but the system simply handed the initiative to Udinese who took control from the outset.

Udinese made a dream start when Di Natale flew past his marker out wide and his cut back gave Quagliarella the ideal chance to slot home from inside the box.  Obodo almost doubled the lead immediately but Dinamo showed they weren't out of it as Mikic fired in a similar powerful effort which was saved at the other end.  Pepe had a couple of shots saved and Quagliarella grazed the post as Udinese took control but they suffered a blow as Lukovic went off with an ankle problem.  After the pause caused by the Dinamo fans misbehaving, Udinese got the crucial second goal.  This time Pepe was the provider and Obodo slotted in the finish in a move not dissimilar the opener.  Dinamo were out of the contest but did manage a consolation when Biscan was given what was really a Felipe own goal.  It was too late to affect the outcome though and Udinese held on.

Dinamo were disappointing given their UEFA campaign ended with this game and their fans ensured few people will miss them.  Udinese have qualified for the next round with room to spare and they will hope to take the positives from this contest into their next domestic game at the weekend.