The result ended Udinese’s run of six consecutive defeats, although both sides were left to reflect on missed opportunities in a match that offered little reward for their efforts. Bernabé’s 69th-minute spot-kick was the clearest chance to break the deadlock, but Okoye guessed correctly and kept the midfielder out.
Parma head coach Alberto Gilardino focused on the effort his players showed despite their failure to convert the penalty.
“It is disappointing that we didn’t make the most of that moment. Football gives and takes away. But I want to start with the players’ performance, because they stayed in the game and kept the right distances between them.
“There were a few more imperfections in possession, partly because we were too frantic. I have to congratulate them on their attitude. We take this point, which allows us to restart and prepare for the next matches,” Gilardino told DAZN.
The home side improved after the break and had a chance to take the lead when a handball by Udinese defender James Abankwah led to the penalty. Bernabé, however, could not beat Okoye, and Parma were unable to find another route through a well-organised visiting defence.
Gilardino acknowledged that his team needed to offer more in attack, even if he was satisfied with its defensive work.
“We work on it every week. We have to improve by getting more players into the opposition half. Udinese played the game openly, with players who have a strong physical presence. We put in an important defensive performance. We could have done something better with the ball, and we still have room to improve.”
Udinese coach Kosta Runjaic felt his team had done enough to deserve more than a point, while accepting that the draw was useful after a difficult run.
“I agree that we were the better team. We wanted to win, but above all we didn’t want to lose. We were balanced and had a bit of bad luck. We could have scored, but there was also a moment when we faced a penalty and could have lost.
“There was a penalty on Davis that wasn’t given. It is a good point and a good clean sheet, and that is positive in our situation. We are taking small steps forward. I am not completely satisfied with the result, but we still have to work on the positive things.”
Runjaic praised the defensive contribution of his players, singling out Christian Palma alongside Kabasele, Abankwah and Bertola. He also stressed the importance of Nicolò Zaniolo and Keinan Davis, even though neither was fully fit.
“You can see how important Zaniolo is for us, even if he isn’t at his best. He gave everything. Davis is the same; they are key players for us. We need to recover and keep taking steps forward.”
The coaches’ contrasting assessments reflected a match in which Udinese created more openings, while Parma had the best chance to win. Neither side could find a goal, leaving both to focus on improving their attacking output in the weeks ahead.
Runjaic insisted his team must remain patient and keep its balance as it tries to climb away from trouble.
“We have to look after the defence and stop conceding goals, because we have given away too many. We need to work defensively and on set-pieces. Everything revolves around balance. We have to fight and believe together, so we can continue to make progress.”