Udinese and Como shared the points in a 1-1 draw after both sides squandered excellent opportunities to claim victory in their Serie A opener.
Hassane Kamara gave Udinese the lead in the 29th minute, but Tasos Douvikas equalised for Como nine minutes after half-time.
Como, one of the surprise teams of last season, have invested heavily during the summer in preparation for Champions League football. Trevoh Chalobah, Yan Couto and Luis Milla all made their debuts in the starting XI, while Nico Paz was included despite having played very little during pre-season after taking part in the World Cup with Argentina.
Udinese were without suspended defender Christian Kabasele, while Keinan Davis, Alessandro Zanoli and Giorgi Chakvetadze missed out through injury.
The visitors had the first notable moment when Jesus Rodriguez required treatment after James Abankwah accidentally stepped on his hand. At the other end, Mergim Vojvoda sent an angled effort narrowly wide against his former club.
Udinese opened the scoring when Kamara ran on to Jurgen Ekkelenkamp’s pass. The defender drew Jean Butez from his goal before calmly lifting the ball over the goalkeeper and into the empty net.
Como had chances to respond quickly. A long pass from Butez sent Jesus Rodriguez through, but his first touch let him down. Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye then had to tip a Douvikas header over the crossbar from a corner.
Como eventually found a way through in the 54th minute. Okoye produced an excellent save to keep out Chalobah’s header from a Luis Milla corner, but he could not recover in time to stop Douvikas converting the rebound from five yards.
The Greece international almost put Como ahead when he met a chance from eight yards, but Okoye reacted sharply to get down and make another fine save. Kamara then made a crucial sliding challenge to stop Jesus Rodriguez inside the penalty area.
Idrissa Gueye headed narrowly wide from a Vojvoda cross before the striker was forced to leave the field after being carried off with an injury.
Como’s Nicolo Zaniolo appealed unsuccessfully for a penalty following a collision with Milla, although the incident may have taken place outside the area. Udinese substitute Mattia Liberali then sent a shot narrowly wide at the other end.
Butez was tested again when Lennon Miller’s effort at the near post stung the goalkeeper’s gloves, but Udinese missed a remarkable opportunity to score a late winner in the 88th minute.
Zaniolo pulled the ball back from the by-line and Kamara allowed it to run through with a dummy. Vakoun Bayo, however, lifted his attempt wildly over the crossbar from only seven yards.
Zaniolo limped off shortly afterwards with a suspected thigh strain, providing another concern for the home side.
Como came closest to taking all three points in stoppage time, when Jacobo Ramon’s header from a corner struck the crossbar.
Kamara put Udinese ahead in the 29th minute, with Douvikas levelling for Como in the 54th.
