Udinese 2-2 NK Istra 1961: Thrilling Friendly Ends in Four-Goal Draw

Udinese and NK Istra 1961 played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in an international club friendly on the night of 19 July 2026. The match, which kicked off at midnight, provided plenty of goalmouth action as both Serie A and HNL sides tested their depth and rhythm in the early stages of pre-season.

Match Overview

Held at Udinese’s training ground, the friendly saw manager Andrea Sottil field a mix of senior players and academy prospects. NK Istra 1961, under the guidance of new head coach Gonzalo García, surprised the home side with their aggressive pressing and quick transitions. The first half ended level at 1-1, and the second half mirrored the intensity, leaving the final score 2-2 after 90 minutes.

Key Moments

• 12' – Udinese take the lead: wing-forward Isaac Success cuts inside from the right and curls a left‑footed shot into the top corner, 1-0.
• 34' – NK Istra equalise: a swift counter‑attack ends with striker Antonio Perić finishing from close range after a defensive mix‑up, 1-1.
• 51' – Udinese regain the lead: substitute Lazar Samardžić unleashes a stunning free‑kick from 25 yards, 2-1.
• 78' – NK Istra hit back: midfielder Luka Barišić volleys home from a corner, 2-2.

Tactical Story

Udinese dominated possession (62%) but often struggled to break down Istra’s compact 4‑4‑2 defensive block. The visitors looked dangerous on the break, using the pace of their wide players. Sottil’s half‑time introduction of Samardžić added creativity, and his set‑piece quality nearly proved decisive. Istra’s equaliser came from a set piece itself, underlining the importance of dead‑ball situations in pre‑season.

Standout Performers

Lazar Samardžić was Udinese’s brightest spark, scoring a spectacular free‑kick and creating two other clear chances. For NK Istra, goalkeeper Dario Župarić made multiple crucial saves, while midfielder Luka Barišić impressed with his energy and the well‑taken goal. Both sides rotated heavily, giving valuable minutes to fringe players.

Conclusion

The 2-2 draw provides a fair reflection of an open contest. Udinese will take positives from their attacking flair but will want to tighten up defensively. NK Istra 1961 demonstrated they can compete with higher‑tier opposition, building momentum ahead of their domestic league campaign. Friendlies like this serve their purpose: testing fitness, tactics, and squad depth.