David Alaba's start at Udinese Calcio ends in defeat

David Alaba made his mandatory match debut for Udinese Calcio in Serie A on Monday evening, but the game ended in a 1-2 defeat against FC Turin. The 34-year-old defender was substituted in the 72nd minute, while Udinese had already suffered their fourth loss of the season.

Alaba's Path to the Udinese Start

The 34-year‑old defender Alaba, after his contract with Real Madrid expired in July, remained clubless until early July. Just over two weeks ago he signed a contract with Udinese Calcio until the end of the season and was given the number five shirt in the three‑man defence system of coach Kosta Runjaic.

"I want to keep pushing, week after week playing at the highest level in Serie A and achieve something," Alaba said upon his signing. He also emphasized that he wants to bring his experience into the dressing room and, above all, take responsibility for the younger players.

His most recent mandatory match was the World Cup round of 16 on July 2, in which Austria lost 0-3 to the eventual world champions Spain. Since then the former Austrian national team captain had not played any further mandatory matches.

Match Progress and Table Consequences

In the match in Udine, Daniel Braganca put Torino ahead in the 36th minute, after which Jurgen Ekkelenkamp equalised for Udinese in the 43rd minute. Sandro Kulenovic took advantage of a mistake by goalkeeper Maduka Okoye in the 67th minute and restored the lead for Torino.

Alaba was brought on in the 72nd minute, but the defence could not withstand Torino's pressure. Shortly afterwards Ekkelenkamp missed a late chance to equalise, so Udinese could not turn the game around.

Thus Udinese suffered their fourth defeat in the first six matchdays and sit on 15th place after the game. Torino climbed to twelfth place after the home win. Udinese's next appearance is on Sunday in a home match against Lecce.