Luis Muriel brace secures Udinese victory

Udinese have kept their late charge for a Europa League place alive this afternoon thanks to a match-winning brace from Luis Muriel at Parma in Serie A.

The Colombian striker started ahead of the suspended Antonio Di Natale and got the visitors off to a flier after 12 minutes.

© AP Photos

Muriel opened his account with a precise curling strike into the far corner after strong approach play from Polish teenager Piotr Zielinski.

Francesco Guidolin's side went further ahead soon after as Muriel tapped home following a fine slalom run into the penalty area from Dusan Basta drew Antonio Mirante off his line.

Parma struggled to find a response and went further behind on 62 minutes courtesy of a simple finish from Roberto Pereyra.

The visitors controlled the closing stages to keep a clean sheet and move to eighth in Serie A with a 3-0 victory.