Udinese made it back-to-back wins either side of Serie A's winter break with a 2-1 victory over Atalanta BC on their return to action this afternoon.

The hosts took the lead at the midway point of the first half when Cyril Thereau poked home from close range after Felipe's header from a corner had been clawed away from goal by Marco Sportiello.

Atalanta were doing little to worry their opponents at the other end and any chance they had of getting back into the game was made doubly difficult on the stroke of half time when Stipe Perica powerfully headed home Bruno Fernandes's floated cross.

Udinese went close to a third goal after half time which would have ended the match as a contest, but it was Atalanta who struck 15 minutes from time to inject life into the visitors.

Marco D'Alessandro was the scorer, turning home Alejandro Gomez's low cross with the outside of his boot after sneaking in at the back post.

Udinese did not buckle, though, and three points moves them up into the top half of the table and level on points with Atalanta.