Udinese were denied a fourth successive win in Serie A after being held to a 1-1 draw by Cesena.

The visitors almost took the lead inside the opening three minutes, but Guido Marilungo's header was kept out by Orestis Karnezis.

They came close again when Franco Brienza found himself through on goal and saw his close-range attempt saved by the keeper.

Brienza had another chance to score for Cesena two minutes later, but he fired over the bar from inside the box.

Udinese made their opponents pay for their missed chances just past the hour mark, as Bruno Fernandes drove into the box and fired a low strike into the far corner.

As the game entered stoppage time Cesena were awarded a penalty when Alejandro Rodriguez was brought down inside the box by Silvan Widmer.

Emmanuel Cascione stepped up to take the spot kick and placed his effort into the corner to earn his side a valuable point.