Lecce started without fear, and nearly took a lead inside two minutes. Gabriel Strefezza made a direct run at goal and received a pass, before shooting from the edge of the box, but his low-curling effort clanged agonisingly off the woodwork.
Hugely relieved, Udinese began to impose themselves, albeit without creating much up front, thanks much to the defensive influence of Lecce captain Morten Hjulmand, who kept impeccable discipline in the defensive lines.
The reprieve was only temporary too, with Lecce’s reward for a staunch defensive show being a 33rd-minute lead. Beto’s mistake led to a turnover in possession, and a switch to Antonino Gallo gave him time to swing an arching cross towards Colombo, who saw a shot rebound off Enzo Ebosse back to him.
Without hesitation, the Milan loanee lashed into the gaping net to give Lecce a priceless lead.
Early in the second half, Hjulmand covered the field well to ensure that Wladimiro Falcone was not punished for some maverick goalkeeping, which led to a one-on-one with Beto that the custodian just about won.
There was also a nervy moment for Lecce on the hour mark, when Gerard Deulofeu darted into the area, only for Hjulmand to time an inch-perfect tackle.
Perhaps in reaction to this, Udinese boss Andrea Sottil deployed Isaac Success in a desperate effort to outpace Hjulmand and co.
The gamble worked almost instantly, as a throw-in from Udinese captain Roberto Pereyra found Gerard Deulofeu, and after showing great composure, he found Success with a short through-ball.
The Nigerian spotted Beto in space, and squared for the Portuguese to slam in the equaliser, ensuring Lecce lost their status as the only Serie A side this term yet to concede an away goal beyond the hour mark.
With Lecce starting the night as one of only two SA sides yet to celebrate a shutout, getting even a point was always going to be a tough ask for the Giallorossi, for whom Falcone pulled off a last-second stop from Pereyra.
Udinese finished the stronger side, but in failing to net a winner.
Meanwhile, many Lecce fans will still see this as a point gained, against a Udinese side that had netted in six straight home matches before kick-off.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Morten Hjulmand (Lecce)