The Stadio Olimpico will host a fascinating Serie A encounter on Sunday as crisis-hit Roma take on surprise league leaders Udinese. This match pits two teams experiencing vastly different starts to the 2024/25 campaign against each other in what promises to be an intriguing battle.
Roma enter this fixture in a state of turmoil following the shock dismissal of club legend Daniele De Rossi as head coach earlier this week. Despite being handed a three-year contract extension in the summer, De Rossi was brutally sacked after just eight months in charge as Roma’s poor start to the season continued.
The Giallorossi have managed just three points from their opening four Serie A matches, leaving them languishing in 16th place. Their winless run stretches back even further, with just one victory in their last nine league games dating back to last season.
New manager Ivan Juric has been swiftly appointed as De Rossi’s replacement and faces a baptism of fire in his first match at the helm. The Croatian tactician will be tasked with turning Roma’s fortunes around quickly, starting with this crucial clash against high-flying Udinese.
In stark contrast to their opponents, Udinese have made a sensational start to the new campaign. The Friulani currently sit top of the Serie A standings with 10 points from their first four matches – their best start to a season in 24 years.
Under new coach Kosta Runjaic, Udinese have been in imperious form, winning their last three matches in a row. Their most recent victory was particularly impressive, coming from two goals down at half-time to defeat Parma 3-2 away from home on Monday night.
Florian Thauvin has been the standout performer for Udinese so far, with the French forward directly contributing to six of their 10 points through his goals and assists. Alongside striker Lorenzo Lucca, Thauvin will be aiming to continue his hot streak against Roma’s shaky defense.
Team News
New Roma boss Juric has close to a full squad to choose from for his debut in the dugout. Only Alexis Saelemaekers is definitely ruled out through injury, while Enzo Le Fee remains a doubt.
Summer signings Mats Hummels and Mario Hermoso could be handed their first starts in defense as Juric looks to shore up a backline that has conceded in each of their four league games so far. Paulo Dybala is expected to support Artem Dovbyk in attack, with the Argentine boasting an excellent record of 20 goal involvements against Udinese in Serie A.
For the visitors, star forward Alexis Sanchez remains sidelined, so Thauvin and Lucca will continue their burgeoning partnership up front. Lautaro Giannetti is battling to overcome a muscular issue but should be fit to start in defense.
Expected Starting XIs
Roma: Svilar; Mancini, Hermoso, Ndicka; Celik, Kone, Cristante, Angelino; Dybala, El Shaarawy; Dovbyk
Udinese: Okoye; Kristensen, Bijol, Giannetti; Ehizibue, Lovric, Karlstrom, Payero, Kamara; Thauvin; Lucca
Match Prediction
While Udinese’s flying start makes them dangerous opponents, Roma’s superior quality should eventually tell, especially with the boost of a new manager at the helm. Juric is renowned for making teams difficult to beat and the Giallorossi are likely to adopt a more pragmatic approach under his guidance.
In a tight, cagey affair, Roma’s individual brilliance in attack could prove the difference. A narrow 1-0 home win seems the most probable outcome as the hosts look to kickstart their faltering campaign.
Prediction: Roma 1-0 Udinese
