As Roma prepare to face Udinese in Serie A, manager Claudio Ranieri finds himself in the enviable position of having a fully fit squad at his disposal. However, with the team’s recent Europa League exertions in Alkmaar and a crucial upcoming match against Eintracht Frankfurt, changes to the starting lineup are expected.
Despite potential rotations, Ranieri may opt to keep his prolific attacking duo of Artem Dovbyk and Paulo Dybala in the starting eleven. Dybala, in particular, has an impressive record against Udinese, having been directly involved in 21 goals in as many Serie A appearances against the Friulani – a remarkable statistic against a single opponent.
Stephan El Shaarawy is another option for Ranieri, with the forward having found the net six times against Udinese in Serie A. However, El Shaarawy’s recent away form may be a concern, as he hasn’t scored a league goal on the road since May 2023.
On the other side, Udinese face several selection challenges due to injuries and suspension. The hosts will be without Kingsley Ehizibue, Keinan Davis, Oier Zarraga, and first-choice goalkeeper Maduka Okoye. Additionally, Lautaro Giannetti’s participation remains uncertain due to muscular fatigue.
A forced change in Udinese’s defense will see either Isaak Toure or Christian Kabasele stepping in for the suspended Oumar Solet, who received a red card in their previous match. The Bianconeri’s backline will be anchored by Jaka Bijol, despite the Slovenian center-back’s uncharacteristic performance against Como, where he received a yellow card and scored an own goal.
Udinese (3-5-2): Sava; Kristensen, Bijol, Toure; Modesto, Lovric, Karlstrom, Payero, Kamara; Thauvin, Lucca
Roma (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Mancini, Hummels, Ndicka; Saelemaekers, Kone, Paredes, Angelino; Pellegrini, Dybala; Dovbyk
