Roma staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Udinese 2-1 on their home turf, marking their first away win since April 2024. The Giallorossi’s resurgence was fueled by two crucial penalties, expertly converted by Lorenzo Pellegrini and Artem Dovbyk.
Despite entering the match unbeaten in their last five Serie A fixtures, Roma’s confidence had been shaken by a midweek Europa League loss to AZ Alkmaar. The team faced several challenges, including injuries to key players and pending transfers. However, the return of Lorenzo Pellegrini and the debut of new signing Devyne Rensch provided a much-needed boost.
Udinese, also grappling with suspensions and injuries, suffered an early setback when Isak Touré was forced off the field with a knee injury. The home side, however, managed to break the deadlock through Lorenzo Lucca, who spectacularly controlled a free-kick from Sandi Lovric before smashing the ball into the top corner.
The tide turned in Roma’s favor after halftime. A handball by Christian Kabasele resulted in a penalty, which Pellegrini calmly slotted home. The Giallorossi’s comeback was complete when they were awarded a second penalty, this time converted by Dovbyk, following a foul by goalkeeper Razvan Sava on Stephan El Shaarawy.
The match remained intense until the final whistle, with both teams creating chances. Roma’s goalkeeper Svilar was called into action to deny Udinese’s attempts, while a late free-kick by Paulo Dybala almost resulted in a third goal for the visitors.
Goals: Lucca 38 (U), Pellegrini pen 50 (R), Dovbyk pen 65 (R)
Udinese (3-5-2): Sava; Kristensen, Bijol, Touré (7′ Kabasele); Rui Modesto (77′ Sanchez), Lovric (66′ Ekkelenkamp), Karlstrom (66′ Atta), Payero (77′ Pafundi), Zemura; Thauvin, Lucca.
Roma (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Celik (46′ Shomurodov), Ndicka, Mancini; Rensch (70′ Zalewski), Koné, Pisilli, Angelino; Pellegrini (81′ Cristante), Baldanzi (58′ El Shaarawy); Dovbyk (81′ Dybala).
