As the Serie A season approaches its crucial mid-point, Udinese and Roma prepare to lock horns in a compelling fixture at the Bluenergy Stadium on Sunday. Both teams, separated by a mere point in the league standings, are eager to climb the table and reignite their European ambitions.
The Giallorossi, under the stewardship of the experienced Claudio Ranieri, find themselves in a peculiar predicament. Despite a recent upturn in form, including a six-game unbeaten streak in domestic competitions, Roma’s away record remains a significant concern. The capital club have not tasted victory on the road in Serie A for an astonishing 13 matches, a drought unseen this century.
However, Roma’s historical dominance in Udine provides a glimmer of hope. Unbeaten in 10 of their last 12 visits, with eight victories, the Giallorossi will look to rekindle this form and secure a crucial away win. Their last Serie A triumph on foreign soil, ironically, came against Udinese in April of the previous year.
Udinese, comfortably positioned in the top half of the table, enter this fixture with mixed recent form. A four-match unbeaten run, including a commendable goalless draw against high-flying Atalanta, was abruptly halted by a 4-1 defeat to Como. This setback has raised questions about the sustainability of their mid-season revival.
Under the guidance of Kosta Runjaic, the Friulani have shown resilience and an ability to compete with the league’s stronger sides. However, their recent form – just three points from their last four outings – suggests a need for renewed focus and determination.
Ranieri’s Roma are likely to adopt a cautious approach, given their away day struggles. A 3-4-2-1 formation could provide defensive stability while allowing for quick counter-attacks through the pace and skill of their forward line.
Udinese, playing at home, might opt for a more aggressive 3-5-2 system, looking to exploit Roma’s vulnerabilities on the road. The midfield battle, particularly between Roma’s Leandro Paredes and Udinese’s Lazar Samardzic, could prove decisive in determining the flow of the game.
Team News
Udinese will face significant challenges in their lineup due to several key absences. First-choice goalkeeper Maduka Okoye remains sidelined with an injury. Defender Oumar Solet is unavailable due to suspension. Additional injuries include Kingsley Ehizibue, while striker Keinan Davis continues to be a long-term injury doubt.
Roma, under Claudio Ranieri, appear to have a relatively stable squad with few reported injury concerns. The team is likely to field a strong lineup, potentially rotating some players following their recent Europa League match against AZ Alkmaar. Key players like Paulo Dybala and Artem Dovbyk are expected to feature prominently, with Dybala having an impressive historical record against Udinese, having been directly involved in 21 goals in 21 Serie A appearances against the team.
Expected Starting XIs
Udinese: Sava; Kristensen, Bijol, Toure; Modesto, Lovric, Karlstrom, Payero, Kamara; Thauvin, Lucca
Roma: Svilar; Mancini, Hummels, Ndicka; Saelemaekers, Kone, Paredes, Angelino; Pellegrini, Dybala; Dovbyk
Match Prediction
While Roma’s recent form and historical success in Udine suggest they might have the edge, their persistent away day blues cannot be ignored. Udinese, despite their recent setback, have shown they can be formidable opponents at home. Considering these factors, a closely contested match ending in a 1-1 draw seems the most likely outcome.
Prediction: Udinese 1-1 Roma