The match ended 3-1 in favour of AS Roma at the Stadio Olympico, and since then Roma changed managers and their style of play whilst Udinese are still playing under a 3-5-1 formation. After back-to-back wins in the league, AS Roma are looking for a third win when they face Udinese at home.
Team News
The visiting side will travel without the experienced duo Giovanni Pasquale and Giampiero Pinzi; both are ruled out of the fixture due to injury. They recently extended their contracts till 2016 after it was set to expire in 2012. Udinese will go into the match with seven players unavailable for selection.
Whilst Udinese will be starting without their regular centre-backs, Roma’s fullbacks Frederica Balzaretti and Rodrigo Taddei are on the injury list. Udinese’s Danilo is the only player missing the match because of suspension.
Analysis
Roma under Zdenek Zeman are a rejuvenated side from last season. They are more attacking, take a lot of shots on goal, and they seem to be thriving in the present 4-3-3 formation. Their 4-2 win against Genoa strengthened Zeman’s credentials after Roma turned the tables against the home side. It was their first away win against Genoa in five years. Roma were trailing 2-0, but fought back into the game with goals from Totti, Lamela and a brace from Pablo Osvaldo.
The Argentine-born Italian player has scored six goals in eight league matches so far this season. Osvaldo, Totti, and Lamela should lead the attack this weekend. Meanwhile Roma midfielder Miralem Pjanic, has been linked with a move to English side Tottenham Hotspur, despite a poor start to the season. He is expected to start from the bench.
Roma’s goalkeeper Stekelenburg has come under the scanner for his blunders against Sampdoria and Juventus. However, he will start in goal come Sunday.
Udinese will be coming into the match from an away loss in the Europa League against Swiss side Young Boys. They are in the second half of the league table, five points behind fifth place Roma. Udinese are expected to pack their midfield and stifle Roma’s passing in the final third. They will look to exploit Roma’s weakness on the wings and aerial duels, and use long balls to their advantage.
Udinese have been linked with a surprise bid for Juventus striker Alessandro Matri. If the bid comes to fruition, it should relieve Di Natale from the goal scoring burden.
Head-to-head – Last five meetings
11-04-2012: Roma 3 : 1 Udinese
25-11-2011: Udinese 2 : 0 Roma
09-04-2011: Udinese 1 : 2 Roma
20-11-2010: Roma 2 : 0 Udinese
21-04-2010: Udinese 1 : 0 Roma
Facts
• Roma have the edge over Udinese with four wins in the last six meetings.
• Udinese just scored eight goals in the league this season.
• Roma have scored in all the eight league games so far this season.
• Roma are second in the goal scoring charts behind Juventus.
Prediction
Roma will dominate the match but will eventually succumb the long ball from Udinese.
Result: Roma 2-2 Udinese
