In a thrilling finale, AS Roma clinched a dramatic stoppage-time winner to overcome Udinese in their Serie A clash. The match, which took place 11 days after the original kick-off, proved to be a crucial moment for the Giallorossi as they strive to secure UEFA Champions League qualification for the first time since 2018. Despite their differing league positions, it was Udinese who started the first half stronger, with Lorenzo Lucca and Thomas Kristensen narrowly missing the target with their headers in the opening stages.
Roma’s Tommaso Baldanzi did manage to test Udinese’s goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye, with a shot that was spilled before Roberto Pereyra put the hosts in front. Pereyra capitalized on a clear chance, bundling in his fourth goal of the season past Mile Svilar. However, the visitors responded well, and Romelu Lukaku had an opportunity to equalize with a header at the back post, but unfortunately, the ball flashed wide, allowing Le Zebrette to maintain their lead going into halftime.
Roma’s Second-Half Comeback
Roma came out of the gates quickly in the second half, with Leandro Paredes forcing Okoye into a fantastic save just four minutes in. Lazar Samardžić then came close to doubling Udinese’s lead, but his effort narrowly missed the target. However, Roma managed to find an equalizer through Lukaku, who beat Okoye to head home his 19th goal of the season.
Unfortunately, the match was abruptly abandoned in the 72nd minute when Evan Ndicka collapsed on the pitch. Thankfully, Ndicka was discharged from the hospital the following day and given the all-clear to resume football activities. However, he did not make the starting XI when the match resumed. Another notable absence from the original fixture was goalscorer Lukaku, who sustained an injury since then.
Udinese’s lineup remained unchanged from the team that finished the original fixture. The first chance after the restart fell to Lorenzo Pellegrini, but he failed to convert from the edge of the box. Udinese then came close to regaining the lead when Lucca forced Svilar to make a crucial save. A defensive mistake by the hosts almost allowed Sardar Azmoun to put Roma ahead, but Okoye denied him with a remarkable save.
A Last-Minute Twist
Deep into stoppage time, the match witnessed an incredible finale as Bryan Cristante headed home from a corner to secure the victory for the Giallorossi. This crucial win solidifies Roma’s fifth-place position in Serie A, placing them four points behind fourth-place Bologna. On the other hand, the defeat leaves Udinese treading water, only above the drop zone due to head-to-head record.
The Giallorossi’s triumph in this thrilling encounter not only keeps their top-four dreams alive but also serves as a testament to their determination and resilience. With their eyes firmly set on UEFA Champions League qualification, Roma will continue to fight for every point as they aim to return to Europe’s elite competition.