Verdict: Both teams score
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AS Roma travel North of Italy for the fiery match against Udinese hoping for a win that will keep them in the top 4 fight for a much-needed return to the Champions League next season. The game will be played at Friuli Stadium where local fans will cheer for their favourite team s mandatory victory given the imminent relegation danger.
Udinese
Udinese is going through a difficult period with results far below expectations that have taken the team into a dangerous zone. With seven rounds left to play and a difficult schedule ahead, the hosts need a win against AS Roma to move away from the red-hot drop zone.
Despite facing accessible opponents like Sassuolo and Torino, Udinese has only picked up one point from its last three games. If the defeat to Inter at the start of the previous round was somehow expected, their poor results against Sassuolo away and Torino at home have sent the team into a fierce relegation battle nearing the end of the season.
Gabriele Cioffi s side came close to shocking Inter at Stadio Friuli by opening the score and leading 1-0 at half-time. However, the pressure of Simone Inzaghi s side led to a total capitulation of Udinese s defence which conceded the second goal at the end of the game, leaving all the points in Inter s bag.
With just one victory at Stadio Friuli in Serie A this season, Uinese surprisingly perform better away from home than in front of their supporters. The only home victory came against Bologna at the end of last year, after a terrible run that nearly saw the squad drop into the relegation zone. Udinese will attempt to emulate their success from their 3-0 win against Bologna, this time facing an inform top team like AS Roma.
Team News
With at least six players out due to injury, Gabriele Cioffi is dealing with a serious injury situation here. The biggest loss is the absence of Gerard Deulofeu, who underwent knee surgery at the start of 2023 and is still working hard on his recovery.
The management of Udinese is faced with the challenge of fielding a competitive side against AS Roma due to the absence of five more players. Furthermore, if five regular starters receive a booking, they could face future suspensions, complicating the impending relegation struggle even more.
AS Roma
Following the dismissal of Mourinho and the appointment of legendary Daniele De Rossi, AS Roma is again in the running for a top-four finish. Despite the disapproval of many supporters, Mourinho was sacked after he led Roma to the Europa League final in the 2nd year and won the Conference League trophy in his first season as manager.
If Danielle De Rossi advances past rivals AC Milan in the first round s fiery quarterfinal, he will have the opportunity to emulate Mourinho s European performance. Although extending Danielle De Rossi s contract at the end of the season has already been discussed, things could drastically alter if AS Roma finishes outside of the top four and is knocked out by Milan in Europe.
But Roma s development under the new manager is remarkable. The Yellow-Reds have only dropped one Serie A match a defeat that came after an incredible contest at the Olimpico against champions Inter, in a 2-4 triumph for the Nerrazzuri.
Despite their intense Europa League quarterfinal rematch with AC Milan at the San Siro, today s visitors must defeat Udinese to remain in the running for the top four.
AS Roma is not helped by the brutal schedule in the latter part of the season, with Atalanta poised to take advantage of any mistakes made by Roma, and, Bologna lying in fourth place ahead of the Udinese trip. Following the second leg of their quarterfinal Europa League matchup with AC Milan, the Capitoline side will take on challenging heavy Seria A opponents like Bologna, Atalanta, and Juventus.
Team News
Daniele De Rossi has all his players available and fit to face Udinese. However, some changes are expected in the line-up considering the onset of fatigue and the looming 2nd leg of the Europa League semifinal due to be played against AC Milan.
Key factors to consider
Udinese lost the last two Seria A games played at Friuli Stadium: 0-2 with Torino and 1-2 with Inter
The hots are two points above the floating line with a survival battle looming on Daniele Cioffi s team
AS Roma is undefeated in the last five league games (W3, D2)
The visitors defeated bitter rivals Lazio last Sunday, pulling a narrow home win in the Derby della Capitale
AS Roma is engaged in a fierce top 4 battle with Bologna leading the race for the last Champions League spot
Conclusion
A weary AS Roma will be welcomed to Udinese after they faced AC Milan in a challenging Europa League midweek match. Despite the hosts dismal performance at Friuli Stadium, we anticipate a close contest with both teams desperate for points and goals scored at both ends.
Verdict: Both teams score
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