Roma move into first place in Serie A with a composed 2-0 win over Udinese. Pellegrini’s penalty and Celik’s strike secure Gasperini’s men another statement victory, while ex-Roma forward Zaniolo is jeered off after missing a crucial chance.
Roma took full advantage of Napoli and Milan’s slips to go top of the Serie A table, at least temporarily, thanks to a solid 2-0 victory over Udinese at the Stadio Olimpico. Goals from Lorenzo Pellegrini and Zeki Celik earned Gian Piero Gasperini’s side another mature, controlled win, as they continue to show title-winning balance between efficiency and intensity.
The first half brought few chances until a decisive moment in the 42nd minute. After Kamara’s handball in the box, Pellegrini converted the resulting penalty with trademark calm to give Roma the lead. Before that, Cristante had rattled the post from distance in the Giallorossi’s best earlier chance.
The hosts doubled their advantage on the hour mark with a well-worked move down the right: Celik combined neatly with Mancini, burst into the box, and finished with precision to make it 2-0.
Udinese had two major opportunities to get back into the match late on — both involving former Roma man Nicolò Zaniolo. First, he squandered a one-on-one with Svilar after an error from Ndicka, then Atta struck the post minutes later. It was a frustrating return for Zaniolo, who was greeted by boos and ironic applause from the home fans when substituted.
Roma, meanwhile, closed out the game with ease, climbing to the top of the table as Gasperini’s project continues to gain momentum.
Match Report
Scorers:
42’ (pen.) Pellegrini (Roma), 61’ Celik (Roma)
Roma (3-4-2-1):
Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Celik (90′ Ghilardi), Cristante, Koné, Wesley (90′ Ziolkowski); Soulé (74′ El Shaarawy), Pellegrini (74′ El Aynaoui); Dovbyk (42′ Baldanzi).
Coach: Gasperini.
Udinese (3-5-2):
Okoye; Bertola, Kabasele (53′ Palma), Solet; Zanoli, Ekkelenkamp, Karlström (72′ Piotrowski), Atta, Kamara (82′ Zemura); Zaniolo (82′ Bayo), Buksa (72′ Davis).
Coach: Runjaic.
Referee: Collu
Yellow cards: Cristante, Pellegrini, Karlström, Hermoso
Red cards: None
