Regardless of an emphatic 3-1 scoreline, Roma squeaked past Udinese in Sunday’s keenly-contested Serie A encounter. Jose Mourinho’s side left it late to overcome the resilient Friulians at the Stadio Olimpico.
Roma took the lead midway through the first half through Gianluca Mancini. The Italian defender found himself unmarked in a promising position and headed home Paulo Dybala’s inch-perfect free-kick delivery. However, complacency got the better of Giallorossi as Florian Thauvin leveled the score on the stroke of the hour mark with a back-post header.
Despite failing to create anything meaningful since breaking the deadlock, Roma found a way to maintain their imperious winning streak at home to seven matches. Romelu Lukaku’s delightful backheel pass released Dybala in stride, with the Argentine finishing with aplomb in the 81st minute.
Second-half substitute Stephan El Shaarawy killed the game off in stoppages with a beautiful curling effort to cement Roma’s victory.
Roma (3-5-2)
Rui Patricio – 6.5
One can argue he could’ve done better in the goal situation, but the rest of his night was nothing short of convincing for the veteran goalkeeper.
Gianluca Mancini – 7
In addition to scoring the opening goal, the dependable defender excelled at the back, fending off Isaac Success without breaking a sweat.
Evan Ndicka – 6
Thauvin gave him a slip to restore parity. While he performed reasonably well in the remainder of the match, his passing and decision-making must improve.
Diego Llorente – 6.5
Trusted to command the backline at the heart of Mourinho’s defense, the Spaniard delivered another impressive showing to consolidate his regular starting berth.
Rick Karsdorp – 6
Despite moving forward on a number of occasions, his crossing and determination were disappointing. However, he did a decent job when asked to defend.
Leandro Paredes – 6
You’d expect a player of his stature to have more influence on the game. However, the Argentine midfielder continues to underperform, though his uneventful attacking display paled to insignificance to his tireless work in front of his backline.
Bryan Cristante – 6.5
Like Paredes, the Italian lacked guile when on the ball. But his defensive commitment will probably satisfy Roma fans as he worked his socks off today.
Lorenzo Pellegrini – 7
His name won’t be on the scoreboard, but it doesn’t mean he didn’t have an outstanding game. The skilled playmaker was at the thick of every offensive play Roma had to offer in the opening hour.
Leonardo Spinazzola – 6.5
It’s undeniable his darting runs down the flank are integral to Giallorossi’s attacks. But while he won multiple one-on-ones against his markers, the service into the box was a problem.
Paulo Dybala – 8
Another match-winning performance from the magician! After whipping in a mesmerizing cross to set up the opening goal, the left-footed star showed class and composure to get Roma over the line.
Romelu Lukaku – 7
After being invisible for almost 80 minutes, the robust striker soaked up the limelight as the Roma hero with an attractive assist to Dybala. He played a pivotal role in the third goal.
Substitutes
Stephan El Shaarawy – 7
Effective off the bench again! Came on and showed why Mourinho can always count on him in the latter stages.
Sardar Azmoun – 6
Cannot be proud of his impact tonight. Wasted a massive chance to restore Roma’s lead, though he would’ve been whistled offside.
Nicola Zalewski – 6
Took Karsdorp’s place and offered a new energy to his side’s lethargic spell.
Edoardo Bove – 6.5
Picked up a late assist to regain some confidence after a string of underwhelming displays.
Rasmus Kristensen – N/A
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