The Giallorossi enjoyed a self-assured victory at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday night as Roma secured a 3-0 victory over Udinese to strengthen their third-place position in Serie A. Goals from Edoardo Bove, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Tammy Abraham would seal all three points to move Jose Mourinho’s side four points clear in the race for Champions League football.
Bryan Cristante and Pellegrini were the key players for Roma, despite the former missing from the penalty spot, whilst Rui Patricio also denied the visitors’ spot kick to record yet another clean sheet. So, here’s our Roma player ratings for their win over Udinese.
Roma: (3-4-2-1)
Rui Patricio – 7
Didn’t have to make too many saves overall but did stop Roberto Pereyra from the spot, albeit was a fairly poor penalty from the Argentine. Three consecutive clean sheets now in Serie A.
Gianluca Mancini – 6
Composed at the back and dealt with any pressure well in the first half. Did concede a penalty, however, after handling the ball in the box in the second.
Chris Smalling – 7
Strong in the air as ever and never really troubled at the back. Didn’t give the ball away and was strong in his duels.
Diego Llorente – 6
Wasn’t troubled too much towards Roma’s left-hand side. Didn’t stand out much but didn’t really do anything wrong either. Has now played the last three 90 minutes in Serie A.
Zeki Celik – 5.5
Wasn’t involved too much in the play and stayed fairly far back in a defensive role at wing-back. Not the best of outings.
Bryan Cristante – 7.5
Engine in the midfield with his tireless running and made a number of tackles in the match. Carried on after taking a blow in the first half but did miss his penalty after hitting the woodwork. Strong performance, nevertheless.
Edoardo Bove – 6.5
Kept composure with his finish on the rebound after Cristante was denied by the post from the spot. Still showed his inexperience at points and gave the ball away in a costly position in the build-up to the penalty for Udinese.
Stephan El Shaarawy – 6
Pushed high to support the attack down the left flank and offered a threat at times. Not troubled defensively. Solid display.
Lorenzo Pellegrini – 7.5
One of Roma’s most influential players in the first half and most threat looked to come through him. Put the Giallorossi two goals ahead in the second, completing a well-worked move.
Georginio Wijnaldum – 6
Influential at points going forward and has been a useful addition since returning from injury. Subbed off for Matic after the hour mark.
Andrea Belotti – 6.5
Supplied Pellegrini with a fantastic pass on the counter-attack for Roma as the home side doubled their lead early on in the second half. Impressive work rate as ever.
Substitutions
Tammy Abraham – 6.5
Hadn’t scored in last 13 with last goal coming against Empoli back in February but sealed the victory with a fantastic header in injury time. Should help his confidence going forward.
Nemanja Matic – 6
More of a defensive addition when replacing Wijnaldum as Mourinho looked to protect his two-goal lead.
Leonardo Spinazzola – 6.5
Played a fine cross into the box for Abraham’s goal and looked influential down the left flank when brought on.