Lorenzo Pellegrini inspired a comfortable and well-deserved 3-0 win for Roma over Udinese at the Stadio Olimpico as they took another positive step towards Champions League football next term. Youngster Edoardo Bove put the Giallorossi in front when he kept his cool to tuck home the rebound after Bryan Cristante was denied by the post from the spot.
However, it was Pellegrini who starred here as he all but sealed the victory when he doubled the lead early in the second half. Tammy Abraham would complete a confident display from the hosts when he headed home late on to add a third for Jose Mourinho’s side.
There was no Paulo Dybala for Roma after he was injured midweek against Feyenoord in the Europa League. Udinese were also without their top goalscorer in Beto who was missing with the flu.
Roma have now taken control in the race for Champions League football after Milan and Inter’s domestic shortcomings. The two Milan sides continue to drop points in Serie A, as well as Juventus who suffered a 1-0 defeat away to Sassuolo earlier on in the day.
Bove Opens His Account
A Pellegrini free kick after around 20 minutes caused problems after his excellent delivery was met by Chris Smalling. His strong header found Diego Llorente at the back post before Gianluca Mancini was able to head on goal but was thwarted by Udinese ‘keeper Marco Silvestri. Cristante stayed down for some time after the commotion in the box but he was able to continue, nevertheless.
The hosts managed to take charge in the match, despite neither side creating many opportunities, scoring on the rebound following a missed penalty kick by Cristante. Bove turned home his first Serie A goal of the campaign with a good finish on the follow-up. Roberto Pereyra had been penalised for handball in the build-up.
Stephan El Shaarawy won a free kick in a dangerous position towards the end of the first 45 as the Giallorossi pushed for a second goal. Pellegrini would take the set-piece once more which forced Silvestri into making a decent stop down to his left. Roma would go in at the break a goal to the good.
Pellegrini Asserts Roma Control
Pellegrini would impact the match once more after the restart and doubled the Giallorossi lead after a well-executed attack by the hosts. Andrea Belotti fed the midfielder with a perfectly weighted through ball, putting Roma in pole position to secure the three points.
However, the visitors were given a lifeline when Mancini was penalised for the second handball of the match, as the referee awarded Udinese a penalty. Roma goalkeeper Rui Patricio would keep the two-goal advantage intact, nevertheless, denying Pereyra from the spot.
Roma topped off their controlled performance when Leonardo Spinazzola assisted fellow substitute Tammy Abraham in injury time to add a third. The Englishman ended his goal-drought with a fantastic header into the top corner to wrap up the three points for the Giallorossi.
Mourinho now sees his side move four points ahead of Inter in fifth and three ahead of Milan in fourth, setting up an exciting final run-in for European qualification.