Roma is back at the top of the Serie A

Claudio Ranieri put the foundations and Gian Piero Gasperini continued his work. The popular coach was forcing a pretty and attacking football while in Atalanta but he soon abandoned that policy. Or to be precise, he stopped as soon as he became Roma boss. The reason – players available to him. The first month and a half of the season has shown that Gasperini was right when he lamented Roma’s transfer window. None of the new signings, for one reason or another, have made much of an impression, let alone a positive difference. Gasperini was simply smart enough to adjust his tactics and training to the type of players he has at his disposal. Of course, fortune also plays its part in Roma’s excellent start, but Giallorossi are not to be blamed that Serie A champions Napoli were unable to win in Bologna. Roma was dominant against Udinese (2-0) and with a 2-0 win are again the leader of Serie A, at least until the Inter-Lazio game.

With Dybala and Ferguson both injured, Gasperini didn’t have many options when it came to his lineup. Former captain Pellegrini played alongside Soule in the attacking midfield role, just behind the most advanced player, Artem Dovbyk. Roma’s misfortune was that the Ukrainian got injured near the end of the first half, so the team had to play the remainder of the match without a true striker. Roma’s luck, however, is that the international break is coming up—by then, Ferguson should be available again. Perhaps even Dovbyk. The Giallorossi dominated from the start—pressing high and tightening the grip. Manu Kone was the first to threaten, while Zeki Celik had the first big chance after a run by Wesley. Udinese defended deep, survived the pressure, and waited for counterattacks. They had only one decent one in the 26th minute when Ata made a good run but shot wide. That was all from the Zebrette—but not from Roma.

Surprising intruder at Gasperini's press conference and Brazilian curse Roma tried to avoid

After half an hour, Bryan Cristante hit the post, following a great chance that Dovbyk had just missed. Soon after, the Ukrainian had another clear opportunity, which Okoye saved—though Dovbyk was offside anyway. Shortly after, he left the pitch injured, and Baldanzi came on, which meant Soule moved up front. The Roma fans’ fears that the team couldn’t score without a striker were dispelled just a minute after Dovbyk’s exit. Kamara missed the ball with his foot but struck it with his hand instead, conceding a penalty that Pellegrini converted into a deserved 1–0 lead before halftime.

Udinese started the second half more aggressively, opening up and leaving more space for Roma—a dangerous approach against any Gasperini side. Around the hour mark, Roma’s engine Manu Kone drove forward, Zeki Celik played an excellent one-two with Mancini, and finished beautifully for 2–0. Only then did Udinese push forward with an all-or-nothing approach, but Roma had the weapons to handle that too. Mile Svilar, the best goalkeeper in Serie A, proved his class in the final twenty minutes—saving chances from Zaniolo and Bajic, and securing Roma’s victory.

SERIE A - MATCHDAY 11

Friday

Pisa - Cremonese 1-0 (0-0)

/Toure 75/

Saturday

Como - Cagliari 0-0

Lecce - Verona 0-0

Juventus - Torino 0-0

Parma - Milan 2-2 (1-2)

/Bernabe 45+1, Del Prato 62 - Saelemaekers 12, Leao 25 pen/

Sunday

Atalanta - Sassuolo 0-3 (0-1)

/Berardi 29(p), 66, Pinamonti 47/

Bologna - Napoli 2-0 (0-0)

/Dallinga 50, Lucumi 66/

Genoa - Fiorentina 2-2 (1-1)

/Ostigard 15, Colombo 60 - Gudmundsson 20(p), Piccoli 57/

Roma - Udinese 2-0 (1-0)

/Pellegrini 42(p), Celik 61/

22.45: (1.40) Inter (5.25) Lazio (8.00)

***odds are subject to change***