Roma 2-1 Udinese: Giallorossi comeback to claim vital win

Date: 17th May 2015 at 10:41pm
Written by:

Roma went back into second place in Serie A on Sunday night after a 2-1 victory over Udinese at the Stadio Olimpico.

Udinese took the lead through 19-year-old Stipe Perica, but Radja Nainggolan equalised on the stroke of half-time. Then, Vasilis Torosidis knocked in the winner from close range in the second half.

The game was lacking any action in the early stages until the visitors opened the score in the 19th minute.  Kostas Manolas failed to clear twice and was pounced upon by Silvan Widmer, his effort was stopped and Perica knocked into into the empty net.

The hosts looked for an immediate reply but Francesco Totti’s free-kick was well saved by Orestis Karnezis.

The Giallorossi were looking to get back in the game but Udinese were defending well. They had the next chance though as Perica headed wide from close range when he really should have done better.

Victor Ibarbo then went on a mazy run in the oppositions box and went for goal but it was thwarted by Karnezis again.

They could only be denied for so long though as the home side equalised on the stroke of half-time. Totti lobbed a cross to the back post where Nainggolan was unmarked and the Belgian hit the half volley into the roof of the net.

There was still time for another chance before a half-time. Guilherme smashed a free-kick from around 25 yards that crashed against the bar and went over.

It took ten minutes for the first chance of the second half.  A long ball was played over the top and misjudged by Mabou Yanga-Mbiwa then Cyril Thereau’s effort was saved by the foot of Morgan De Sanctis.

Roma turned the game on its head midway through the second half thanks to some awful defending from the Zebrette. Firstly, Thomas Heurtaux missed the header and then Widmer missed the clearance giving Torosidis an easy chance to finish.

The hosts were dominating possession but not creating many chances, whereas Udinese were still a threat on the break.

Ivan Piris tried his luck from range with ten minutes left but his effort lacked accuracy and sailed over the bar.

Roma then went immediately down the other end and were inches away from increasing their lead. Juan Iturbe played the ball across the box which was nonchalantly flicked towards goal by Nainggolan, and tipped onto the post by Karnezis.

Minutes later the Giallorossi hit the woodwork again. Miralem Pjanic played a pass through to Jose Holebas who was driving down the left and his thundering strike hit the underside of the bar and bounced away.

Despite the away side’s late efforts the game ended in a 2-1 win for Roma. If Napoli lose to Cesena tomorrow night, Roma will have secured Champions League football for next season.

 

Comments are closed.