Gasperini names Ghilardi at the back as Roma face Udinese under Runjaic

Udinese midfielder Miller was the first player booked in the tenth round Serie A fixture between Udinese and Roma, after a foul on Malen in the 22nd minute. Roma travel to face Udinese in the match, which is the tenth matchday of the league season. The referee for the match is Maresca, with Paterna operating the VAR. Maresca, from Naples, has a positive record with Roma: he refereed the 2-0 win over Torino earlier this season. The match review, or moviola, has been published by the Italian outlets covering the game. The review picks out two key moments. In the 22nd minute, Malen stole the ball from Kabasele and broke away, before Miller brought him down, earning a yellow card for the Udinese midfielder. In the 15th minute, Kabasele and Malen were involved in a duel inside the penalty area, where the pair grappled with each other before Udinese's defender stopped Malen with a sliding challenge, winning the ball.

Roma sporting director Tony D'Amico spoke to reporters before Udinese v Roma, a Serie A matchday 10 fixture at the Bluenergy Stadium, and said the club is not rushing its January transfer decisions. Asked about Endrick's prospects in the January window, D'Amico said it was difficult to think of names because the squad was short of numbers, adding: "Endrick is strong, but we are focused on what we have to do on the pitch. There will be time for the market." D'Amico also spoke about Mario Hermoso's contract. He said the club was happy with the whole squad, given the number of matches ahead and the need to widen the squad, and described Hermoso as important to the club, including during the week, and an example for the younger players. Asked about extending Hermoso's deal, D'Amico said: "We are happy to have him with us, and we will also talk about the renewal." He added that the club was also pleased with how the young players were being developed alongside Gasperini. On Paulo Dybala's fitness, D'Amico said the Argentine needed a few more days and that the club would assess him midweek. He admitted that losing an important resource during a busy run of games hurt, adding: "These things happen." Describing Udinese, he said: "Udinese are difficult to play against, physical, regardless of their league position. We need quality, and we think we can put in a good performance." Asked about comments from Massimiliano Allegri, D'Amico said: "We think about ourselves, we work hard, and the result is what you deserve on the pitch. Today will be difficult for us."

Udinese coach Kosta Runjaić has said his side must win the individual battles to take on Roma, speaking to Dazn before the match. "It's a big challenge. We know what kind of game we have to play, but we also know how strong Roma are. We'll give 100% and we'll try to get points." Runjaić pointed to Roma's strength in one-on-one contests as the key issue for his team. "We talk about Roma's strength in the duels, and we'll have to win them. We have to be good on a qualitative level to come out well." On the fitness of Davis and Zaniolo, he said: "Both are fired up. It has been a complicated week. I don't know how many minutes they'll have, but they are very motivated."

Daniele Ghilardi spoke to Dazn before Roma's match against Udinese, stressing the team's focus on picking up as many points as possible. The defender said the squad is in good spirits despite a crowded fixture schedule and limited rest days. Ghilardi said: "We are very fired up. There are a lot of matches and few days of rest, but this is the calendar, we are professionals and we have to get as many points as possible." Asked about his own progress, Ghilardi pointed to the strength of the Roma defensive unit. He said: "We have many players in defence and all of them have quality. Up until the last few matches we were among the best defences, but I think we still are. I am happy with how things are going."

Daniele Ghilardi has said Roma arrive at the Udinese match in high spirits and eager to get results, as the defender spoke ahead of the Serie A tenth-round fixture. He described the squad's fixture load as heavy, with plenty of matches and few days to recover. Ghilardi said: "We arrive very fired up, we have a lot of desire to do well. The commitments are many and the recovery days are few, but this is the schedule, and we have to play them all at our best, trying to get as many points as possible." Asked how much he is growing under Gasperini and alongside the other defenders, Ghilardi said: "We are many in defence and all of good quality. We are a great team, and I personally am very happy with how things are going, and I will try to do even more." He added: "We have a department of great quality. We arrive very fired up for this challenge."

Roma led 4-0 at half-time against Udinese at the Bluenergy Stadium in the tenth round of Serie A, with goals from Bryan Cristante (10th minute), Rodrigo Mora (30th), Donyell Malen (33rd) and Evan N'Dicka (37th). Udinese, coached by Kosta Runjaic, went into the match looking for a first league win since late August, while Roma arrived unbeaten in Serie A and seeking to build on their midweek win over Cagliari. Gian Piero Gasperini's side dominated the first half. Cristante's opener came from a Wesley cross, and after Mora's finish, Malen and N'Dicka added to the lead before the break. Roma also hit the woodwork twice, with Matías Soulé striking a post and Malen another, and Udinese struggled to threaten a defence that had been beaten repeatedly. Udinese's few chances included a shot from Miller that Gollini held and an effort from Vojvoda that was also collected by the Roma keeper. Roma were without Mile Svilar, Manu Koné, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Paulo Dybala, who were all unavailable for the match. Gasperini made changes to his defence and attack from the Cagliari game, bringing Daniele Ghilardi into the back line alongside N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso, with Marten de Roon and Cristante in midfield and Mora alongside Soulé behind Malen. The starting eleven was Gollini; Ghilardi, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Molina, Cristante, De Roon, Wesley; Soulé, Mora; Malen. Udinese lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation with Okoye in goal, Abankwah, Kabasele and Palma in defence, and Zaniolo and Ekkelenkamp behind striker Davis. The referee was Maresca of Napoli, assisted by Lo Cicero and Rossi, with Chiffi as fourth official, Paterna as VAR and Aureliano as assistant VAR. The match was being covered live by Giallorossi.net, which was tracking updates from pre-match through to the final whistle.

Roma led 4-0 at half-time against Udinese at the Bluenergy Stadium in the tenth round of Serie A, with goals from Bryan Cristante (10th minute), Rodrigo Mora (30th), Donyell Malen (33rd) and Evan N'Dicka (37th). Udinese, coached by Kosta Runjaic, went into the match looking for a first league win since late August, while Roma arrived unbeaten in Serie A and seeking to build on their midweek win over Cagliari. Gian Piero Gasperini's side dominated the first half. Cristante's opener came from a Wesley cross, and after Mora's finish, Malen and N'Dicka added to the lead before the break. Roma also hit the woodwork twice, with Matías Soulé striking a post and Malen another, and Udinese struggled to threaten a defence that had been beaten repeatedly. Udinese's few chances included a shot from Miller that Gollini held and an effort from Vojvoda that was also collected by the Roma keeper. Roma were without Mile Svilar, Manu Koné, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Paulo Dybala, who were all unavailable for the match. Gasperini made changes to his defence and attack from the Cagliari game, bringing Daniele Ghilardi into the back line alongside N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso, with Marten de Roon and Cristante in midfield and Mora alongside Soulé behind Malen. The starting eleven was Gollini; Ghilardi, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Molina, Cristante, De Roon, Wesley; Soulé, Mora; Malen. Udinese lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation with Okoye in goal, Abankwah, Kabasele and Palma in defence, and Zaniolo and Ekkelenkamp behind striker Davis. The referee was Maresca of Napoli, assisted by Lo Cicero and Rossi, with Chiffi as fourth official, Paterna as VAR and Aureliano as assistant VAR. The match was being covered live by Giallorossi.net, which was tracking updates from pre-match through to the final whistle.

Roma line up at the Bluenergy Stadium against Udinese in Serie A matchday 10, with Marten de Roon and Daniele Ghilardi starting from the first minute. Donyell Malen, Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora form the attack. Maresca, from the Naples section, referees the match. Roma come into the fixture on the back of a win over Cagliari, achieved in a chaotic night in which Mora and Malen rescued the team. Gian Piero Gasperini's side want to keep winning. Victory in Friuli is seen as imperative, because the derby takes place in Milan the same day and Roma can close ground on Inter, who lead the table, with points that matter. Romanews readers can follow the live commentary of the match with real-time updates.

Roma travel to the Bluenergy Stadium this afternoon to face Udinese, managed by Kosta Runjaic, in the tenth round of Serie A. Gian Piero Gasperini's side arrive in Friuli unbeaten in the league and looking to build on their midweek win over Cagliari. Udinese are seeking a victory they have not managed since late August, and will try to use home advantage against a Roma side still missing several players. Gasperini will be without Svilar, Koné, Pellegrini and Dybala. With two hours to kick-off, the Roma coach appears set to make further changes from the Cagliari game. Ghilardi is expected to get a chance in defence, while Rodrigo Mora is the favourite to partner Soulé behind Malen in attack. Udinese's probable line-up is in a 3-4-2-1 formation: Okoye; Abankwah, Kabasele, Ebosse; Vojvoda, Karlström, Piotrowski, Kamara; Ekkelenkamp, Zaniolo; Davis. Roma are also set up 3-4-2-1: Gollini; Ghilardi, Ndicka, Hermoso; Molina, Cristante, De Roon, Wesley; Soulé, Mora; Malen. Udinese's substitutes are Mrozek, Padelli, Lovric, Zarraga, Bertola, Palma, Miller, Zanoli, Arizala, Unai Gomez and Chakvetadze. Roma's bench comprises Vasquez, De Marzi, Rensch, Koulierakis, Castro, Lulli, Mancini, Balerdi, Pisilli, Di Nunzio and Camara. The referee is Maresca of Napoli, with assistants Lo Cicero and Rossi L. The fourth official is Chiffi, while Paterna is the VAR and Aureliano the assistant VAR.

Roma led 4-0 at half-time against Udinese at the Bluenergy Stadium in the tenth round of Serie A, with goals from Bryan Cristante (10th minute), Rodrigo Mora (30th), Donyell Malen (33rd) and Evan N'Dicka (37th). Udinese, coached by Kosta Runjaic, went into the match looking for a first league win since late August, while Roma arrived unbeaten in Serie A and seeking to build on their midweek win over Cagliari. Gian Piero Gasperini's side dominated the first half. Cristante's opener came from a Wesley cross, and after Mora's finish, Malen and N'Dicka added to the lead before the break. Roma also hit the woodwork twice, with Matías Soulé striking a post and Malen another, and Udinese struggled to threaten a defence that had been beaten repeatedly. Udinese's few chances included a shot from Miller that Gollini held and an effort from Vojvoda that was also collected by the Roma keeper. Roma were without Mile Svilar, Manu Koné, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Paulo Dybala, who were all unavailable for the match. Gasperini made changes to his defence and attack from the Cagliari game, bringing Daniele Ghilardi into the back line alongside N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso, with Marten de Roon and Cristante in midfield and Mora alongside Soulé behind Malen. The starting eleven was Gollini; Ghilardi, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Molina, Cristante, De Roon, Wesley; Soulé, Mora; Malen. Udinese lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation with Okoye in goal, Abankwah, Kabasele and Palma in defence, and Zaniolo and Ekkelenkamp behind striker Davis. The referee was Maresca of Napoli, assisted by Lo Cicero and Rossi, with Chiffi as fourth official, Paterna as VAR and Aureliano as assistant VAR. The match was being covered live by Giallorossi.net, which was tracking updates from pre-match through to the final whistle.

Roma travel to the Bluenergy Stadium this afternoon to face Udinese, managed by Kosta Runjaic, in the tenth round of Serie A. Gian Piero Gasperini's side arrive in Friuli unbeaten in the league and looking to build on their midweek win over Cagliari. Udinese are seeking a victory they have not managed since late August, and will try to use home advantage against a Roma side still missing several players. Gasperini will be without Svilar, Koné, Pellegrini and Dybala. With two hours to kick-off, the Roma coach appears set to make further changes from the Cagliari game. Ghilardi is expected to get a chance in defence, while Rodrigo Mora is the favourite to partner Soulé behind Malen in attack. Udinese's probable line-up is in a 3-4-2-1 formation: Okoye; Abankwah, Kabasele, Ebosse; Vojvoda, Karlström, Piotrowski, Kamara; Ekkelenkamp, Zaniolo; Davis. Roma are also set up 3-4-2-1: Gollini; Ghilardi, Ndicka, Hermoso; Molina, Cristante, De Roon, Wesley; Soulé, Mora; Malen. Udinese's substitutes are Mrozek, Padelli, Lovric, Zarraga, Bertola, Palma, Miller, Zanoli, Arizala, Unai Gomez and Chakvetadze. Roma's bench comprises Vasquez, De Marzi, Rensch, Koulierakis, Castro, Lulli, Mancini, Balerdi, Pisilli, Di Nunzio and Camara. The referee is Maresca of Napoli, with assistants Lo Cicero and Rossi L. The fourth official is Chiffi, while Paterna is the VAR and Aureliano the assistant VAR.

Roma are being urged to exploit Udinese's current form, with Nando Orsi calling the visitors the weakest Udinese side in recent years after five straight defeats. Orsi said: 'Udinese come into this on five defeats, lost deservedly: this is the worst Udinese of recent years. Roma must take advantage. I'm sorry, because Udinese are a tough side, but Roma cannot waste this game.' Roberto Pruzzo noted that Inter have not won a derby in seven matches, saying Roma could move a little closer to the top of the table. He warned that the match should not become too physical, as that could make things complicated against Udinese, and said Roma should rely on technique and quality. Pruzzo also suggested playing Niccolò Pisilli, saying: 'He adapts to everything, he has to play.' Ugo Trani expects Gasperini to rotate mainly in defence, noting that the coach can only change those players. Ghilardi and Hermoso will play for certain, as will Wesley and Cristante. Trani believes Roma will line up with two attacking midfielders today. On the transfer market, he said Njie has shots and incredible pace but lacks the head for the game, adding that Roma followed him last summer before Fiorentina signed him. He described Lang as someone who 'breaks games' open. On Endrick, Trani said Roma will try to bring him in one way or another, though Arsenal's interest would make it more complicated, while he would certainly find more space in Rome. Trani also highlighted that Balde earns 5.5 million at Barcelona, and that Roma could try in January, paying less than two million in wages for six months. He added that Roma will take two strikers regardless. On the Udinese game, he said: 'The match against Udinese is very heavy, which is why I don't trust it. I wouldn't feel comfortable even at 11 against 9... Dybala is missing in these games.'