Evan Ndicka's place in Roma's defence is being pushed hard by Leonardo Balerdi and Daniele Ghilardi, but the Ivorian's numbers remain among the best in Serie A and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini still finds it hard to do without him. Ndicka, who was already a mainstay under Mourinho, De Rossi, Juric and Ranieri, has become a key figure in Gasperini's system, with the coach valuing his physicality, reading of the game in anticipation and dominance in the air.
The starting shirt is no longer guaranteed. Balerdi brings dynamism and ball-playing ability from the back, while Ghilardi has often delivered strong performances after coming off the bench. That competition is fierce, especially during a dense run of fixtures between October and November. Even so, Sofascore data shows Ndicka holding his level among the top Serie A centre-backs. He has completed between 83% and 97% of his passes in matches, wins 63% of his aerial duels per game, and averages 5.1 clearances, 4.6 ball recoveries and 1.6 interceptions per 90 minutes in Serie A.
Ahead of the match at the Bluenergy Stadium, the choice between Ndicka and Balerdi remains one of Gasperini's main doubts. Balerdi offers different options in build-up play, but the Ivorian's physical strength and duelling ability are seen as vital against Udinese's size and quick counter-attacks. The article notes Udinese are going through a difficult period under Runjaic, and that Roma have a historical record of struggling on trips to Friuli. Relying on Ndicka's experience and qualities could be a winning card.
Whether he starts or comes off the bench, Ndicka's return to Udine carries deep emotional weight. The trip comes before the demanding visit to Manchester United on Tuesday 3 November in the Champions League. The defender's history with the city goes back to the scare in Udine on 14 April 2024, when Gasperini, then Atalanta boss, said: "Con i codici gialli le partite non si dovrebbero rinviare" after the Udinese-Roma match was halted. Gasperini has also been critical in the past of very structured centre-backs whom he considers less dynamic in tight man-marking, but since taking charge of Roma that friction has been put aside.
Testo Originale / Source Text
“Se l'impatto emotivo di quella sfida fa parte della storia personale di Ndicka, la sua parabola tattica ha vissuto capitoli altrettanto intensi. In passato non erano mancate stoccate e polemiche verbali da parte di Gian Piero Gasperini. L'episodio più emblematico risale proprio a quei giorni…”
Read the full article in Italian at Forza Roma.
