Udinese have recorded back-to-back Serie A triumphs for the first time since September, as Jurgen Ekkelenkamp’s deflected free-kick proved decisive in a hard-fought 1-0 win against fifth-placed AS Roma.
After claiming just one victory in their previous six home league games (D2, L3), Udinese were determined to make an impact early against the Giallorossi. Arthur Atta’s low shot was kept out by Mile Svilar, while Oumar Solet squandered a golden opportunity from close range after Ekkelenkamp’s initial strike was blocked.
Roma grew into the contest as the first half progressed, with Donyell Malen coming close from 12 yards, only for Maduka Okoye to make a smart save. With the best away defence in Europe’s top-five leagues ahead of this round, Gian Piero Gasperini’s men continued to improve, but clear-cut chances were limited, Matías Soulé sending a promising free-kick just over the bar.
The hosts started the second half perfectly when Ekkelenkamp’s long-range free-kick deflected off Malen in the wall and flew into the far corner beyond Svilar’s reach. Udinese, who had dropped points in only one of eight league games after scoring first (W7, D1), focused on defending their lead. Soulé later failed to make the most of a half-chance, and Malen’s dangerous attempt was blocked by Thomas Thiesson Kristensen.
Gasperini’s side, unbeaten in 11 of their last 13 head-to-heads (W9, D2, L2), continued to press in the closing stages, but Udinese held firm. Substitute Idrissa Gueye nearly added a second, only to be denied by Svilar, and a late Bryan Cristante goal for Roma was ruled out for offside. The Bianconeri’s resilience earned them a vital three points and ended a run of six consecutive defeats against the Giallorossi.
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