Ivan Jurić makes managerial Roma debut against red-hot Udinese.
Roma vs
Udinese
In a high-stakes clash at Stadio Olimpico, Ivan Jurić takes charge of AS Roma for the first time against table-topping Udinese, as the Giallorossi aim to overturn their disappointing start in Serie A following the departure of club legend Daniele de Rossi.
Roma
Roma dismissed club legend Daniele de Rossi from his managerial role following a poor start to the campaign. The Giallorossi are without a win after four Serie A games, drawing three and losing one, which has placed them in 16th position with three points.
After goalless draws with Cagliari and Juventus, and a 2-1 home defeat to Empoli, the final straw for De Rossi came with a 1-1 draw against Genoa. "The club's decision is adopted in the interest of the team to promptly resume the desired path," Roma stated when announcing the manager's departure.
The club swiftly appointed former Torino head coach Ivan Jurić as the new manager for the Giallorossi. Jurić's first game will be a home fixture against Udinese, a team Roma have historically dominated, winning 18 of the last 22 Serie A encounters.
This has been one of the easiest fixtures for Roma since the 2013-14 season, with the team achieving more wins and clean sheets against Udinese than any other opponent in that period. Yet, with only one win in their last nine Serie A matches, maintaining this run against an in-form Udinese side might be challenging.
Jurić may opt for his preferred 3—4—1—2 formation, similar to his approach at Torino, potentially featuring Artem Dovbyk and Paulo Dybala in attack. Unfortunately, Alexis Saelemaekers and Enzo Le Fée will miss the game due to ankle and muscle injuries, respectively.
Udinese
Udinese started the season in spectacular fashion, as they are currently top of the Serie A table with 10 points from three wins, one draw, and no losses after four matches. After a 1-1 draw with Bologna on the opening day, Kosta Runjaić's men have won three straight matches, securing victories over Lazio, Como, and Parma.
The team demonstrated resilience with a comeback 3-2 win over Parma in their latest league outing. "The keys are always connection between departments and team spirit," Runjaić mentioned following the victory.
Le Zebrette find themselves at the top of the Serie A table for the first time since matchday eight of the 2011-12 season. With five of their seven goals coming in the second half, Udinese are joint-top for points recovered from losing positions in Serie A this season, alongside Lazio.
A 3—5—2 formation with Lorenzo Lucca and Florian Thauvin leading the line is expected on Sunday.
