Udinese vs Roma

Udinese

<p>Udinese return to home soil looking to build momentum after a timely 3-1 victory over rock-bottom Verona on Monday night. That result lifted the Friulani into 10th place with 29 points (8W, 5D, 9L) and gave them a three-point buffer inside the top half. Yet realistic hopes of pushing for European qualification appear to be fading.</p> <p>An 11-point gap to the top six before this round looks increasingly daunting, particularly given Udinese’s season-long inconsistency. The margin underscores the difficulty of a late push for European places.</p> <p>The signs at the Bluenergy Stadium are not encouraging, with the Zebrette collecting just one win from their last six home league matches (1W, 2D, 3L). That return suggests they may struggle to capitalise on their latest success.</p> <p>The challenge is compounded by a poor recent record in this fixture, with Roma winning each of the last six head-to-head meetings (6W, 0D, 0L). The pattern reflects a clear head-to-head edge for the capital club in Udine.</p> <p>Roma have also been dominant in Udine, remaining unbeaten in 11 of the last 13 Serie A visits (9W, 2D, 0L). The record reinforces the challenge for Udinese.</p> <p>Injury concerns continue to hamper the hosts, with Adam Buksa, Jakub Piotrowski, Hassane Kamara and Rui Modesto sidelined. Alessandro Zanoli faces a lengthy absence after a knee injury sustained last week.</p> <p>Kosta Runjaić is expected to deploy a 3-5-2 formation. Arthur Atta and Keinan Davis are named in the attacking line.</p>

Roma

<p>Roma arrive for their second away assignment of the week after a demanding European trip to Greece. A hard-fought 1-1 draw against Panathinaikos secured direct qualification to the UEFA Europa League Round of 16.</p> <p>The result avoids the February play-offs, allowing Gian Piero Gasperini’s men to focus on domestic matters. The Giallorossi sit fourth on 43 points (14W, 1D, 7L).</p> <p>The league form has been encouraging, with three wins from their last five Serie A matches (LWWWD). They earned a 1-1 draw against AC Milan last weekend.</p> <p>Travel has often suited Roma this season, as they head into the round boasting the best away defensive record across Europe’s top five leagues (13 GA), conceding seven goals in 11 away matches. However, four defeats on the road underline that they are not without vulnerability (7W, 0D, 4L).</p> <p>The Giallorossi will be without Artem Dovbyk, Mario Hermoso and Stephan El Shaarawy due to injury, but they still possess enough quality to arrive in Udine full of confidence.</p> <p>Lorenzo Pellegrini may pair with Donyell Malen in attack in a 3-5-2 formation.</p>