Udinese stunned Roma 1-0 as Jurgen Ekkelenkamp’s deflected free-kick decided a tight Serie A clash. Roma created chances but struggled to finish and saw fresh injury setbacks. Betting note: expect a low-scoring pattern — under 2.5 goals looks sensible and consider small stakes on Udinese or a draw-no-bet when backing Roma away until injuries ease.
Udinese 1-0 Roma — Ekkelenkamp’s Deflected Free-kick Secures Surprise Serie A Win
Match summary
Udinese produced a gritty, low-scoring victory over Roma as Jurgen Ekkelenkamp’s free-kick took a huge deflection off Donyell Malen in the wall and looped over Mile Svilar early in the second half. Roma pushed late and tested goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, but could not find a leveller and left the Dacia Arena empty-handed.
Key moments
Ekkelenkamp’s 49th-minute set-piece proved decisive after a physical first half that featured two key saves by Okoye and early interventions from Roma defenders. Keinan Davis looked dangerous until pulling up injured; his departure was a blow to Udinese’s attacking threat, but the home side held on. Roma thought they had equalised in stoppage time when Bryan Cristante bundled the ball over the line, but the flag for offside stood.
Tactical takeaways
Udinese defended compactly and relied on quick counters; their midfield pressed Roma’s build-up and limited space between the lines. Roma created openings but lacked clinical finishing and cutting movement in the box. Set-piece delivery proved decisive — a reminder that tight Serie A matches often swing on small moments.
Injuries and squad news
Udinese were hit by a serious blow with Alessandro Zanoli ruled out for the season with a torn ACL. Keinan Davis left the field with a thigh problem during the match. Roma continue to manage absences; several regulars missed the trip and the squad’s fitness issues might affect away form in the coming weeks. Ex-Roma player Nicolò Zaniolo returned to the bench for Udinese after knee surgery.
Implications for Roma
The defeat halts Roma’s recent positive run and raises questions about depth and finishing quality, especially on the road. Persistent injuries mean the side may struggle to find consistent form until key players return.
Betting outlook
This match underlines a tendency toward low-scoring affairs when Roma travel with a weakened squad. Punters should consider markets like under 2.5 goals or both teams not to score in similar fixtures. With Roma hampered by injuries, small stakes on Udinese or a draw-no-bet on the home side could offer value until Roma’s fitness improves.
Starting lineups (selected)
Udinese: Maduka Okoye; Jordan Zemura, Kingsley Ehizibue, Niccolò Bertola, Oumar Solet; Arthur Atta, Jesper Karlström, Jurgen Ekkelenkamp; Lennon Miller; Keinan Davis, Matías Soulé.
Roma: Mile Svilar; Evan Ndicka, Gianluca Mancini, Mario Hermoso; Wesley, Zeki Çelik; Bryan Cristante, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Neil El Aynaoui; Donyell Malen, Matías Soulé (attack rotation noted).
Match facts
Final score: Udinese 1-0 Roma Goal: Ekkelenkamp 49' (deflected) Venue: Dacia Arena — Serie A Matchday 23
If you want a concise betting checklist or projected odds based on this result, I can produce one.
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