Udinese’s 1-0 win over Roma — sealed by Jürgen Ekkelenkamp’s deflected free-kick — strengthens their home form and suggests value for punters on a Udinese home win or markets like under 2.5 goals and a narrow 1-0/2-1 correct score. Roma’s momentum is dented after their first league defeat since Jan. 3, so caution is advised when backing them away from home.
Udinese Edge Roma 1-0 as Deflected Free-Kick Proves Decisive
Match Report
Jürgen Ekkelenkamp’s right-foot free-kick clipped the top of the wall and wrong-footed goalkeeper Mile Svilar four minutes after the break, handing Udinese a 1-0 Serie A victory. The goal proved enough in a tight encounter that produced few clear-cut chances, with both teams struggling to break defensive lines for long spells.
Late Drama and Disallowed Equalizer
Roma thought they had salvaged a point when Bryan Cristante bundled home in the closing seconds, but the effort was ruled out for offside. That decision preserved Udinese’s slender lead and sparked relief among the home ranks as the final whistle confirmed the result.
Standings and Club Form
The win lifted Udinese above Bologna into ninth place, level on points with Lazio, and marked the club’s first consecutive home victories in the league since September. Roma remain fifth in the table and suffered their first league defeat since Jan. 3, ending a run of results that had built confidence.
Key Players and Tactical Notes
Ekkelenkamp’s set-piece execution made the difference in a match largely fought in midfield. Udinese defended compactly after taking the lead, inviting Roma to try wider and deeper combinations that ultimately failed to produce a meaningful finish. Roma’s attack lacked the penetration needed to unsettle Udinese’s low block.
Betting Implications
Udinese’s renewed home form and a low-scoring affair suggest value in markets such as Udinese to win or draw-no-bet at home and under 2.5 goals.
The match also supports narrow-scoreline bets (1-0 or 2-1) for upcoming fixtures, while punters should be cautious backing Roma away immediately after their first league loss in nearly two months.
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UDINE, Italy (AP) — Jürgen Ekkelenkamp’s deflected free kick early in the second half gave Udinese a 1-0 win over Roma in Serie A on Monday.
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