Roma hit five at Udinese to keep Serie A leaders in sight

Roma moved to within one point of Serie A leaders Inter Milan and Lazio after a 5-2 victory away to Udinese on Saturday.

The result lifted Gian Piero Gasperini’s side to 24 points from 10 matches, leaving them third in the table. Udinese remain second from bottom on five points after suffering another heavy defeat during one of their poorest periods of the season.

Roma took control in the 10th minute when Bryan Cristante headed in Wesley’s cross. The visitors then went close to extending their advantage twice, but attempts from Matias Soule and Donyell Malen struck the woodwork.

Their second goal arrived in the 32nd minute. Cristante turned provider, threading a pass into the penalty area for Rodrigo Mora, who finished to increase Roma’s lead.

Two minutes later, Malen made it 3-0. He collected a pass from Soule, brought the ball under control and sent a left-footed finish into the net.

Roma added a fourth before half-time. Soule’s corner found Evan Ndicka, who headed past the Udinese defence in the 38th minute. The home supporters responded with whistles directed at their own players inside Bluenergy Stadium.

Roma eased off after the interval, having established a commanding advantage, while Gasperini made several changes to give some of his players a rest. The drop in intensity allowed Udinese to regain the initiative and search for a way back into the match.

Their first goal came in the 50th minute through Nicolo Zaniolo, who scored against his former club. Lennon Miller’s effort from outside the penalty area took a deflection and forced Gollini into a save, but Zaniolo reacted quickest to turn in the rebound.

Udinese reduced the deficit further in the 78th minute. Matteo Palma met a loose ball after Hassane Kamara’s attempted clearance and struck it first time, producing an excellent finish into the net.

Unai Gomez almost brought the hosts within one goal six minutes later, but his powerful attempt went narrowly wide of the right-hand post. Gollini had to dive across to follow the effort.

Udinese’s attempted comeback ultimately faded, and Roma secured the final goal in the second minute of stoppage time. Daniele Ghilardi advanced from defence after receiving a pass from Castro before firing a powerful shot into the net to complete the scoring.