Key Takeaways:
- Udinese secured a 1-0 home win against Roma in the 23rd round of Serie A
- Jürgen Ekkelenkamp scored the only goal in the 49th minute with a free kick deflected off the wall
- The result elevated Udinese to 9th place on 32 points, while Roma stayed 5th with 43 points
Match Analysis
Udinese clinched a narrow 1-0 victory over Roma in front of their home supporters in the 23rd round of Serie A, propelled by a set-piece strike that changed the course of the contest. Despite enjoying early chances through Arthur Ata and Umar Sowe, the hosts were unable to convert in the first half.
Key Moments and Player Performances
After the break, Udinese found their breakthrough in the 49th minute. Jürgen Ekkelenkamp stepped up for a free kick and, with a fortuitous deflection off the defensive wall, beat Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar to put the Zebras ahead.
#UdineseRoma 1-0
90+8 | What a night! ➕3⃣😍
#ForzaUdinese #AlèUdin pic.twitter.com/929I5DgutM— Udinese Calcio (@Udinese_1896) February 2, 2026
Roma sought a response but were largely stifled by a resolute Udinese defence. Their forward momentum produced few clear opportunities, with the hosts controlling proceedings for much of the second half. Donyell Malen managed a threatening attempt in the 73rd minute, but his effort was charged down by a defender before it could test Udinese’s Maduka Okoye.
Two further key moments saw Svilar keep Roma’s hopes alive: first in the 76th minute, denying Ekkelenkamp a second from another well-struck free kick, and again in the 87th minute, saving Idrissa Gueye’s shot from distance.
In the final minutes, Roma thought they had found an equaliser when Bryan Cristante put the ball in the net in the 90th minute; however, celebrations were cut short as the goal was ruled out for offside. In injury time, Okoye preserved Udinese’s lead with a crucial save from Cristante’s close-range effort.
Standings Implications
This result saw Udinese rise to 9th in the league with a tally of 32 points. Roma, meanwhile, remain in 5th position on 43 points after missing the chance to strengthen their grip on a European slot.
