Roma – Udinese 1-0

This Roma of Mourinho is able to play well, to dominate the games, but also to suffer and bring home the games with difficulty, with the last strength, with the balls in the stands and the BALLS inside the underwear.

Udinese wants to "read the moments of the match" as Gotti says in the pre-match and starts with 532, all in defense. In reality he would also try to break, but it is the technical quality of Roma that puts them in the corner. The disciplined line-up and a bit of luck of the Friulians keep the game at 0-0. Roma hits two poles with Mkhi and Zaniolo, but fails to break through. The key moment is when Mancini comes out with a bleeding wound in the face. With Roma in 10, Udinese becomes more bold and Roma can hit on the counterattack with a stubborn and insistent run by Calafiori (repeatedly held back by Molina), who then puts in the middle for Abraham who scores the 1-0 of heel.

We start the second half with a constant possession with slow tempo and a thread of gas, but in the same way we go to reserve. Udinese notices and attacks, but we are holding on well. There are several players who have played almost always (Cristante, Karsdorp, Veretout and Pellegrini). We arrive at the end very tired with the red card for Pellegrini (very questionable, but I don't think there is any way to appeal). We bring home the 3 points, but with a lot, too much effort. For the next games, Mou must necessarily give more confidence to some reserves such as Bove, Carles Perez, Darboe, Diawara and Kumbulla.

If one thinks of Ranieri replacing De Rossi and Totti and taking home a historic derby in 09-10 for 1-2 and the red cards of the DDR, he can consider the disqualification of Pellegrini as a fortune, also because the Captain is very tired and needs rest. Romans often feel the derby too much. And this is not always good.

If Athens cries, Sparta does not laugh. Lazio have everyone available, but in the last 3 games they have made 2 draws and 1 lost. We both arrive with water in our throats, perhaps with us a little favored for the best table (12-8). This worries me the most. We absolutely must not feel favored. We absolutely have to face the derby like going to a war. Ready for battle. With the same attitude that Mancini had, one of our leaders, who played despite a bleeding wound in the face. With the same attitude that the Roma fans had, tireless in supporting the team. They are also part of the team. They too will fight with voice and applause in the derby. Daje Roma!

Giordano Sepi