Roma vs Udinese: Lineups, Stats & Key Matchups

AS Roma hosts Udinese at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday, November 9th, 2025, in a crucial Serie A fixture coming off the back of a Europa League win. This encounter sees Roma looking to build momentum while Udinese, shorthanded through injury, faces a significant physical challenge against a Giallorossi side buoyed by recent offensive efficiency.

Roma's Predicted Lineup: Fresh Faces in Attack

After the midweek triumph over Rangers, manager Daniele De Rossi is expected to make strategic rotations while maintaining a potent attacking core. The most significant news is the likely retention of the forward combination that delivered against Scottish opposition: Artem Dovbyk leading the line, supported by Lorenzo Pellegrini and Matías Soulé, who both found the net in Glasgow.

In midfield, expect Manu Koné to return to the starting lineup, replacing Neil El Aynaoui who drops to the bench after featuring extensively in Europe. Koné partners the ever-reliable Bryan Cristante. Defensively, Kostas Tsimikas, who started on the left in midweek, makes way for Wesley. This change sees Zeki Çelik move to the right wingback slot, allowing Mario Hermoso to come into the back three alongside Gianluca Mancini and Evan Ndicka. Ángelño remains sidelined, continuing a spell on the sidelines.

Probable Roma Formation (3-4-2-1):

• Goalkeeper: Mile Svilar
• Defense: Evan Ndicka, Gianluca Mancini, Mario Hermoso
• Midfield: Wesley, Manu Koné, Bryan Cristante, Zeki Çelik
• Attacking Midfield: Matías Soulé, Lorenzo Pellegrini
• Striker: Artem Dovbyk

Udinese: Physical Battle Despite Attack Woes

Udinese arrives in the capital facing a significant challenge with key attackers Paulo Dybala, Evan Ferguson, and Leon Bailey all ruled out through injury. This severely limits their attacking options under manager Igor Tudor. However, the Zebrette present a unique threat: sheer physicality. Udinese boasts one of the tallest squads in Serie A, with a reported 33cm average height advantage over Roma in the probable lineups. Players like Ekkelenkamp (188cm), Kabasele (188cm), Atta (191cm), and Ehizibue (191cm) look to dominate aerial duels and physical contests.

This physical style is reflected in their league stats. Udinese is currently third in the league for aerial duels won per game (17.2), just ahead of Roma (16.5). They also average 16 tackles per match, indicating a proactive approach to winning the ball back and launching attacks. While their finishing efficiency (17% shots converted) is slightly better than Roma's (7%), their overall output (12 goals in 10 games) ranks 9th in Serie A. Their defense has been leaky, conceding 15 goals (16th in the league).

Key Players & Matchups to Watch

Roma's attacking trio of Dovbyk, Pellegrini, and Soulé will be crucial. Their midweek performance, scoring twice from just three shots on target, hinted at improved efficiency after a season of struggles (53 shots, 10 goals). Can they replicate that against a robust Udinese defense?

For Udinese, Arthur Atta is a player to watch. The young forward carries odds of +675 to score anytime against Roma. While his expected goals (xG) are low (0.0), matching his single goal tally, he averages 1.3 shots per match and has registered an assist this season. He will be a key outlet in a potentially depleted attack.

The physical battle in midfield and defense will be pivotal. Can Roma's backline, particularly the aerially challenged Ndicka and Mancini, cope with Udinese's height? And can Roma's midfield of Koné and Cristante assert control against Udinese's high-pressing, tackle-hungry approach?

Head-to-Head & Context

Roma enters the match sitting 7th in Serie A with a +5 goal differential (+5), having scored 10 goals but conceded just 5 (best defensive record). Udinese sits 12th with a -3 differential (+12 scored, -15 conceded). Roma's recent 1-0 loss at AC Milan broke a strong run, while Udinese secured a vital 1-0 win over Atalanta.

Adding spice to the encounter is the return of Niccolò Zaniolo to Roma's squad. His exuberant celebration against his former club Udinese last season was controversial, and he'll be keen to make an impact on his return to the Olimpico.

This match promises to be a fascinating clash of styles: Roma's evolving attack seeking fluidity against Udinese's physical, direct approach. With an international break looming, both teams will be desperate for a win to head into it with positive momentum.