Roma's Scudetto Bid Hangs on Saturday's Clash at Udinese
A win for Gian Piero Gasperini's side would narrow the gap to league leaders Lazio and Inter to four points, echoing a historic 2002 match.
By Giulia Marshall ·
Udinese hosts AS Roma on Saturday at the Bluenergy Stadium in Udine, Italy. The match, scheduled for 1 p.m. ET, carries weight for both clubs as they compete in Serie A.
AS Roma sits four points behind league leaders Lazio and Inter. A victory for the Giallorossi would close that gap. This outcome could also determine the future of Udinese manager Kosta Runjaic. The fixture arrives on the same day as the Derby della Madonnina, making the stakes higher for Roma.
The matchup recalls a specific moment from October 2, 2002. At the Stadio Olimpico, Francesco Totti scored two goals against Udinese. One of those strikes remains a defining image for Roma supporters. Totti, who retired in 2017, spent his entire career with the club.
Totti finished his tenure with 307 goals in 786 appearances. He also helped Roma win the 2000-01 Serie A title, the most recent league championship for the team. His status as one of the most recognizable Italian players is tied to these achievements.
In a conversation with Corriere dello Sport, Totti described the 2002 goal as one of his finest. He noted it ranks alongside his goals against Genoa, Inter, and in the derby. He detailed the sequence of play during that match.
Totti explained that Gabriel Batistuta chipped the ball over the goalkeeper. Totti controlled the pass with his head. With his back to the goal where De Sanctis was positioned, Totti struck a volley on the half-bounce. The ball went into the top corner at the far post. He could not recall if Bertotto was marking him at that moment.
Betting odds for Saturday's match list AS Roma as the favorite at -198. Udinese carries odds of +448, while a draw is set at +337. The game will air on CBS, with full season coverage available on Paramount+.
