Gasperini warning for Roma: ‘Udinese dangerous on counter-attack’

Gian Piero Gasperini warns Udinese are ‘particularly good at defending and going on the counter,’ so Roma must be on their toes today as they go for top spot.

It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 17.00 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s five Serie A games on the Liveblog.

The Giallorossi got back on track with Thursday’s 2-0 Europa League victory away to Glasgow Rangers, but are still feeling the effects of that 1-0 Serie A defeat to AC Milan.

It wasn’t just the result that stung, as Paulo Dybala pulled a thigh muscle when missing a penalty, and is ruled out along with Leon Bailey, Evan Ferguson and Angelino.

“Changes are made partly out of necessity, partly through choice. Udinese are a side who are particularly good at defending and going on the counter, so we must be aware of that,” Gasperini told Sky Sport Italia.

“They are a very physical side, but we certainly have no fear about that. Many teams in Serie A raised the level and have become very difficult to beat, so every game has its hidden dangers. At the same time, we have great enthusiasm and will try to get a good result today.”

There is a huge opportunity to take top spot in the Serie A table, as Milan were held to a draw by Parma, while Napoli fell to a 2-0 defeat against Bologna.

Bryan Cristante and Gianluca Mancini have been recalled by coach Gennaro Gattuso for Italy duty thanks to their performances at Roma.

“I already worked with them many years ago, but they have matured so much since then as players and people. The strength of this Roma squad is its unity, everyone stands up and there are many leaders,” assured Gasperini.