Roma slipped to a 1-0 defeat against Udinese in Serie A, missing the chance to return to the top four. Jurgen Ekkelenkamp’s deflected free-kick early in the second half decided a tight match at Bluenergy Stadium. Roma have now gone three matches without a win in all competitions.
The visitors appeared to rescue a point in the final minute of normal time when Bryan Cristante scored. However, the goal was disallowed after Kostas Tsimikas was judged offside in the build-up. Gianluca Mancini then went close deep into stoppage time, but Maduka Okoye’s fingertip stop protected Udinese’s narrow advantage.
Earlier in the match, Udinese threatened first, testing Mile Svilar twice in the eighth minute from distance. Arthur Atta and Ekkelenkamp both tried
long-range efforts, but the Roma goalkeeper reacted well. Liam Miller later fired over for the hosts, underlining how most clear sights of goal were limited.
Roma struggled to create many clear chances from open play, despite long spells of possession. The match remained tight, with both teams careful not to leave space in behind. Roma pushed extra players forward late on, yet Udinese’s compact defence and Okoye’s key save proved decisive.
Undoubtedly, it is never easy to play against Udinese,Gasperini told Sky Sport Italia.
| Full time: defeat in Udine#ASRoma #UdineseRoma pic.twitter.com/q5SgT6Ki0kAS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) February 2, 2026
We lacked precision in the final third, were unlucky by a few centimetres at the end and the goal we conceded showed luck was not on our side this evening. It was a very closed match, they too only had a couple of long-range attempts, otherwise it was difficult for both teams to build something. We were looking to do more and we didnt manage it, but when you have five or six men in the box, that is a chance, even if we didnt get the finish away. I feel like we did more in that sense. Nonetheless, we leave with our heads held high, and with the strength to keep improving ourselves.
The defeat continues a difficult spell for Roma away from home in Serie A. Roma have now lost four of the last six league matches on the road, after previously suffering only four defeats in 19 such away games. Recent results underline a clear drop from earlier consistency.
Roma leave Udine frustrated after a match shaped by fine margins at both ends. Defensive organisation limited chances on each side, yet Ekkelenkamp’s deflected set piece separated the teams. With the top four race tight, Roma must quickly respond, especially away from home, to avoid further ground lost.
