Match Thoughts: Udinese vs. Roma

As far as Serie A goes, I'm an Inter supporter. Despite this, I try to never miss a chance to see Roma play. Why, you ask? Francesco Totti. Totti's history has been rocky to be sure, but he's Roma's talisman, and when he's on, which he was today, he can win you a match.

Things didn't start well for the Giallorossi. Udinese was all over the ball through much of the first half, including a couple really nice chances on goal. Even more unfortunate for Roma, Doni looked really uneasy in goal. He bungled a couple of balls and barely saved a strike from Cassetti that would have resulted in a Roma own goal. One must think that had Udinese had Sanchez in the match, they might have taken advantage of some of these first half chances.

The second half started with the sides still knotted at zero. Udinese jumped on possession again, but Totti and Roma seemed to steel themselves a bit at half time, and started to turn things around. Vucinic in particular missed a glowing chance at goal after fielding a long ball.

Roma finally struck in the 56th minute. Pizarro earned a PK after being taken down in the area. Totti lined up over the spot and chipped the shot in past the diving Udinese keeper. How cheeky indeed!

Udinese didn't give up though. They didn't have Sanchez, but they did have Di Natale, Serie A's current top scorer, and just when things looked grim for the home side, he struck, putting the ball off his left foot past Doni in the 88th minute to equalize and send the home supporters into a frenzy. Udinese even looked to be the hunt for a winner going into stoppage time.

It was not be though, thanks to Totti. Udinese had the potential winner called back for handball in the final minute, and in the drama, Totti and Roma burst up the pitch. On the last kick of the match, Totti pounded the ball into the back of the net sealing all 3 points and a dramatic victory for Roma.

This match had massive consequences for the fourth and final Serie A spot in next year's Champions League. The win pulled Roma to within 3 points of Udinese for that spot, and Udinese seems to have tougher schedule left to go.