Four goals in 37 minutes put Roma firmly in control of their Halloween visit to Udinese, with Evan Ndicka heading home the fourth from a Matías Soulé corner. The 4-0 scoreline reported at that stage was a striking development in a fixture that Gian Piero Gasperini's side entered needing to win to maintain pressure on Inter and Lazio. Roma arrived with significant injuries, while their hosts were trying to escape a miserable opening to the Serie A season. The match offered an immediate test of whether Roma's younger players could deliver under pressure.
What the Tournament or Event Is
Udinese hosted Roma at the Bluenergy Stadium in Udine on Saturday, October 31, in Week 10 of the 2026-27 Italian Serie A season. Kickoff was scheduled for 18:00 Central European Time, or 17:00 GMT, with Fabio Moresca listed as referee.
Roma entered the match unbeaten after nine league fixtures and chasing joint leaders Inter and Lazio. Their previous outing brought a 4-2 victory over Cagliari, following three draws in four league matches.
Udinese faced a dramatically different challenge. Kosta Runjaic's team had collected just five points from nine matches, scoring nine goals and conceding 18. A goalless draw with Parma had interrupted six consecutive defeats, but the club remained under considerable pressure near the bottom of the standings.
The Main Contenders
Roma were the clear favourites on recent results, even without several established starters. Paulo Dybala, Manu Koné, goalkeeper Mile Svilar and Lorenzo Pellegrini were unavailable, while Gianluca Mancini was rested ahead of the Champions League visit to Manchester United.
Gasperini selected Donyell Malen in attack, supported by Soulé and 19-year-old Rodrigo Mora. Pierluigi Gollini started in goal, with Evan Ndicka, Daniele Ghilardi and Mario Hermoso forming the defensive line.
Soulé was an especially important attacking option. He had produced three goals and three assists across all competitions in 770 minutes, becoming increasingly influential while Dybala was unavailable.
Udinese relied on Keinan Davis and Nicolò Zaniolo, who was facing his former club. Runjaic had identified both players as essential despite their recent injury problems. Maduka Okoye retained his place in goal after saving Adrian Bernabé's penalty against Parma.
The Key Storylines to Watch
The biggest question before kickoff concerned Roma's ability to sustain their title challenge without several regular starters. Five teenagers were included in their 22-player travelling squad, including Emanuele Lulli, who had scored in consecutive Serie A appearances.
The first-half developments quickly shifted attention from Roma's injury problems to their attacking efficiency. Gazeta Express reported that Soulé delivered a corner in the 37th minute, allowing Ndicka to head into the top-right corner for a 4-0 advantage.
The BBC match statistics provide another perspective. Roma registered 54% possession against Udinese's 46%, but the teams were level on seven shots on target each in the published statistical snapshot. Udinese recorded 13 attempts to Roma's 12, demonstrating that possession and shooting volume alone did not explain the reported scoring margin.
Roma also struck the woodwork twice and completed 81 successful final-third passes, compared with Udinese's 67.
Schedule and Format
This was a regular-season Serie A fixture rather than a knockout match. The teams were competing for league points, with Roma seeking to remain close to the leading clubs and Udinese attempting to improve their relegation-threatened position.
The confirmed match details were:
- Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026.
- Venue: Bluenergy Stadium, Udine, Italy.
- Kickoff: 18:00 CET, 17:00 GMT.
- Competition: Serie A, Week 10.
- Referee: Fabio Moresca.
Roma also had a Champions League fixture away to Manchester United scheduled for the following Tuesday, adding another consideration to Gasperini's squad management.
What to Expect
Roma's reported four-goal advantage after 37 minutes placed them in a commanding position, although the supplied reports do not establish the final result. Their attacking performance was especially significant given the absence of Dybala and Pellegrini.
Udinese's challenge extended beyond this encounter. Runjaic had acknowledged the team's difficulty converting chances and emphasized the need for defensive improvement. Injuries to Oumar Solet, Vakoun Bayo, Alessandro Zanoli and David Alaba further restricted his options.
For Roma, the wider significance concerned their ability to maintain momentum in the title race while managing injuries and European commitments. For Udinese, the first-half deficit highlighted the urgency of addressing a defensive record that had already troubled them throughout the opening nine matches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the score between Udinese and Roma?
Roma were reported to be leading Udinese 4-0 in the 37th minute on October 31, 2026. Evan Ndicka scored the fourth goal with a header, but the supplied reports do not confirm the final score.
When did Udinese play Roma?
The Serie A Week 10 fixture was scheduled for Saturday, October 31, 2026. Kickoff took place at 18:00 CET at the Bluenergy Stadium in Udine.
Who scored Roma's fourth goal against Udinese?
Evan Ndicka scored Roma's fourth goal in the 37th minute, according to Gazeta Express. Matías Soulé supplied the corner that Ndicka headed into the top-right corner.
Which Roma players were unavailable against Udinese?
Paulo Dybala, Manu Koné, Mile Svilar and Lorenzo Pellegrini were unavailable. Gianluca Mancini was also rested ahead of Roma's Champions League match against Manchester United.
Who started in attack for Roma against Udinese?
Donyell Malen led Roma's attack, with Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora supporting him. Gasperini selected the trio despite the absence of several established players.