AS Roma vs Udinese, Preview: Zeman Mania running wild in Rome
We’ve seen the good, the bad and the ugly. Just like Lady Gaga, no-one knows which Roma are going to turn up until showtime.
Dino Panato
The Poker Face of Zdenek Zeman is as good as anybody’s. No-one knows what the chain smoking Czech will do next. No player is immune from the chop either.
A spell in the naughty corner for Daniele De Rossi and Pablo Daniel Osvaldo was bold, brash and a masterstroke. The duo have since returned for both club and country with matchwinning performances. Zeman has stated he now has the "real" De Rossi and Osvaldo back, while lamenting, "unfortunately, I didn't have them earlier."
Outside of Zeman land, Udinese arrive in the capital with their resources stretched and tails down.
It's certainly been a mixed week for the Friulani. They got by promoted Pescara last weekend, despite playing an hour with ten men, yet crashed 3-1 at Young Boys in the Europa League. Fans looking for a repeat of the Zebrette's performance at Anfield wasted their air miles.
Udinese have been rather shot-shy, yet for a team that lies 12th have kept it relatively tight at the other end. Roma have risen to fifth, but have just a solitary home victory to their name this season. Udinese remain winless on the road and lost last season’s corresponding fixture 3-1.
Roma injuries and suspensions
Out: Mattia Destro, Federico Balzaretti, Bogdan Lobont, Rodrigo Taddei (injured)
Udinese injuries and suspensions
Out: Muriel, Dusan Basta, Giovanni Pasquale and Giampiero Pinzi (injured)
Danilo (suspended)
Match Date/Time: Sunday 28th October 2012 at 8:45 p.m. local, 3:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy
TV: Premium Calcio, Sky Calcio 2 (Italy); RAI Internazionale, (U.S & Canada)
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