The Dramatic Turnaround: AS Roma’s Last-Gasp Victory over Udinese

AS Roma pulled off a dramatic victory against relegation-threatened Udinese with a last-gasp goal by Bryan Cristante. The match had initially been suspended for nearly two weeks after Evan Ndicka’s on-pitch collapse, but it finally reached its conclusion on Thursday. The game resumed with the score tied at 1-1 and culminated in Roma clinching a 2-1 win.

Unlike other leagues, Serie A allows matches to resume from the exact moment they were stopped. This unique rule enabled Roma and Udinese to pick up where they left off, with no need to replay the entire match. Luton Town’s Premier League fixture with Bournemouth, for instance, had to be played in full after a similar incident involving Tom Lockyer.

Bryan Cristante’s header in the dying seconds of stoppage time secured the victory for Roma. Romelu Lukaku had earlier equalized after Roberto Pereyra’s first-half opener, setting the stage for Cristante’s heroics. The win boosted Roma’s position in the Champions League race, solidifying their hold on the fifth spot in the standings.

Evan Ndicka, the player at the center of the initial incident, has been cleared to return to action following a series of tests. After collapsing on the pitch and showing signs of distress, Ndicka was conscious but in pain. He was discharged from the hospital the day after the incident occurred on April 14.

Udinese found themselves under the guidance of 2006 World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro for the first time during the rescheduled match. Cannavaro was appointed as the team’s manager just days before the match against Roma. Despite the loss, Udinese remain outside the relegation zone by goal difference, highlighting the importance of every match in their fight for survival.

AS Roma’s victory over Udinese not only showcased their resilience and determination but also highlighted the unpredictable nature of football. The twists and turns of the rescheduled match kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle, demonstrating the beauty and drama that make football such a captivating sport.