Rome - the wrecking ball

Roma further enhanced their title credentials by beating Udinese 1-0 at Estadio Friuli thanks to a late goal from Michael Bradley.
The Giallorossi's 100 per cent record in Serie A this season was under threat when Maicon was sent off for a second yellow card with the scores deadlocked at 0-0, but the American struck eight minutes from time after good work from Kevin Strootman to seal an invaluable three points.

The result made it nine wins from nine matches for the league leaders, despite the absence of Francesco Totti and Gervinho through injury, and coach Rudi Garcia was delighted at his side's resilience in a tense afternoon in Udine.

"It's true that winning in this very difficult arena is impressive, as Udinese were unbeaten here in over a year," he told Sky Sports Italia after the match.

"Especially when down to 10 men this victory is very important for us and will be for our future too. We had to remain dangerous and work even harder, playing to win even when a man down, and that is a good sign.

"The goal was wonderful, especially with that move when down to 10 men. More than in other games, today we needed fresh legs off the bench like Bradley and Marquinho."

The victory restores Roma's five point lead over Napoli and Juventus at the top of the table following wins for the Partenopei and Scudetto holders on Sunday.


/Goal.Com/