Oumar Solet is still the key uncertainty in the build-up to Udinese's meeting with AS Roma, and he is due a decisive fitness test today. Udinese vs AS Roma comes at a point when Kosta Runjaic needs a steadier back line, while Roma arrive with seven goals across their last two Serie A matches and Donyell Malen in strong scoring form.

Solet's late test and Udinese's defensive problem

Solet missed the matches against Milan and Parma because of a left groin muscle problem, and his absence has left Udinese short of continuity in a defence that has been under pressure. Maduka Okoye is another name in the squad, but the main issue for Runjaic is whether Solet can return in time to help organise the line in front of him.

The wider numbers point in the same direction. Udinese sit 17th in Serie A with five points after nine matches, and they have failed to score in three consecutive games while managing only one goal in their last four league fixtures. Their last five league results have brought one draw and four defeats, which is the kind of run that makes a late defensive boost feel important rather than optional.

Roma's attacking edge

Roma's recent output is a different story. They are third in Serie A with 21 points after nine matches, and they have scored seven goals in their last two league games, a 4-2 win over Cagliari and a 3-3 draw with Napoli. Malen has been the standout there, with seven Serie A goals in eight appearances this season.

David Alaba is expected to wait until after the break, with a return targeted for Sunday 22 November in Bologna, so he will not be part of the immediate picture for either side of this game. That leaves Udinese with a straightforward choice at the back, get Solet through the test and hope the defence settles, or go into the match without one of the few players who can change their organisation quickly.

The contest starts with Solet's fitness and ends with how much pressure Udinese can absorb against a Roma attack that has found goals quickly over the last two league games.

Written by Daniel Hartley with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 3 outlets. How we work →