AS Roma move top of Serie A with victory over Udinese

AS Roma climbed to the summit of Serie A with a 2-0 home triumph over Udinese on Sunday, courtesy of goals from Lorenzo Pellegrini and Zeki Celik.

The capital club now occupy sole possession of top spot on 24 points. AC Milan and Napoli trail by two points, while Inter Milan sit fourth on 21 and were scheduled to play later on Sunday with the opportunity to draw level with Roma.

Following a largely balanced encounter, Roma seized the advantage three minutes before halftime when Udinese's Hassane Kamara handled the ball inside the penalty area, enabling Pellegrini to convert from the penalty spot.

Celik extended the hosts' cushion in the 61st minute. After initially playing Gianluca Mancini into space inside the box, Celik received the return pass and finished with composure.

Udinese pressed to find a route back into the contest, with Vakoun Bayo rising to meet a cross with a powerful header that compelled Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar to stretch and divert it away with his fingertips.

Just before the final whistle, Arthur Atta came close to reducing the margin, but his effort struck the woodwork and bounced out.

SportsLigue