Roma Defeats Udinese 2-0: Pellegrini's Penalty And Celik's Goal Propel Team To Serie A Summit

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Roma ascended to the top of Serie A with a 2-0 victory over Udinese at Stadio Olimpico. Goals from Lorenzo Pellegrini and Zeki Celik in each half secured the win. With AC Milan dropping points against Parma and Napoli losing to Bologna, Roma capitalised to lead by two points. Inter could reclaim the top spot if they beat Lazio later on Sunday.

Roma's early momentum saw Manu Kone challenge Maduka Okoye in the 13th minute. However, clear opportunities were scarce for the hosts as they sought an opener. A turning point came three minutes before halftime when Hassane Kamar's handball gave Roma a penalty. Pellegrini converted it, sending Okoye the wrong way and finding the bottom-right corner.

After halftime, Udinese showed promise with Adam Buksa testing Mile Svilar. Yet, Roma extended their lead just after the hour mark through Celik's well-executed finish. The Giallorossi's performance was reflected in their expected goals (xG) tally of 1.56 from 13 shots, compared to Udinese's 1.12 from 10 attempts.

Pellegrini has been crucial this season, scoring twice in seven appearances, matching his tally from last season's 25 matches. Since his first Serie A goal in December 2015, he leads Italian midfielders with 47 league goals. Roma's strong start under Gasperini has fans hopeful for their first Scudetto since 2000-01.

This season marks the sixth time Roma have accumulated at least 24 points in their first 11 games during the three-points-per-win era. In previous instances, they finished within the top three, most recently securing third place in the 2017-18 campaign.

Their current form suggests a promising season ahead as they aim to maintain their position at the summit of Italian football.