Guidolin seeks end to Roma hoodoo

Udinese coach Francesco Guidolin admits beating Roma has become a personal vendetta for him ahead of Friday’s match in Udine.

The 55-year-old has had little success against the capital club throughout his managerial career, which has seen him in charge of Palermo, Genoa and Parma among others, and he is determined to reverse that run on Friday.

“They’re the team against which I’ve gained the least amount of points in my whole career,” Guidolin said.

“I have a memory of a victory when I coached Palermo, a couple of draws when I was in Vicenza and Palermo again.”

“I don’t like this sort of thing, I’ve never looked at statistics, but I have the feeling Roma are a frustrating opponent for me, even if it just a statistic.”

Despite only winning two of their last five games Udinese could return to the top of Serie A with a win, albeit only for a short while.

They will be looking to recreate their early season form, when they went unbeaten for 11 matches in all competitions.

Roma head coach Luis Enrique, meanwhile, praised Udinese’s set-up as his side look to close the four-point gap that separates the teams with a third successive win.

“I’m a fan of how Udinese operate,” Enrique said. “I’m pleased how well Udinese is working, their scouting network, their squad, which is the youngest in Serie A, but most importantly the way they work.”

“I’m really interested in it and curious to see what we will do against them.”