Serie A resumes with a unique fixture
Thursday night marks the return of Serie A action, but in a highly unusual fashion—a significantly shortened match.
Udinese vs. AS Roma which was abandoned in the 72nd minute on the 14th of April, 2024, will resume play today, lasting only 18 minutes plus any stoppage time.
Background of the shortened match in Serie A
The reason behind this shortened match dates back to April 14 when the original fixture was abandoned after 72 minutes due to Roma defender Evan Ndicka collapsing on the pitch, as reported by Sports Buddy in previous news.
After receiving medical attention, Ndicka was discharged from the hospital the following day. He has since undergone a series of tests and has been cleared to resume sporting activity.
According to Daily Mail, the Giallorossi releaased a statement saying, ”Ndicka underwent a series of cardiologic and third level pulmonary tests.
”Tests conducted confirmed the absence of cardiac pathologies and the healing of the minimal pneumothorax that occurred during the match.
”The player is therefore fit for resuming sports activity that will be monitored in the following days.”
Team changes and player exclusions
With both teams consenting to conclude the match, we find ourselves in the peculiar situation of this resumption.
Both sides have the liberty to make significant changes to their starting lineups for this fixture. However, players who were substituted off during the initial 72 minutes of the game are ineligible to participate. This ruling affects Kingsley Ehizibue and Hassane Kamara for Udinese, as well as Dean Huijsen and Houssem Aouar for Roma.
Additionally, Roma will be missing the now-injured Romelu Lukaku, who scored in the original fixture. Nonetheless, they can rely on Sardar Azmoun and Paulo Dybala to help fill the void in attack.
In the league standings, Udinese currently occupy 17th place in Serie A, just above the relegation zone on goal difference. On the other hand, Roma sits in fifth place, trailing seven points behind fourth position—the final Champions League qualification spot for the next season.
