Five Things We Learned: Grinding it out again on the road

Radja Nainggolan’s 12th minute goal was the difference between the two sides, as he finished expertly from Kevin Strootman’s expertly-placed pass. The defensive unit then took over, ensuring Luciano Spalletti’s side saw out the contest and picked up a second successive 1-0 away triumph.

Here are some of the key aspects of the win at the Dacia Arena.

Strength in depth evident in resolute display

In the absence of the injured Diego Perotti, along with the suspended Daniele De Rossi and Antonio Rudiger, Roma's strength of depth shone through brightly in their win over Udinese. The three men to come in for the aforementioned trio certainly didn't disappoint, as Stephan El Shaarawy, Leandro Paredes and Kostas Manolas all put in important shifts.

Considering that Mohamed Salah is also away due to the Africa Cup of Nations, it's a real credit to not only the quality but the brilliant attitude of the squad, which has been so expertly cultivated by Luciano Spalletti.

Kevin Strootman summed this up aptly in his post match comments: "Everyone played well today. We had to make three changes from last week because Daniele, Toni [Rudiger] and Diego were all missing, but all the players performed well. We’re a strong team and we need to show that on the pitch, both home and away. We’ve started the year well."

Nainggolan’s tactical intelligence proves key

Roma's all-action midfield powerhouse was at his game-changing best throughout his side's 1-0 win. While the highlight of his performance was his sublimely-struck first time volley, following Strootman's perfect through ball, Nainggolan also gave the Giallorossi great balance and structure.

His positioning saw him act as a crucial conduit through which Roma could connect their attacks. Whether by being in close proximity to Edin Dzeko when he received possession, drifting left to combine with El Shaarawy, or pushing right to support Bruno Peres, Nainggolan's selfless movement constantly gave his teammates vital options.

Positional structure allows for smooth – albeit not perfect – distribution

In situations where the Giallorossi were attempting to pass out from the back, Spalletti's decision to play with three at the back, parlayed with the clever instructions that accompanied this, provided Roma with a terrific platform to progress upfield.

Kostas Manolas and Juan Jesus, Roma's two outside central defenders, would split wide, while Federico Fazio stayed central in the first line to stretch out Udinese's frontline defence effectively. In addition, Strootman and Paredes would drop deep from central midfield and serve as additional passing options, as Peres and Emerson Palmieri would supply further wide outlets in more advanced areas. This layered setup, that often saw Roma outnumber the Zebrette 5-on-2 or 4-on-2 in these instances, was something that saw them easily disrupt and bypass the home team's stopping efforts.

Although Spalletti was happy with this, he did note that he believed the wide central defenders could've hurt Luigi Delneri's outfit more if they had been slightly more adventurous, insisting: "I want the defenders to participate with our general play more, particular the two wider defenders, Manolas and Jesus in this case.

“They need to help us take the opposition’s midfield out of the game by contributing to our domination of possession and initiating moves. If all three of them hang back, we’re unable to get that numerical advantage in the opposing half.”

Paredes exudes class in the middle

Stepping in for the suspended De Rossi, Paredes showed why he's such a fantastic footballer, who can really influence matches with his classy set of attributes. The Argentine's value when Roma have possession is usually where he's most dangerous, and this was precisely the case against Udinese, as his composure on the ball and ability to make coherent decisions shone.

Adept at either circulation possession to ensure ball retention or playing more expansive, line-breaking passes, Paredes’ vision and creativity from deep gave Roma another dimension in the centre of the pitch.

In addition, his composure, which saw him show fine resistance to pressure, and his pinpoint diagonal switches of play only added to his polished body of work.

Szczesny shines again

Wojciech Szczesny was again on hand to make a number of superb saves, in a match where he completed five vital saves. The Pole's capacity to keep out shots that appeared destined for the back of the net and remarkable consistency have been crucial towards Roma conceding just 18 goals in their 20 Serie A matches.

Furthermore, aside from obtaining his eighth clean sheet of the season, his judgement, command of his area and positioning was flawless. Indeed, it is worthwhile to note the fact he's claiming 96% of all crosses and set-pieces he's faced this campaign, an impressive record.

“It’s a good feeling [to keep another clean sheet],” said a delighted Szczesny after the victory. “The most important thing I think today is the three points, and not necessarily that we didn’t concede a goal, but for me as a goalkeeper it’s always a good feeling.

“I am happy the Mister believes in me, but at the end of the day I have to go out on the pitch and perform to show that he is right. I have to ensure I at least keep it going – but hopefully even improve my performances.”