View from the Opposition: Legendary Italian commentator on Udinese

Born in Udine 82 years ago, Bruno Pizzul is an iconic of Italian football commentary. His voice is associated with so many memorable moments for the national team in his home commentary - from Roberto Baggio's miss in the 1994 World Cup final to Francesco Totti's exquisite finish against the Dutch in 2000.

A Torino fan at heart, his roots in Udine mean he also holds a soft spot for Udinese - who will be Roma's opponents on Saturday night (kick-off 20:45 CEST).

For Roma fans, Pizzul's voice is perhaps most associated with the European Cup final of 1984 - the penalty loss to Liverpool.

"The whole city was electric," Pizzul remembers. "Rome was just a sea of yellow and red.

"I just remember how much confidence and conviction there seemed to be within that team. If it had not been for a number of unfortunate breaks, that game could have gone so differently."

From Rome to Udine, then - where are Udinese’s issues right now?

“The situation is quite worrying. The Verona defeat was accepted because Udinese had turned in a decent performance, but against Spezia the team simply went missing and deserved to lose. They didn’t show that kind of passion and commitment you need when you’re a mid-table side or lower. That’s where Udinese are right now.

"The fans are dreaming of the days when the club used to qualify for Europe. The future of some players is up in the air too, particularly Rodrigo De Paul, who is the key man. If he leaves, things will start looking really bleak for Udinese.”

Are you worried about facing Roma?

“Even though they’re only one point ahead of us in the table, Roma are clearly a side with more motivation and better organisation than Udinese.”

Might we see Luca Gotti move away from the 3-5-2 formation he used against Spezia?

“It’s not about the system, but the players. Having said that, you do need to recognise the fact that there are a few players missing, many of them in the crucial central midfield position. It’s that volante role, as it’s known in South America. I’m thinking of Mato Jajalo and Walace.”

Do you think Roma have strengthened in the transfer window?

“Roma have improved. The signings of Pedro and Marash Kumbulla have improved the technical standard of the squad, plus at some point they will get Nicolo Zaniolo back. I think Paulo Fonseca has adopted the right system for the squad, with two players like Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Pedro providing the support to Edin Dzeko. Roma are a very, very dangerous side. They deserved to get the win against Verona.”

Roma’s new owners, Dan and Ryan Friedkin, were at the Stadio Bentegodi for that game. Does their presence give the team a boost?

“Absolutely. We still need to get used to foreign presidents, but this new American ownership is already showing its support for the players. I’m sure the fruits of that approach will soon begin to be seen, along with developments regarding the new stadium. As I understand it, the stadium is a priority for Dan and Ryan Friedkin too.”

How important is it for a club to own its own stadium?

“It’s fundamentally important in every way, but especially in financial terms. Stadiums aren’t just venues where football matches are held. They’re venues for lots of other events too and can give clubs a financial advantage.”

Coming back to Saturday’s game, if the Udinese fans could take one player from Roma, who would they choose?

“All of them. If you go through the teams, all of Roma’s players are better. Apart from De Paul.”

What’s your score prediction?

“Roma will win 2-1.”