Udinese, who play Salernitana on Wednesday in the Coppa Italia, are looking to bounce back after their unbeaten run came to an end over the weekend.
The victor of the teams' second-round match will advance to the round of 16, where they will travel to San Siro to face Italian champions Inter Milan.
Prior to taking on Roma, a crisis team in Serie A that had just fired a club hero and was the target of angry supporters, Udinese were riding high at the top of the table following three straight victories.
The Bianconeri had equaled their greatest start to a top-flight season with 10 points, seven more than their hosts. However, their form was ultimately in vain as they lost 3-0 at Stadio Olimpico.
Still, Kosta Runjaic's team is third in the standings, and compared to the terrible relegation struggle of the previous season, things are going well under their new coach.
After a first-round stalemate with Bologna, the Friulani had already defeated Como, Lazio, and Parma. They had also easily advanced through the Coppa Italia first round.
Early last month, Udinese defeated Avellino 4-0, and four forwards—Brenner, Lorenzo Lucca, Keinan Davis, and Florian Thauvin—scored—giving a preview of what was to come this season.
Salernitana was likewise in the struggle to stay in Serie A only a few months prior, but they eventually dropped down into Italy's second division.
The Granata have only won twice in their first campaign for promotion back to the top division, despite defeating Spezia in the Coppa Italia on penalties. Despite this, they have not been able to adjust to life in Serie B.
The team led by Giovanni Martusciello is now in 15th place in the standings after their goalless draw against Reggiana on Saturday. Although it might be taking some time for the significantly altered team to adjust to its new leadership, Salerno fans are impatient.
Salernitana would undoubtedly benefit from a cup upset on Wednesday, but they have only gained one point away from home thus far, making them underdogs to win that exciting matchup against Inter in the round of sixteen.
