Bryan Cristante was delighted with his 95th minute winner for Roma in their 18-minute match against Udinese on Thursday evening, but he believes that the most important aspect of the trip to Udine was securing three points and fifth place in the Serie A standings.
Roma fielded an attacking line-up on the night, with two centre forwards in Tammy Abraham and Sardar Azmoun, and effectively three wing-backs in Rick Karsdorp, Angelino and Leonardo Spinazzola.
And though it was Daniele De Rossi’s intention to get crosses in for the centre forward, it was Cristante who got the all-important touch on Paulo Dybala’s 95th-minute corner.
The Italy international spoke to RomaTV after full-time at the Stadio Friuli.
“Yes it was exciting,” he said. “The first time really that a game lasts 18 minutes and we play for three points in such a short space of time, but it’s a really strong feeling.
“I often go for those sorts of balls, the perfect ball came in and that was it. Going home with the points from 18 minutes is spectacular.
“They are important points for the Champions League race, we are still in the mix and we will give everything in the final matches.”