Italy World Cup-winning legend set for bizarre Serie A managerial debut.. in game that will last just 18 minutes
AN Italian World Cup-winning legend will take charge of his new team for the first time today – in a game that will last just 18 MINUTES.
Udinese and Roma’s clash in Serie A on April 14 was abandoned after Evan Ndicka was stretchered off after collapsing for the away side.
The 24-year-old defender went to ground while Roma had possession of the ball and was seen holding his chest.
Fortunately, his side has been able to provide a positive update on his condition since then while authorities worked out what to do regarding the result.
The score was tied at 1-1 when the terrifying scare occurred.
Now it has been decided that Udinese and Roma will play the remaining 18 minutes of the game at the Bluenergy Stadium later with the action resuming from the 72nd minute.
However, there will be a number of changes from the first encounter that was interrupted.
And one of those includes Fabio Cannavaro being in the dug-out for the hosts.
Udinese named the 50-year-old Ballon d’Or winner, who captained Italy to 2006 World Cup glory in Germany, as their new manager this week as a replacement for Gabriele Cioffi.
Now he will get to take a first look at his Serie A team – albeit briefly – against Roma.
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But he will be able to make whatever changes he desires due to unique rules regarding the restart.
Both teams are permitted to change their ENTIRE line-ups – including players that were unavailable earlier this month when it got underway.
That means that Roma could potentially play Sardar Azmoun, who was injured 11 days ago.
Those players that had already been substituted before the stoppage are the only ones that cannot be selected.
Even Roma pair Leandro Paredes and Diego Llorente will be available for Roma.
They received a one-game suspension during Monday’s loss at Bologna.
However, they will serve that ban next week against Napoli.
Ndicka himself has now also received the green light to return to action and could have been picked.
But it has been deemed that he will now sit out the rest of the season and rest.
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