And Roma found a winner in the final minute via Bryan Cristante's header.
I spoke to the boys, I joked with them that I had no idea what I was supposed to do, I've never had to prepare 20 minutes of a match before," De Rossi said afterwards.
Maybe a minute or so after we started with so many attackers, I knew that we might need to make some changes to give us more balance.
Some guys had to warm up and not even play, but there was serious application from all of my players. I put Stephan (El-Shaarawy) on because he was more offensive, but I waited, because it was Udinese who were growing a little tired on the wings."
On the winner, De Rossi said: I'm usually more composed, in fact I should say that I'm sorry for celebrating like that in Udine, against a club that has always been very friendly and always behaves respectfully. It was nothing against them.
But, the goal was important, and in an important match, demonstrating that we are a strong team. We always looked to find the goal, we are a team that wants something and tries our best to go out and get it. Sometimes luck repays you."