AS Roma maintained their unbeaten start to the Serie A season with a 5-2 victory over Udinese at the Bluenergy Stadium, moving the Giallorossi to within one point of league leaders Inter Milan.

Bryan Cristante opened the scoring after 10 minutes, meeting Wesley Franca’s delivery with a powerful header from 12 yards.

Roma dominated the opening stages and came close to doubling their advantage before the half-hour mark. Matias Soule struck the post from close range, while Donyell Malen hit the crossbar after Maduka Okoye had saved his first effort with the goal exposed.

Those missed chances did not unsettle Gian Piero Gasperini’s side. Cristante soon became provider, sending a clever pass across the face of goal for Rodrigo Mora, who finished confidently to make it 2-0.

Udinese’s afternoon deteriorated further two minutes later. Malen made up for his earlier miss by driving the ball into the bottom corner for his eighth league goal of the season.

Roma added a fourth before half-time when Evan Ndicka headed in a superb corner from Soule, completing a disastrous first-half display for Kosta Runjaic’s team.

Udinese responded with greater purpose after the interval and pulled a goal back five minutes into the second half. Lennon Miller’s effort was parried by Pierluigi Gollini, allowing Nicolo Zaniolo to follow up and score.

The hosts continued to press for a route back into the contest and reduced the deficit again in the 77th minute. Matteo Palma collected Hassane Kamara’s long pass into the penalty area before placing his finish beyond Gollini.

However, Roma held firm during the closing stages and restored their three-goal advantage in stoppage time. Daniele Ghilardi produced an excellent finish to complete a convincing win for the visitors.

The result means Roma have scored 16 goals in their past four matches in all competitions. They also continue to apply pressure to Inter Milan and city rivals SS Lazio above them in the standings.

Roma’s attention now turns to a UEFA Champions League matchday four fixture away to Manchester United at Old Trafford.

For Udinese, the defeat extends a miserable league sequence. They have taken only one point from their past eight Serie A matches and remain in the relegation zone.

Cristante was named Flashscore’s Man of the Match for AS Roma.