Spalletti: Early Penalty Cost Us

The Giallorossi's crisis continued relentlessly with a third consecutive defeat between Serie A and the Champions League.

Udinese took the lead after just 10 minutes when the referee awarded a penalty for a debatable foul by Max Tonetto on Antonio Floro Flores on the edge of the penalty area.

"We are not really lucky at the moment and always end up being punished by our opponents," Luciano Spalletti said after the game.

"I don't know if that was a penalty, but it is all irrelevant now. I just know that the referee was about to award a free-kick and then the linesman made him change his mind. From the bench it looked like it was outside the penalty box, then the player can fall down wherever he feels like it.

"We have had a poor start to the season and these episodes obviously weigh heavily on us."

It was another horrendous performance by ex-Siena man Simone Loria, who gifted Antonio Floro Flores the second goal, while the Romans only managed a consolation goal, with Francesco Totti tucking away a spot-kick 15 minutes from time.

"We are too slow in midfield," admitted the tactician, "and other sides always manage to hit us on the break when we lose possession and it showed on their second goal.

"I don't know if this is the end of a cycle, but it sure is a particularly difficult moment and I take full responsibility for it."

The Eternal City outfit host Sampdoria at the Stadio Olimpico in the upcoming midweek round.