1 May 1997, Udinese won 3β0 over Roma and qualified for Europe for the first time
On 1 May 1997, Udinese qualified for Europe for the first time by beating Roma 3β0.
On 1 June 1997, at the Olimpico Stadium in Rome, the Galle Rossi faced Udinese. Udinese had 51 points, while Bologna were their direct rivals with 48 points. They needed only one point to qualify for a European tournament for the first time. Roma, on the other hand, had spent a weak season, forcing them to fight for relegation, which was achieved in the final match. Bertie was sent off for a foul in the first half hour. After this, Poggi and Bierhoff combined to end the match before the end of the first half. In the end, Bia scored the third goal with an assist from Helveg. Udinese thus defeated Roma 3β0 and ensured participation in Europe for the first time, also surpassing Sampdoria.
Roma-Udinese 0-3
Goalscorers: 42' Poggi (U), 45' Bierhoff (U), 87' Bia (U).
Roma: Berti; Pivotto, Lanna, Petruzzi, Statuto (22' St Delvecchio); Tommasi, Di Biagio, Thern, Bernardini (27' before Di Magno); Totti, Balbo (captain).
Available: Moriero, Stovini, D. Conti, A. Conti. Trainer: Sella-Liedholm.
Udinese: Caniato; Bia, Calori (captain), Pierini; Helveg, Giannichedda, Rossitto, Sergio; Poggi (28' st Cappioli), Bierhoff, Amoroso (38' st Locatelli).
Available: Battistini, Bertotto, Orlando, Nicoli, Genaux. Instructor: Zaccheroni.
