A controversial goal from Davide Astori has given Roma a half-time lead away to Udinese in this afternoon's Serie A clash at Stadio Friuli.

The visitors made the breakthrough with 17 minutes on the clock when Astori's header bounced down off the crossbar and onto the line.

There was some confusion following the incident as the Udinese players protested that the whole of the ball did not cross the line, but the referee eventually blew his whistle to give Roma the goal.

The home side had a glorious chance to level things up midway through a tentative opening half, only for Gabriel Silva to shoot wide from close range after some good work from Antonio Di Natale.

With clear-cut opportunities hard to come by, Roma threatened to double their advantage before the break as Francesco Totti had his powerful effort saved by Orestis Karnezis.