Roma defender Evan Ndicka (#5) is taking the chance of a few last practice kicks before it gets real. So while we're waiting, I may as well give you his background since he was responsible for one of the most unusual matches in Serie A history.

Ndicka is 24, turning 25 in August 2024. He was born in Paris, France but plays for the Ivory Coast national team. His senior career started with the French club Auxerre in Burgandy, France (14 appearances in 2017/18) before he moved to Germany, and the Bundesliga team Eintracht Frankfurt (134 appearances and 10 goals). He moved to AS Roma in the 2023 season.

On 14 April 2024 we were playing against Udinese. In the 73rd minute Ndicka collapsed with chest pains and had to be taken to hospital. Thankfully he was conscious through this.

The score was 1-1 at the time. However rather than abandoning the match, the powers that be decided that the remaining 18 minutes of the game (set to restart from the 72nd minute because... just go with it) would be played at a later date. And it was, on 26 April 2024, 12 days later, where we scored a tie breaking goal and won the match.

To the best of my knowledge a de facto match of 18 minutes was unprecedented in the competition.

More importantly, Ndicka made a full recovery and, as you can see here, is back on the pitch.