AS Roma
AS Roma 4-2 Cagliari: A Night of High Drama in Serie A
AS Roma staged a breathtaking comeback to defeat Cagliari 4-2 in a Serie A thriller at the Stadio Olimpico, overcoming an early penalty and late scare to secure three vital points in their quest for European qualification.
Cagliari Shock Roma with Early Penalty
The visitors stunned the Olimpico into silence after just 10 minutes when M’Bala Nzola converted a penalty awarded via VAR for Michel Adopo’s foul. But Roma’s response was immediate – within six minutes, 18-year-old Emanuele Lulli announced himself with a clinical finish from Nahuel Molina’s cross before teenager Niccolò Pisilli turned the game on its head with a poacher’s effort on 21 minutes.
Roma’s Midfield Mastery
Gian Piero Gasperini’s men dominated possession (61%) and chances (20 shots to 19), their three-man midfield of Cristante, De Roon and Pisilli dictating tempo. The 3-5-2 system paid dividends as wingbacks Lulli and Molina repeatedly overloaded Cagliari’s flanks, creating 13 shots inside the box to the visitor’s 12.
Cagliari’s Late Rally and Roma’s Ruthless Finish
Daniel Maldini’s 81st-minute strike after coming off the bench set up a grandstand finish at 2-2, but substitute Rodrigo Mora restored Roma’s lead just three minutes later with his first Serie A goal. Donyell Malen then iced the game with a solo effort, dancing through tired defenders to complete the scoring.
This victory keeps Roma in the hunt for European places while leaving Cagliari hovering near the drop zone. The Giallorossi’s ability to win despite conceding first (their xG of 3.1 reflecting their attacking intent) sends a statement to Serie A rivals.
Key Moments
10′ ⚽ Cagliari — M'Bala Nzola
15′ ⚽ AS Roma — Emanuele Lulli (assist: Nahuel Molina)
21′ ⚽ AS Roma — Niccolò Pisilli (assist: Emanuele Lulli)
81′ ⚽ Cagliari — Daniel Maldini (assist: Adam Obert)
