Roma came from behind to beat Cagliari, with substitutes Rodrigo Mora and Donyell Malen breaking a 2-2 deadlock after goals from Lulli and Pisilli. The win was built on the bench: Mora headed in a decisive goal, and Malen added a third for Roma against Cagliari, scoring the winner with a sharp finish. Gasperini's side were far from comfortable for long spells, and the match was tough and rugged throughout.
The game was tense and difficult for the hosts. Roma's attacking DNA left space at the back, and Cagliari exploited it, particularly when they raised the tempo. Gollini was outstanding in goal, making several saves, while Soulé also earned praise for his performance. Ghilardi, who came on in the 81st minute, made an immediate impact with a sharp overlap and a cross that drew praise. Gasperini directed the team from the first minutes and was seen gesturing to his players and taking off his jacket during a tense spell.
Lulli had a standout display, scoring the first goal after a fine run and an elegant finish, and he also assisted Pisilli for the second. Lulli's new contract was described as a boost of pure energy. Pisilli, who had to defend an accidental handball early on that was punished after the on-field review, recovered with a quick, sharp finish. Molina created the equaliser with a sharp turn and a perfect cross, though his flank was the quieter one in the first half. Mora's goal came with a header, and he celebrated with a line that the short guy is often forgotten. Mora was praised for his talent and humour. Malen came on and created chaos before his decisive finish. Rensch, who replaced Lulli in the 76th minute, was caught out on the flank as Cagliari levelled, nearly complicating matters further. De Roon was praised for his workrate despite the rotation, and Castro struggled to find his rhythm, touching the ball only 17 times after the break.
Mancini had a mixed match, starting as a centre-forward and firing an early shot at Caprile, but was visibly tired and was outpaced by Fadera before being replaced by Ghilardi. Koulierakis won several duels and made a crucial save in one instance, though his build-up play was still a work in progress. N'Dicka stayed calm and held his position despite Nzola's more determined attempts. Cristante was active, touching countless balls and contributing to Lulli's goal before taking a defensive role late on.
Story Coverage10 sources on this story
Roma came from behind to beat Cagliari 4-2 at the Stadio Olimpico in their Serie A ninth-round match. Outlets agree that Nzola's penalty, awarded after a Pisilli handball, gave Cagliari an early lead, that Lulli and Pisilli struck to put Roma ahead, and that Mora and Malen decided the match late. Il Messaggero says the win moves Gasperini's side to within four points of league leaders Lazio.
The outlets differ on timings. Forza Roma dates the penalty to the 6th minute and Lulli's equaliser to the 11th, while GialloRossi.net gives the 9th and 14th. Maldini pulled a goal back for Cagliari in the 81st minute. For the late goals, GialloRossi.net has Mora heading in during the 85th and Malen scoring in the 87th, Forza Roma gives the 86th and 88th, and Roma News puts Malen's winner in the 87th.
Player ratings also vary. Il Messaggero gives Mora 7.5 and Malen 6.5, while GialloRossi.net and Forza Roma both rate Mora 7 and Malen 7. GialloRossi.net names Gollini the best Roma player despite two conceding and rates Lulli 7.5. Both GialloRossi.net and Forza Roma give Mancini a 5, with Forza Roma noting that Fadera exploited the space behind him. GialloRossi.net says Gasperini reversed Mora and Soulé's flanks at half-time, and that Mora changed the game after that. Roma News, meanwhile, says Malen's goal ended a run of three matches without scoring. Feliciani of Teramo refereed, according to GialloRossi.net.
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Testo Originale / Source Text
“La Roma rischia di complicarsi la vita in una partita complessa e spigolosa. Alla fine, però, ci pensa la panchina a sciogliere la matassa, con Mora e Malen che sbloccano il 2-2 che si era creato con i gol di Lulli prima e Pisilli poi. Gran prestazione di Gollini, di Soulé e ottimo ingresso di…”
Read the full article in Italian at Roma News.