Mora's chance to turn the corner as Roma face Cagliari

Former Roma boss Fabio Capello has said it is pleasing to see Milan and Roma near the top of Serie A, a sight that takes him back to his own past. Speaking to the Gazzetta dello Sport, the 2001 Serie A champion analysed the early form of the title contenders and reflected on the return of the capital's and Milan's clubs to the summit. "Seeing all of Milan and all of Rome up there pleases me, and it takes me back to my past," said the coach, who has managed the giallorossi as well as Milan and Juventus. Capello still considers Inter the favourites, currently top of the table alongside Lazio. "I have always argued that they were the favourites, the best-equipped squad for the Scudetto, and at the moment I have no reasons to convince me otherwise." He also praised Lazio, who have won seven of their first eight matches, and singled out the work of Gennaro Gattuso, whom he credited with building a team that is solid, vertical and not prone to needless complications in possession. Roma and Milan sit four points further back, level in third place. Asked to compare the two, Capello had no doubts: "I see Roma in better shape, because they have a game that is already tested." He attributed that preference mainly to the continuity of Gian Piero Gasperini's work, in his second season in charge of the giallorossi, compared with Rúben Amorim, who joined Milan only in the summer. In Capello's view, the rossoneri are still searching for a definitive identity, while Roma can already count on established mechanisms and a recognisable organisation of play. Capello has voiced confidence in Gasperini's project before. In the first weeks of the season he had named Roma as one of the main alternatives to Inter in the title race. Roma's subsequent form, despite some setbacks, appears to have strengthened that conviction. Seeing the two great cities of Italian football back in the fight at the top, he added, brings him back to the great Scudetto battles he lived through first-hand.

Roma are among four Serie A sides still unbeaten after the first eight rounds of the 2026-27 season, a record that statistics show has never happened before in the competition's history. Inter, Lazio, Roma and Milan have all reached the eighth matchday without a defeat, with the figures showing it is the first time in Serie A history that these four clubs have done so at the same time. The start reflects the balance at the top of the table, with Gian Piero Gasperini's side among the main protagonists. The four teams have got there in different ways. Inter and Lazio have won seven matches and drawn one, collecting 22 points from the 24 available. Roma and Milan have won five and drawn three, with 18 points each. Neither Roma nor Milan has lost a match in the first eight rounds. The article also links to a separate story in which Gasperini responded to comments by Allegri, saying: "Allegri made an unfortunate statement, there is nothing in favour of his remarks."

Roma host Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday in midweek Serie A action, with both sides looking to bounce back from disappointing weekend results. Roma came from two goals down to draw 3-3 with Napoli at the Maradona Stadium on Saturday, while Cagliari lost 2-0 at home to Bologna. Gian Piero Gasperini's side remain unbeaten in Serie A (W5, D3) and have avoided defeat in their first eight league matches of the season for the first time since 2013/14. However, a third draw in their last four league outings has left the Giallorossi four points behind joint leaders Inter and Lazio. Roma are vying for their first Scudetto since the beginning of the century and will be desperate to return to winning ways against a Cagliari side they have enjoyed plenty of success against at the Olimpico lately. Fabio Pisacane's team face a stern test. Cagliari have suffered nine defeats in their last 11 league visits to Rome (D2) and have not scored in any of their four away league meetings with Roma since 2022 (L4), including a 2-0 defeat in the corresponding fixture last season. Bologna's win condemned Cagliari to back-to-back league defeats for the first time since April, and the Sardinians have slipped to mid-table after a promising five-game start (W4, L1). They are winless in three consecutive league games (D1, L2), following a 4-0 defeat at Monza on their last Serie A trip. Their defence has also struggled: after conceding just twice in the opening five rounds, they have let in seven goals in their last three league outings. Cagliari last beat Roma at the Olimpico in February 2013. Roma have been strong at home, winning three of their four home league matches in 2026/27 (D1) and scoring at least two goals on each occasion. They have lost only one of their last 11 home games in all competitions (W8, D2), the exception being a 4-3 defeat to Real Madrid in this season's Champions League. The Giallorossi have won six of their last seven Tuesday Serie A fixtures (L1) and have netted two or more goals in eight consecutive home outings. That feat has been managed in three of their last five home clashes against Cagliari. Gasperini's attacking football has not come at the expense of defensive stability, as Roma have conceded just one first-half goal in Serie A this season and have opened the scoring in 63% of their league matches. Cagliari have been much more impressive away from home, with three wins from four league games on the road (L1), just one shy of the four road victories they recorded in the whole of the 2025/26 season. Maintaining that form would significantly boost their chances of a first top-half finish in Serie A since 2008/06. Bryan Cristante has returned from injury at a good time for Roma, giving the team a major midfield boost, as Gasperini cannot call upon Lorenzo Pellegrini or Manu Kone. First-choice goalkeeper Mile Svilar is also sidelined, but Paulo Dybala could make the bench on Tuesday. For Cagliari, long-term absentees Riyad Idrissi and Mattia Felici remain out. Harry Winks had to come off early against Bologna and is unlikely to start, with veteran Roberto Gagliardini expected to take his place in midfield. Roma (3-4-2-1): Gollini; Balerdi, Ndicka, Koulierakis; Lulli, De Roon, Cristante, Molina; Mora, Soule; Malen. Cagliari (4-3-2-1): Caprile; Ze Pedro, Mina, Rodriguez, Obert; Adopo, Gagliardini, Romano; Fadera, Maldini; Mendy. Roma are the favourites, with the preview predicting a Roma win.

Rodrigo Mora is set for another start for Roma against Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico tonight, as he looks to answer doubts over his form and consistency. With Lorenzo Pellegrini and Paulo Dybala absent, Dybala is initially set to begin on the bench, and Mora has been given the opportunity to make an impact. Mora arrived in the capital as a major investment, with an estimated value of around fifty million, and the 2007-born Portuguese midfielder has so far struggled to live up to expectations. According to Il Messaggero, Gian Piero Gasperini sees Mora as, in effect, Dybala's deputy. However, sharing the pitch with the Argentine, or being asked to play in different roles such as on the left flank, has limited his natural explosiveness and his freedom on the edge of the attacking midfield. Gasperini has defended him publicly, praising his talent and his growing personality, while stressing that he needs to contribute more in front of goal. The Cagliari match is presented as the ideal chance to restart from simple things, rediscovering the calm and enjoyment in the game that marked his debut this season. The fixture comes amid a congested schedule, with Roma needing consistent performances from their squad options. Mora's chance to show his quality is now firmly in his own hands.

Roma return to action tonight at the Stadio Olimpico against Cagliari, aiming to get back to winning ways after a draw with Napoli. Paulo Dybala is back in the squad but will start on the bench. Matías Soulé, Mora and Donyell Malen are expected up front, with Lulli on the right side of the defence. On the left, Nahuel Molina and Wesley are in a head-to-head battle for a starting place. Mario Hermoso and Marten de Roon are rested. The predicted line-ups in the Roman press largely agree on a 3-4-2-1 shape. Gollini starts in goal, with Ghilardi, Evan N'Dicka and Leonardo Balerdi in the back three, and Cristante and Pisilli in central midfield. Il Messaggero, Corriere della Sera and Il Tempo all pick Gianluca Mancini in place of Ghilardi and Wesley in place of Molina. Corriere della Sera and Il Tempo both switch to a 3-4-1-2, with Mora and Soulé behind Malen. Leggo is the outlier, placing Hermoso in the back three alongside Ghilardi and Balerdi. The lineups show how much rotation Roma are considering for the Cagliari match, with several first-choice players either on the bench or resting. Balerdi appears in every projected starting eleven, and Malen leads the attack in all six predictions. Dybala's role as a substitute will be the main talking point for fans if he is not called into the starting line-up.

Roma host Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico tonight, and Gian Piero Gasperini is relying on Matías Soulé, who has been among the team's best performers in recent outings and is ready to lead the attack. Paulo Dybala is named among the substitutes and is expected to come on during the match as he returns gradually from a muscle problem. The coach is weighing options to complete the front three, where Donyell Malen and Santiago Castro are pushing for starting places, with Rodrigo Mora supporting from the wide attacking areas. Roma have finished a run of demanding fixtures and face a calendar that looks easier on paper. After recent draws, the side need to return to winning consistently and leave the recent controversies behind in order to strengthen their ambitions at the top of the table. Gasperini values the rotation options the squad now has to manage energy levels during this autumn schedule. According to Il Corriere della Sera, Soulé's transformation is one of the central themes of the season so far. After a summer spent at the centre of transfer speculation, and with the after-effects of a sports hernia (pubalgia) that had restricted his performances last season, the Argentine has turned the pecking order around through daily work. Gasperini has praised his consistency, saying that his technical and character growth offers decisive solutions in the development of the attacking play. Alongside the quality of the former Juventus player, Roma regain solidity and important rotation options.

Rodrigo Mora is set for another start for Roma against Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico tonight, as he looks to answer doubts over his form and consistency. With Lorenzo Pellegrini and Paulo Dybala absent, Dybala is initially set to begin on the bench, and Mora has been given the opportunity to make an impact. Mora arrived in the capital as a major investment, with an estimated value of around fifty million, and the 2007-born Portuguese midfielder has so far struggled to live up to expectations. According to Il Messaggero, Gian Piero Gasperini sees Mora as, in effect, Dybala's deputy. However, sharing the pitch with the Argentine, or being asked to play in different roles such as on the left flank, has limited his natural explosiveness and his freedom on the edge of the attacking midfield. Gasperini has defended him publicly, praising his talent and his growing personality, while stressing that he needs to contribute more in front of goal. The Cagliari match is presented as the ideal chance to restart from simple things, rediscovering the calm and enjoyment in the game that marked his debut this season. The fixture comes amid a congested schedule, with Roma needing consistent performances from their squad options. Mora's chance to show his quality is now firmly in his own hands.

Roma have confirmed new contracts for Emanuele Lulli and Giorgio De Marzi, both of whom have signed with the Giallorossi until 2031. Both were due to expire at the end of the season and have been retained. Four more players have contracts running out in June: Gollini, Hermoso, Pellegrini and Dybala, according to Lorenzo Pes writing in Il Tempo. A deal for goalkeeper Gollini was already close in the summer for another season, and talks are moving in that direction. Positive signs also surround Hermoso, the defender for whom an option for one additional year was activated in the spring. Initial contacts have taken place, and Gasperini has never hidden his high regard for the Spaniard, who has returned to excellent form under the Piedmontese coach. The situation is different for Dybala and Pellegrini. The club has opted for a one-year renewal for both players, allowing Roma to assess their form on the pitch before confirming them. The feeling is that a decision may only come deep into 2027, when the picture regarding both players' appearances will be clearer.

Roma host Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday 27 October at 20:45 in the ninth round of Serie A, with Gian Piero Gasperini weighing up some changes after the 3-3 draw at Napoli's Maradona. Roma remain unbeaten in Serie A and sit third with 18 points from eight matches, having drawn their head-to-head clashes against Inter, Como and Napoli. Cagliari, coached by Fabio Pisacane, are ninth on 13 points and come into the game on the back of two consecutive defeats, against Monza and Bologna. Roma are looking to return immediately to winning ways to stay within touching distance of the top of the table. The trip to Naples was described as a costly one, and Gasperini is considering some rotation. Dybala is returning towards the matchday squad but is expected to start on the bench. Svilar, Koné and Pellegrini are ruled out. Gollini keeps his place in goal, while Ghilardi could get a chance in defence alongside N'Dicka and Balerdi. Cristante starts in midfield from the first minute alongside Pisilli. Lulli and Molina are favoured on the flanks, with Soulé and Rodrigo Mora expected to support Malen up front. For Cagliari, Pisacane must do without Winks, who is sidelined by lumbar pain, as well as Felici and Idrissi. Trepy returns to the matchday squad. Yerry Mina is set to return to the starting line-up in defence, while Sugawara and Zé Pedro compete for a place on the right. Gagliardini will take Winks' place in midfield, with Maldini and Adopo expected to play behind Mendy, although Kevin Carlos remains a possible option. The match will be broadcast exclusively on DAZN, available through the DAZN app on smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, consoles and computers. There will be no live broadcast on the traditional Sky Sport channels. Kick-off at the Stadio Olimpico is set for 20:45 on Tuesday 27 October. Bookmakers make Roma clear favourites. A Roma win is priced on average between 1.33 and 1.35, a draw around 4.90-5.00, and a Cagliari win between 8.25 and 9.60. The market also expects a game with at least three goals, with Over 2.5 favoured over Under, and No Goal offered at a slightly lower price than Goal. The 2-0 correct score to Roma carries the shortest odds at around 6.50, ahead of 1-0 and 2-1. ROMA (3-4-2-1): Gollini; Ghilardi, Ndicka, Balerdi; Lulli, Cristante, Pisilli, Molina; Soulé, Mora; Malen. Manager: Gasperini. CAGLIARI (4-3-2-1): Caprile; Sugawara, Mina, Rodriguez, Obert; Romano, Gagliardini, Deiola; Adopo, Maldini; Mendy. Manager: Pisacane. Referee: Ermanno Feliciani (Teramo). Assistants: Zingarelli and Fontani. Fourth official: Mariani. VAR: Ghersini. AVAR: Camplone.

Rodrigo Mora is set for another start for Roma against Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico tonight, as he looks to answer doubts over his form and consistency. With Lorenzo Pellegrini and Paulo Dybala absent, Dybala is initially set to begin on the bench, and Mora has been given the opportunity to make an impact. Mora arrived in the capital as a major investment, with an estimated value of around fifty million, and the 2007-born Portuguese midfielder has so far struggled to live up to expectations. According to Il Messaggero, Gian Piero Gasperini sees Mora as, in effect, Dybala's deputy. However, sharing the pitch with the Argentine, or being asked to play in different roles such as on the left flank, has limited his natural explosiveness and his freedom on the edge of the attacking midfield. Gasperini has defended him publicly, praising his talent and his growing personality, while stressing that he needs to contribute more in front of goal. The Cagliari match is presented as the ideal chance to restart from simple things, rediscovering the calm and enjoyment in the game that marked his debut this season. The fixture comes amid a congested schedule, with Roma needing consistent performances from their squad options. Mora's chance to show his quality is now firmly in his own hands.

Roma return to action tonight at the Stadio Olimpico against Cagliari, aiming to get back to winning ways after a draw with Napoli. Paulo Dybala is back in the squad but will start on the bench. Matías Soulé, Mora and Donyell Malen are expected up front, with Lulli on the right side of the defence. On the left, Nahuel Molina and Wesley are in a head-to-head battle for a starting place. Mario Hermoso and Marten de Roon are rested. The predicted line-ups in the Roman press largely agree on a 3-4-2-1 shape. Gollini starts in goal, with Ghilardi, Evan N'Dicka and Leonardo Balerdi in the back three, and Cristante and Pisilli in central midfield. Il Messaggero, Corriere della Sera and Il Tempo all pick Gianluca Mancini in place of Ghilardi and Wesley in place of Molina. Corriere della Sera and Il Tempo both switch to a 3-4-1-2, with Mora and Soulé behind Malen. Leggo is the outlier, placing Hermoso in the back three alongside Ghilardi and Balerdi. The lineups show how much rotation Roma are considering for the Cagliari match, with several first-choice players either on the bench or resting. Balerdi appears in every projected starting eleven, and Malen leads the attack in all six predictions. Dybala's role as a substitute will be the main talking point for fans if he is not called into the starting line-up.

Roma host Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico tonight, and Gian Piero Gasperini is relying on Matías Soulé, who has been among the team's best performers in recent outings and is ready to lead the attack. Paulo Dybala is named among the substitutes and is expected to come on during the match as he returns gradually from a muscle problem. The coach is weighing options to complete the front three, where Donyell Malen and Santiago Castro are pushing for starting places, with Rodrigo Mora supporting from the wide attacking areas. Roma have finished a run of demanding fixtures and face a calendar that looks easier on paper. After recent draws, the side need to return to winning consistently and leave the recent controversies behind in order to strengthen their ambitions at the top of the table. Gasperini values the rotation options the squad now has to manage energy levels during this autumn schedule. According to Il Corriere della Sera, Soulé's transformation is one of the central themes of the season so far. After a summer spent at the centre of transfer speculation, and with the after-effects of a sports hernia (pubalgia) that had restricted his performances last season, the Argentine has turned the pecking order around through daily work. Gasperini has praised his consistency, saying that his technical and character growth offers decisive solutions in the development of the attacking play. Alongside the quality of the former Juventus player, Roma regain solidity and important rotation options.