Roma came from behind to beat Cagliari 4-2, with Niccolò Pisilli scoring the equaliser and Mora netting a headed goal after coming on at half-time. Cagliari were awarded a penalty early on after a rash arm from Pisilli, and Nzola converted it, but Pisilli soon levelled. Pisilli was sharp for the goal, pouncing like a falcon to beat Caprile on 20 minutes for the 2-1, though the article notes he was far from flawless, with several loose touches and a sloppy second half that nearly allowed Cagliari an equaliser.
The result came in a game where Roma's defence was tested repeatedly. Nzola beat Ndicka only once, from the penalty spot, while Cagliari's striker had another dangerous chance against him. Gollini was praised for his work in goal: he was beaten by the spot-kick from Nzola, but made a crucial save on Adopo close to the line and a stop on Obert shortly before half-time. In the second half he made three saves, and the match report highlights his efficiency. The rating given to Gollini was 6.5, the same as Koulierakis and Pisilli.
Mancini was given a 5 for a performance that was more like an advanced winger than a central defender. He tested Caprile early on, but his attacking runs left space for Cagliari down his flank, and Fadera exploited it to pressure him throughout. Ghilardi came on for him on 82 minutes and immediately delivered a cross for Mora, earning a 6.5 rating. De Roon was rated 5.5 after a sluggish start, needing support from Cristante when Cagliari attacked through the middle, and was replaced on 56 minutes by Mora.
Mora, rated 7, took the spotlight as expectations surrounded him. His first minutes were awkward, but he produced two good assists that teammates failed to convert. He then scored with his head, despite his height not being an obvious advantage, and was also involved in the build-up to Roma's fourth goal. Molina was rated 6 for his cross play, which was visible in the build-up to the equaliser, though he offered little else in the first half. Wesley came on at half-time with a 6 rating, described as clear-minded despite recent talk about social media, alleged infidelity and money.
Soulè was rated 6.5 and was involved on several occasions: he released Mancini down the right after five minutes, dropped deep to create space for teammates, and came close to scoring from a free kick. Castro was rated 5.5 for struggling to provide the depth Malen offers, and Gasperini gave him another ten minutes to prove himself. Malen replaced him on 56 minutes and was rated 7, converting the chance that came his way with a powerful finish past Caprile.
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.
AI synthesis of all sources below — always check the originals.
Testo Originale / Source Text
“GOLLINI 6,5: Spiazzato sul rigore di Nzola, ma attento sul tentativo di Adopo a due passi dalla porta. Un po’ come aveva fatto sabato a Napoli su Olivera. Al menu del primo tempo aggiunge un’uscita su Obert poco prima del duplice fischio. Nella ripresa si oppone tre volte, stilisticamente magati…”
Read the full article in Italian at Forza Roma.