Roma face Bologna in Serie A relegation battle; Dybala back in squad

Roma came from behind to beat Cagliari 4-2 at the Stadio Olimpico, with goals from Lulli, Pisilli, Mora and Malen. Italian newspapers have handed out their player ratings for a side that was patched up for the match, and the Giallorossi showed plenty of youthful boldness along the way. Emanuele Lulli was the standout performer, rated 7.5 by most of the papers, while Gollini earned 7 across the board for his goalkeeping. Pisilli and Mora both found the net, and Mora came off the bench to earn strong marks in midfield. Malen also scored after replacing Castro and was rated 6.5 to 7 by the papers. Soulé was another bright spark, rated 6.5 to 7 in the attack. Gian Piero Gasperini was rated between 6 and 7 for his side's performance. Mancini was the disappointment in defence, with ratings ranging from 4.5 to 6, and Ghilardi came on to earn a 7 from some of the newspapers. Wesley replaced Molina at half-time, with his marks ranging from 5.5 to 6. Rensch was given a 5 or 6 after coming on for Lulli. Castro had a quiet afternoon and was rated between 5 and 6 before being replaced by Malen. The ratings reflect a match in which Roma's depleted squad showed resilience and attacking spirit, with the goals coming from both established players and those who came off the bench.

Roma's winning run has now reached 16 consecutive results without defeat, a sequence that began after the club's heavy 5-0 loss to Inter at San Siro. The latest result was a win over Cagliari, which allowed head coach Gian Piero Gasperini to draw level with Rudi Garcia on 19 unbeaten matches... [see note]

Roma secured three points against Cagliari, winning despite struggling at times, and Gian Piero Gasperini's side can look ahead with confidence. Italian newspapers' player ratings singled out Lulli as the best performer on the pitch, with Pisilli and Mora also praised, while Mancini drew criticism for a disappointing display. The papers described a young Roma side that was strong and winning, if less fluent than usual. The ratings from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Corriere dello Sport, Il Messaggero, Il Tempo, Corriere della Sera and Leggo all gave Lulli a 7.5, the highest mark in the team across the outlets. Lulli started at left centre-back in the back three, while Mora came on for de Roon and was rated 7 or higher by every paper, earning 7.5 from Corriere dello Sport, Il Messaggero and Corriere della Sera. Soulé also drew strong marks, rated 7 by La Gazzetta dello Sport and Il Messaggero. Gollini was rated 7 or 7.5 across the board, and Ghilardi, who replaced Mancini, earned 7 from Corriere dello Sport and Corriere della Sera. Mancini was the most criticised Roma player, receiving 5.5 from La Gazzetta dello Sport, 6 from Corriere dello Sport, 4.5 from Il Messaggero and Corriere della Sera, and 5 from Il Tempo and Leggo. Rensch, who came on for Lulli, was marked between 5 and 6. Wesley replaced Molina at the break and was rated between 5.5 and 6.5. Malen, who replaced Castro, earned 6.5 or 7 from every outlet. Gasperini received a 7 from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Il Messaggero and Leggo, a 6.5 from Corriere dello Sport and Il Tempo, and a 6 from Corriere della Sera.

Paulo Dybala's return from a calf injury has been put back, and Gian Piero Gasperini is now aiming to have him available for the Sassuolo match on 7 November, the Giallorossi's last fixture before the international break. Il Messaggero reports that Roma came back from behind in their latest match with goals from Balerdi, Mora and Malen, while Ghilardi, in a surprise contribution, set up the perfect assist for the Portuguese forward. The result extends Roma's unbeaten run, which Gasperini described as following the same approach Napoli had taken. Dybala's condition is the main concern for the coach. He seemed close to a call-up on Monday, but he was not among the squad named for the game and will also miss the matches against Udinese and Manchester United. Gasperini is also worried about the fitness of Koné, and the club hopes to have Svilar back for the Champions League match due next week. Gasperini said: "I was confident after training on Sunday. Paulo takes some time to recover from injuries. We thought it would take less, but that has not been the case. For him and Koné we are aiming for Sassuolo, but I don't know if it will be possible." Dybala will undergo a decisive scan in Belgium tomorrow, after which he will return to Rome.

Roma came from behind to beat Cagliari 4-2 without a host of first-team regulars, with Lulli, Pisilli, Mora and Malen on the scoresheet. The performance was far from polished and Roma did not control the match, but the result showed the side's determination to find a win. Gollini made key saves, Lulli provided a goal and an assist, and Ghilardi, through a burst of pace, delivered a decisive cross in the style of Cafu. Mora scored and also set Malen through on goal. Roma were missing several key players, with Svilar, Hermoso, Koné, Dybala and Pellegrini absent, and Wesley and Malen initially out. The win follows the reaction the side showed at Napoli, and it reinforced the belief that this group keeps fighting until the final whistle even when it is short of options. Argentine Matías Soulé was again outstanding. La Gazzetta dello Sport described his growing influence as another reason for optimism, saying his "dybalizzazione" was complete, and he was the team's technical leader on Tuesday, among the best players even without scoring or assisting. The result leaves Gasperini with encouraging signs as the squad rotates through injuries and rest. Soulé's displays suggest he is now one of the central figures in the team, not merely a promising attacker. Roma's ability to win without their senior names adds depth to their challenge across the season.

Roma are back on winning form as Gian Piero Gasperini's substitutions continue to make the difference, with Balerdi, Mora, Malen and Ghilardi all having an impact. Ghilardi set up the perfect assist for the Portuguese winger, Mora, extending Roma's unbeaten run. Gasperini is pleased with the result, but the fitness of Paulo Dybala is the main concern. Dybala looked close to a squad call-up on Monday, but he was not among the players named in the squad on Sunday. As a result, he is set to miss the matches against Udinese and Manchester United. Gasperini said: "I was confident after training on Sunday. Paulo takes some time to recover from injuries. We thought it would take less time, but it has not been so. For him and Koné we are aiming for Sassuolo, but I don't know if it will be possible." Roma's hopes are now focused on getting Mile Svilar back in time for the Champions League match scheduled for next week. A decisive scan is due in Belgium tomorrow, before the squad returns to the capital. The report comes from Daniele Aloisi in Il Messaggero.

Roma came from behind to beat Cagliari 4-2 at the Stadio Olimpico, with goals from Lulli, Pisilli, Mora and Malen. Italian newspapers have handed out their player ratings for a side that was patched up for the match, and the Giallorossi showed plenty of youthful boldness along the way. Emanuele Lulli was the standout performer, rated 7.5 by most of the papers, while Gollini earned 7 across the board for his goalkeeping. Pisilli and Mora both found the net, and Mora came off the bench to earn strong marks in midfield. Malen also scored after replacing Castro and was rated 6.5 to 7 by the papers. Soulé was another bright spark, rated 6.5 to 7 in the attack. Gian Piero Gasperini was rated between 6 and 7 for his side's performance. Mancini was the disappointment in defence, with ratings ranging from 4.5 to 6, and Ghilardi came on to earn a 7 from some of the newspapers. Wesley replaced Molina at half-time, with his marks ranging from 5.5 to 6. Rensch was given a 5 or 6 after coming on for Lulli. Castro had a quiet afternoon and was rated between 5 and 6 before being replaced by Malen. The ratings reflect a match in which Roma's depleted squad showed resilience and attacking spirit, with the goals coming from both established players and those who came off the bench.

Roma secured three points against Cagliari, winning despite struggling at times, and Gian Piero Gasperini's side can look ahead with confidence. Italian newspapers' player ratings singled out Lulli as the best performer on the pitch, with Pisilli and Mora also praised, while Mancini drew criticism for a disappointing display. The papers described a young Roma side that was strong and winning, if less fluent than usual. The ratings from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Corriere dello Sport, Il Messaggero, Il Tempo, Corriere della Sera and Leggo all gave Lulli a 7.5, the highest mark in the team across the outlets. Lulli started at left centre-back in the back three, while Mora came on for de Roon and was rated 7 or higher by every paper, earning 7.5 from Corriere dello Sport, Il Messaggero and Corriere della Sera. Soulé also drew strong marks, rated 7 by La Gazzetta dello Sport and Il Messaggero. Gollini was rated 7 or 7.5 across the board, and Ghilardi, who replaced Mancini, earned 7 from Corriere dello Sport and Corriere della Sera. Mancini was the most criticised Roma player, receiving 5.5 from La Gazzetta dello Sport, 6 from Corriere dello Sport, 4.5 from Il Messaggero and Corriere della Sera, and 5 from Il Tempo and Leggo. Rensch, who came on for Lulli, was marked between 5 and 6. Wesley replaced Molina at the break and was rated between 5.5 and 6.5. Malen, who replaced Castro, earned 6.5 or 7 from every outlet. Gasperini received a 7 from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Il Messaggero and Leggo, a 6.5 from Corriere dello Sport and Il Tempo, and a 6 from Corriere della Sera.

Roma came from behind to beat Cagliari 4-2, with Rodrigo Mora scoring the decisive goals late in a match that Gasperini's side had made hard work. Cagliari took the lead from a penalty awarded after a VAR check, when Pisilli's arm was judged to have been away from his body in the area; Nzola converted it. Roma responded immediately: Lulli headed an equaliser from a fine cross by Molina, then turned the ball to Pisilli, who put Roma ahead. Pisilli, who has just signed a contract extension until 2031, scored again through his ability to make runs into the area. The result hid a poor performance. Gasperini made several changes, resting Wesley and Malen and giving Castro the central attacking role. Svilar, Koné and Dybala were missing, while Hermoso and Balerdi were on the bench with less than full fitness. Lulli and Molina played wide, and Koulierakis started in defence. Pisacane's Cagliari, coming off two consecutive defeats, were physical, quick and aggressive, and caused problems in one-on-one duels: Nzola held off Ndicka, and Fadera was a constant threat to Mancini. Gollini had to produce one of his best performances of the season to keep Roma in the game. Roma made many elementary errors in possession, and their build-up was disjointed. Pisilli struggled to convince in the double-pivot role, particularly when asked to provide cover and order. Castro was often out of the game, had little impact and lacked the aggression needed in the rare chances he had in the box. Cristante, deployed on the trequartista role, seemed to lack energy, with a heavy stride and slow ideas; the article suggested he was paying for an early return from injury and an intensive run of games. In the second half Gasperini introduced Mora and Malen around the ten-minute mark, but Mora started on the right and Soulé on the left, a configuration that limited both players. Soulé is most effective starting on the right and cutting inside onto his left foot, while Mora prefers the centre-left to drift onto his right. Only when Gasperini switched them back, with Mati on the right and Mora on the left, did the attack improve. Cagliari kept pressing and at 81' Daniel Maldini scored the equaliser for 2-2, silencing the Olimpico. Roma then responded through individual quality. Ghilardi, another substitute, produced a fine run down the right and delivered a perfect cross, and Rodrigo Mora, the smallest player on the pitch, rose to head home the 3-2. Two minutes later Mora combined with Malen and provided the pass for the final 4-2. The article stressed that the final score should not disguise the fatigue Roma showed and the absence of Manu Koné, whose physical dominance, ball recovery and progressive running in midfield were missed. Nobody among his replacements has the same characteristics. With Dybala absent, Rodrigo Mora's contribution became even more important; the Portuguese is very young and must still develop consistency, but he showed how decisive he can be when used in the right conditions. The author concluded that Roma's character is a major asset, but that winning while playing badly cannot be relied upon, and that Gasperini must restore sharpness and solidity in the coming weeks.

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.

Roma return to the Stadio Olimpico to face Cagliari, coached by Pisacane, after the 1-1 draw at Napoli. Gasperini has made some changes for the match. Cagliari have had a strong start to the league season but come into the game on the back of two heavy defeats, against Monza and Bologna. Roma line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation: Gollini; Mancini, N'Dicka, Koulierakis; Lulli, De Roon, Pisilli, Molina; Soulé, Cristante; Castro. Balerdi, who scored a brace at the Maradona in Naples, is among the substitutes, alongside Vásquez, De Marzi, Rensch, Ghilardi, Mora, Wesley, Hermoso, Malen, Arena and Camara. Gasperini is in charge. Cagliari set up in a 5-4-1 formation: Caprile; Ze Pedro, Sugawara, Mina, Rodriguez, Obert; Romano, Deiola; Adopo, Fadera; Nzola. Their substitutes are Sherri, Radunovic, Kofler, Aurelio, Liteta, Sulev, Fazzini, Gagliardini, Ciervo, Maldini, Carlos, Mendy and Trepy. Pisacane is the Cagliari coach.

Gian Piero Gasperini is expected to make several changes as Roma host Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico in tonight's midweek ninth-round Serie A fixture, coached by Fabio Pisacane. Roma return home after a thrilling 3-3 draw away at Napoli and are looking to win three points to stay close to the top of the table. Gasperini is reportedly taking the chance of the short turnaround to change his starting eleven. Dybala is returning towards the squad but is expected to start on the bench, while Svilar, Koné and Pellegrini remain unavailable. On the Cagliari side, Winks is out with lower back pain, while Trepy is back in contention. According to the probable line-ups, Ghilardi and Balerdi could get a first-minute opportunity in defence, while Lulli and Molina are expected to operate on the flanks. Up front, Soulé and Rodrigo Mora are favoured to play behind Malen. Roma are expected to line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation: Gollini; Ghilardi, N'Dicka, Balerdi; Lulli, Cristante, Pisilli, Molina; Soulé, Mora; Malen. Cagliari are expected in a 4-2-3-1: Caprile; Sugawara, Mina, Rodríguez, Obert; Romano, Deiola; Adopo, Maldini, Fazzini; Mendy. Roma's substitutes are Vásquez, De Marzi, Hermoso, Mancini, Wesley, Rensch, Koulierakis, Di Nunzio, De Roon, Camara and Castro. Cagliari's bench includes Sherri, Radunović, Kofler, Zé Pedro, Aurelio, Liteta, Sulev, Massolin, Gagliardini, Trepy, Kevin Carlos, Nzola, Fadera and Ciervo. The match is refereed by Feliciani of Teramo, with assistants Zingarelli and Fontani. The fourth official is Mariani, the VAR is Ghersini and the assistant VAR is Camplone.