Top and Flop: Cristante ascendant, Malen in descent, and those early-second-half goals

Former Roma striker Pruzzo has said Gasperini would have substituted Mora had he had another change available, but he was pleased that two academy players solved the team's problems. Speaking to Radio Radio Mattino, Pruzzo said: "If Gasperini had another change, Mora would have been taken off. But I am happy that two boys from the youth system have solved the problems." He added: "I am an admirer of Castro, but Mina put him in his pocket yesterday. He has to make a mental switch, Molina is struggling in Italian football. I have big doubts about the Giallorossi market." Roma's win over Cagliari drew comment from pundit Orsi, who also spoke to Radio Radio Mattino. He said: "Roma did not struggle against Cagliari. The feeling I had is that Roma could never lose the match. Gollini saved the team, I am happy for him. Anyway, the Giallorossi were far superior to Cagliari." Pruzzo's comments centre on the performance of Nahuel Molina and Santiago Castro, whom he believes have yet to adapt, while Orsi's view was that the result never looked in doubt. Both pundits credited the Roma goalkeeper for his display, with Orsi saying the keeper had saved the side. Pruzzo's remarks on the transfer market underline his scepticism about the club's recent dealings.

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 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 Gollini proving decisive in goal and Malen and Mora combining to restore the three points in the closing stages. Gasperini's side made four changes from the Napoli fixture, keeping the same tactical approach, and dominated possession from the start, with Cristante and De Roon not needing to worry about tracking opponents as the ball rarely left Roma's feet. The match also exposed concerns, however. Roma had conceded five goals in their last two games, with Gollini often coming to the rescue, a worrying trend given that until a few days earlier the club had the best defensive record in Europe. Roma's rotation was tested by a schedule of matches every three days, and the depth of the squad was once again on show. Despite their early control, Cagliari took the lead after Roma conceded a corner that led to a penalty, awarded for a clumsy handball by Pisilli, and the hosts went ahead. Gasperini's side did not panic. They pushed forward through the wide channels, and a classic fifth-to-fifth routine saw Molina cut in from the left and set up Lulli, who headed in at the second post to level. Roma then struck again down the right, where a flowing move ended with Lulli delivering a cross to the edge of the box, and Pisilli's timing carried him in to complete the turnaround within five minutes. Cagliari, however, quickly showed they had a plan of their own. Their central midfield superiority, combined with Roma's slow central pairing of De Roon and Cristante, allowed them to play direct vertical passes into the spaces behind Roma's defenders, with Nzola and Fadera, and the wing-backs Obert and Sugawara, driving forward. After the break, Roma continued to struggle to find their rhythm as Cagliari grew stronger physically. Gasperini moved Wesley to the left to add energy, but Pisacane's side kept exploiting the gaps behind Roma's midfielders. Gasperini made attacking changes, bringing on Malen and Mora for Castro and De Roon, with Pisilli dropping into midfield alongside Cristante, Mora moving to the right and Soulé to the left. Cagliari's pressure intensified as Roma's defensive shape loosened, with Cristante and Mancini especially exposed. Maldini and Liteta came on and Cagliari's momentum built, and Maldini ultimately beat Gollini. Gasperini then made a late change, bringing on Ghilardi for Mancini, and Ghilardi delivered the cross for the taller Lulli in a crowded box. Malen, combining with Mora, then restored Roma's three points.

Roma came from behind to beat Cagliari 4-2 at the Stadio Olimpico in their ninth Serie A match of the season, with Lulli, Pisilli, Mora and Malen on the scoresheet. The result was made to look harder than it was by a performance that Giallorossi.net's player ratings describe as one of the least convincing of the season. Gollini, standing in for the injured Svilar, was named the best Roma player despite conceding twice, rated 7.5 for a string of saves, including a decisive stop on Adopo in the first half and another in the second half, mainly against Mendy. Mancini was given a 5, the lowest mark in the Roma side, after being repeatedly troubled by Fadera's acceleration. Ndicka (6) struggled against Nzola and Mendy, while Koulierakis (6) was solid without standing out. Lulli was the standout of the first half, rated 7.5. He headed in the equaliser and then supplied the pass that set up Pisilli for the go-ahead goal. Pisilli (6) was a mix of error and reward: his handball gave Cagliari a penalty, before he struck a powerful right-foot shot past Caprile to put Roma back in front. The match had been levelled by Obert, who beat Rensch in the move that brought the equaliser, after Rensch (5.5) came on in the 76th minute. De Roon (5.5) had a quiet game and was replaced by Rodrigo Mora in the 56th minute. Mora's introduction changed the match. He was rated 7 after starting on the right, a position that appeared to limit him, before Gasperini moved him to the left. He first scored with a towering header, then played the ball to Malen for the 4-2. Malen, who had wasted a clear chance set up by Mora, came on in the 56th minute and was rated 7 after firing a second right-foot effort past Caprile to seal the win. Molina (6.5) had a good first half, providing the right-foot cross for Lulli's goal, and Wesley (6) was rated 6 after coming on at half-time. Soulé (6) faded after a bright start, and Cristante (5.5) and Castro (5) both had poor games. Ghilardi (7) came on in the 83rd minute and delivered the cross for Mora's winner. Gasperini was rated 6.5. The article says Roma suffered against a strong Cagliari side and often looked close to conceding, but the coach's substitutions turned the game. Its concern was his decision to start Mora on the right and Soulé on the left, which Gasperini reversed at the break, after which Mora changed the match. The reviewer concluded: "Non sarà stata una bella Roma, ma proprio per questo i tre punti valgono ancora di più."

Former Roma striker Pruzzo has said Gasperini would have substituted Mora had he had another change available, but he was pleased that two academy players solved the team's problems. Speaking to Radio Radio Mattino, Pruzzo said: "If Gasperini had another change, Mora would have been taken off. But I am happy that two boys from the youth system have solved the problems." He added: "I am an admirer of Castro, but Mina put him in his pocket yesterday. He has to make a mental switch, Molina is struggling in Italian football. I have big doubts about the Giallorossi market." Roma's win over Cagliari drew comment from pundit Orsi, who also spoke to Radio Radio Mattino. He said: "Roma did not struggle against Cagliari. The feeling I had is that Roma could never lose the match. Gollini saved the team, I am happy for him. Anyway, the Giallorossi were far superior to Cagliari." Pruzzo's comments centre on the performance of Nahuel Molina and Santiago Castro, whom he believes have yet to adapt, while Orsi's view was that the result never looked in doubt. Both pundits credited the Roma goalkeeper for his display, with Orsi saying the keeper had saved the side. Pruzzo's remarks on the transfer market underline his scepticism about the club's recent dealings.

Roma legend Roberto Pruzzo has questioned Santiago Castro's recent form and voiced doubts about the club's transfer business, in comments on Radio Radio Mattino (104.5). Fellow pundit Nando Orsi also praised Roma's display against Cagliari. Pruzzo said Gasperini would have taken off Mora had he had another substitute available, but he was pleased that two academy players had solved the team's problems. He said: "If Gasp had another substitute, Mora would have been taken off. But I'm happy that two lads from the youth team have solved the problems. I'm a fan of Castro, but Mina put him in his pocket yesterday. He needs to make a mental switch; Molina struggles in Italian football. I have big doubts about the Roma market." Orsi insisted Roma had not struggled against Cagliari and felt the team could never have lost the match. He said: "Roma did not struggle against Cagliari. The feeling I had is that Roma could never lose the match. Gollini saved the team, I'm happy for him. Anyway, the giallorossi were far too superior to Cagliari."

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.

Former Roma striker Pruzzo has said Gasperini would have substituted Mora had he had another change available, but he was pleased that two academy players solved the team's problems. Speaking to Radio Radio Mattino, Pruzzo said: "If Gasperini had another change, Mora would have been taken off. But I am happy that two boys from the youth system have solved the problems." He added: "I am an admirer of Castro, but Mina put him in his pocket yesterday. He has to make a mental switch, Molina is struggling in Italian football. I have big doubts about the Giallorossi market." Roma's win over Cagliari drew comment from pundit Orsi, who also spoke to Radio Radio Mattino. He said: "Roma did not struggle against Cagliari. The feeling I had is that Roma could never lose the match. Gollini saved the team, I am happy for him. Anyway, the Giallorossi were far superior to Cagliari." Pruzzo's comments centre on the performance of Nahuel Molina and Santiago Castro, whom he believes have yet to adapt, while Orsi's view was that the result never looked in doubt. Both pundits credited the Roma goalkeeper for his display, with Orsi saying the keeper had saved the side. Pruzzo's remarks on the transfer market underline his scepticism about the club's recent dealings.

Roma legend Roberto Pruzzo has questioned Santiago Castro's recent form and voiced doubts about the club's transfer business, in comments on Radio Radio Mattino (104.5). Fellow pundit Nando Orsi also praised Roma's display against Cagliari. Pruzzo said Gasperini would have taken off Mora had he had another substitute available, but he was pleased that two academy players had solved the team's problems. He said: "If Gasp had another substitute, Mora would have been taken off. But I'm happy that two lads from the youth team have solved the problems. I'm a fan of Castro, but Mina put him in his pocket yesterday. He needs to make a mental switch; Molina struggles in Italian football. I have big doubts about the Roma market." Orsi insisted Roma had not struggled against Cagliari and felt the team could never have lost the match. He said: "Roma did not struggle against Cagliari. The feeling I had is that Roma could never lose the match. Gollini saved the team, I'm happy for him. Anyway, the giallorossi were far too superior to Cagliari."

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.