Roma beat Cagliari 4-2 as Lulli shines and Malen and Mora get on the scoresheet

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.

Rodrigo Mora turned a difficult evening against Cagliari into a memorable one at the Olimpico, scoring a header that sparked the home crowd and setting up Donyell Malen's winning goal. The Portuguese had struggled in the early stages, as he had in recent matches, and his first-half role did not suit him. Gasperini kept his usual system, with two wide players behind the striker, but Mora found little room on either flank. Playing wide, left or right, does not appear to be his strength. The turning point came when Gasperini moved him to the left, alongside Matías Soulé and behind Malen. As the minutes passed, Mora drifted into the centre, operated as a trequartista and finally found his space. Soulé moved closer to Malen, and Roma took on almost a 3-4-1-2 shape. Mora grew in confidence from there, making runs into the box and giving free rein to his creativity. His header, which brought the Olimpico to its feet, defined his evening, but it does not tell the whole story. Even more significant was the invention that opened the way for Malen's liberating goal, a moment that was worth as much as a signature. It was a night for the young players and for Roma's green-and-yellow youth core. After the match, Mora made his ambitions clear: "Voglio lottare per essere titolare", which translates as "I want to fight to be a starter." He is trying to convince Gasperini to give him more minutes. The coach knows his qualities and, for now, regards him as a 'mina vagante', a dangerous wildcard. Mora is only 19, and time is on his side. That evening against Cagliari could turn out to have been far more than a special night.

Roma's unbeaten run has reached 16 matches following their win over Cagliari, a streak that began after the 5-0 defeat by Inter. Coach Gasperini has equalled Garcia's mark and now has his sights set on the club's historic records. Ahead of the other stories in the round-up, former striker Marco Borriello, speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, offered a measured view of Donyell Malen, who has scored 10 goals this season. He said: "He has quality, Gasperini brings it out of him, but Serie A today has more mediocrity than in my time. If you put him in a big Spanish or English club, he sits on the bench." Borriello was far warmer about Daniele De Rossi, saying: "He is a predestined one. He is proving to be a competent and intelligent coach, the 'Smart One'. If I were the president of Genoa, I would hold on to him tightly." The unbeaten run is now 16 matches, and Gasperini has matched Garcia's figure. Roma's historic benchmarks lie ahead, with runs of 19, 20, 24 and 25 matches all above them. The most significant mark is the 30 consecutive unbeaten league results set by Liedholm, a record that has stood since the 1980-81 season. In the player ratings, Lulli was named the best player on the pitch unanimously by the newspapers, with a 7.50. Mora followed on 7.25, a standout performance after coming off the bench. Gollini (7.08) and Malen (6.92) also earned praise, while Ghilardi and Soulé (both 6.75) received positive reviews. At the bottom, Mancini was rated 5.08, clearly the worst, followed by Rensch (5.58) and Castro (5.75).

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 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 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.

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.

Rodrigo Mora turned a difficult evening against Cagliari into a memorable one at the Olimpico, scoring a header that sparked the home crowd and setting up Donyell Malen's winning goal. The Portuguese had struggled in the early stages, as he had in recent matches, and his first-half role did not suit him. Gasperini kept his usual system, with two wide players behind the striker, but Mora found little room on either flank. Playing wide, left or right, does not appear to be his strength. The turning point came when Gasperini moved him to the left, alongside Matías Soulé and behind Malen. As the minutes passed, Mora drifted into the centre, operated as a trequartista and finally found his space. Soulé moved closer to Malen, and Roma took on almost a 3-4-1-2 shape. Mora grew in confidence from there, making runs into the box and giving free rein to his creativity. His header, which brought the Olimpico to its feet, defined his evening, but it does not tell the whole story. Even more significant was the invention that opened the way for Malen's liberating goal, a moment that was worth as much as a signature. It was a night for the young players and for Roma's green-and-yellow youth core. After the match, Mora made his ambitions clear: "Voglio lottare per essere titolare", which translates as "I want to fight to be a starter." He is trying to convince Gasperini to give him more minutes. The coach knows his qualities and, for now, regards him as a 'mina vagante', a dangerous wildcard. Mora is only 19, and time is on his side. That evening against Cagliari could turn out to have been far more than a special night.

Roma's unbeaten run has reached 16 matches following their win over Cagliari, a streak that began after the 5-0 defeat by Inter. Coach Gasperini has equalled Garcia's mark and now has his sights set on the club's historic records. Ahead of the other stories in the round-up, former striker Marco Borriello, speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, offered a measured view of Donyell Malen, who has scored 10 goals this season. He said: "He has quality, Gasperini brings it out of him, but Serie A today has more mediocrity than in my time. If you put him in a big Spanish or English club, he sits on the bench." Borriello was far warmer about Daniele De Rossi, saying: "He is a predestined one. He is proving to be a competent and intelligent coach, the 'Smart One'. If I were the president of Genoa, I would hold on to him tightly." The unbeaten run is now 16 matches, and Gasperini has matched Garcia's figure. Roma's historic benchmarks lie ahead, with runs of 19, 20, 24 and 25 matches all above them. The most significant mark is the 30 consecutive unbeaten league results set by Liedholm, a record that has stood since the 1980-81 season. In the player ratings, Lulli was named the best player on the pitch unanimously by the newspapers, with a 7.50. Mora followed on 7.25, a standout performance after coming off the bench. Gollini (7.08) and Malen (6.92) also earned praise, while Ghilardi and Soulé (both 6.75) received positive reviews. At the bottom, Mancini was rated 5.08, clearly the worst, followed by Rensch (5.58) and Castro (5.75).

Rodrigo Mora turned a difficult evening against Cagliari into a memorable one at the Olimpico, scoring a header that sparked the home crowd and setting up Donyell Malen's winning goal. The Portuguese had struggled in the early stages, as he had in recent matches, and his first-half role did not suit him. Gasperini kept his usual system, with two wide players behind the striker, but Mora found little room on either flank. Playing wide, left or right, does not appear to be his strength. The turning point came when Gasperini moved him to the left, alongside Matías Soulé and behind Malen. As the minutes passed, Mora drifted into the centre, operated as a trequartista and finally found his space. Soulé moved closer to Malen, and Roma took on almost a 3-4-1-2 shape. Mora grew in confidence from there, making runs into the box and giving free rein to his creativity. His header, which brought the Olimpico to its feet, defined his evening, but it does not tell the whole story. Even more significant was the invention that opened the way for Malen's liberating goal, a moment that was worth as much as a signature. It was a night for the young players and for Roma's green-and-yellow youth core. After the match, Mora made his ambitions clear: "Voglio lottare per essere titolare", which translates as "I want to fight to be a starter." He is trying to convince Gasperini to give him more minutes. The coach knows his qualities and, for now, regards him as a 'mina vagante', a dangerous wildcard. Mora is only 19, and time is on his side. That evening against Cagliari could turn out to have been far more than a special night.

Roma's unbeaten run has reached 16 matches following their win over Cagliari, a streak that began after the 5-0 defeat by Inter. Coach Gasperini has equalled Garcia's mark and now has his sights set on the club's historic records. Ahead of the other stories in the round-up, former striker Marco Borriello, speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, offered a measured view of Donyell Malen, who has scored 10 goals this season. He said: "He has quality, Gasperini brings it out of him, but Serie A today has more mediocrity than in my time. If you put him in a big Spanish or English club, he sits on the bench." Borriello was far warmer about Daniele De Rossi, saying: "He is a predestined one. He is proving to be a competent and intelligent coach, the 'Smart One'. If I were the president of Genoa, I would hold on to him tightly." The unbeaten run is now 16 matches, and Gasperini has matched Garcia's figure. Roma's historic benchmarks lie ahead, with runs of 19, 20, 24 and 25 matches all above them. The most significant mark is the 30 consecutive unbeaten league results set by Liedholm, a record that has stood since the 1980-81 season. In the player ratings, Lulli was named the best player on the pitch unanimously by the newspapers, with a 7.50. Mora followed on 7.25, a standout performance after coming off the bench. Gollini (7.08) and Malen (6.92) also earned praise, while Ghilardi and Soulé (both 6.75) received positive reviews. At the bottom, Mancini was rated 5.08, clearly the worst, followed by Rensch (5.58) and Castro (5.75).

Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini lost his temper during the first half of the win over Cagliari, throwing his jacket to the ground after an error by Gianluca Mancini. With the score at 2-1, Mancini failed to delay and was beaten by the pace of Fadera, which gave Cagliari a chance they then wasted. The reaction recalled similar scenes from Massimiliano Allegri, though the gesture was instinctive and showed a coach who does not accept drops in intensity and demands the maximum from his players. The anger soon subsided, but the suffering lasted until the final whistle, as the result at one stage risked slipping away. Fatigue and injuries have shortened the rotations, and Gasperini still expects more from those on the pitch. Mistakes are part of the game, he is said to believe, but they cannot become a habit. The victory brought the smile back to the coach's face after a difficult spell, and it was built on the attention to detail that he has made central to his work at the club in the capital. In the end, the substitutions settled the match, with Rodrigo Mora and Donyell Malen both proving decisive. Gasperini's changes were, once again, the winning move. Under the Piedmontese coach, Roma are building a period of continuity that the capital has lacked for some time, even without trophies so far.