Roma-Genoa player ratings: Castro and Lulli on the scoresheet

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 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, 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 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 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 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's young players turned a difficult start into a fightback, with Emanuele Lulli, Niccolò Pisilli and Rodrigo Mora all making decisive contributions. Pisilli's cold mistake led to the penalty awarded to Cagliari, which Nzola converted. Roma responded quickly, as Lulli rose to head the equaliser just five minutes later, a 1-1. He was among the best players on the pitch for Roma throughout. Pisilli then scored the 2-1, set up by Lulli, so the young midfielder's error was soon forgiven. Rodrigo Mora, the Portuguese talent, came on in the 56th minute for Marten de Roon. He had been expected to start, but he was still decisive, scoring the 3-2 in the 85th minute with an assist from Daniele Ghilardi, another young player in the group. The article notes that the group's strength lies in reacting immediately to setbacks, and that these Under-23 Roma players are determined to make their voices heard alongside the club's senior stars. Writing in La Gazzetta dello Sport, Mario Canfora praised Lulli, a player from Palestrina born in August 2007, who has always stood out for his speed, coordination, reading of the game and character. In his home town he is known as "il Sindaco" (the Mayor), a nickname earned for his leadership. Mora, a 2007-born Portuguese talent, cost 50 million euros, payable as 25 million this year and 25 million next year, with an alternative of 50 percent of any future resale. That makes him, in effect, the most expensive signing in Roma's history.

Roma avoided their first league defeat of the season at the Maradona, rescued from a 2-0 deficit by Stephan El Shaarawy's...

Gianluca Piacentini of Rete Sport insisted Roma paid 25 million euros for Mora, not 50 million, in the latest instalment of the Roman radio roundup. He said: "Roma paid 25 million for Mora, then if this year he scores 100 goals and is worth 200 million, Roma have the option of paying 25 million to remove that clause on a future resale. But they did not buy 50% of the player, they bought 100% of the player. If they sell him, they must give 50% of what they receive, which Roma can remove by paying another 25 million. Since you have been insinuating for days that he is rubbish but you do not have the courage to say it, you say he was paid 50 million, but it is not true! If Roma take Mora to the end of his contract, they will have paid 25 million. It is very clear." Rossi, also on Rete Sport, reopened the debate over Pellegrini, saying that some people had doubted Roma's decision to renew Dybala and Pellegrini this summer, citing a history of injuries. He said Dybala has not reached half of his appearances and that Pellegrini had reached his 100th injury. Pellegrini has now re-injured the musculotendinous junction of the flexor, and will take another three months out. Rossi added that the injury was not fixed and that the club paid five million gross for the player, money he said Roma could have spent better. On Tele Radio Stereo, Alessio Nardo asked whether this is Pellegrini's last season with Roma, adding that the speculation should be hedged because "with Pellegrini you never know". He also questioned whether Gasperini chose to speak at his press conference today to avoid questions about possible errors in the transfer market and about underestimating certain aspects. Nardo described a city that remains bitter even after a third-place finish and seven wins in ten matches, saying Mora had become "the new Zaragoza" and had been "destroyed" over the last 48 hours. Lorenzo Pes disagreed, arguing that Gasperini skipped the press conference simply because of a run of closely spaced matches. Valentina Catoni argued that the real problem was not renewing Pellegrini but failing to sign another forward, saying Gasperini had asked for at least one more player up front. Piero Torri of Manà Manà Sport said Roma are playing the season with only 20 outfield players, two of whom, Dybala and Pellegrini, have had a hard few years. He said the club's wage bill problem is the card Roma will play in front of UEFA, and claimed Pellegrini has played only 150 minutes in total. Torri also said he would have signed El Shaarawy at the end of the window, since he could play as a wide attacker or in midfield. Paola Cosenza voiced concern about Cristante, who is returning from a collateral ligament problem, fearing he may force his recovery. Marco Valerio Corsi said he expected Gasperini to protect Mora in the match at Napoli if he delivered another lacklustre performance, and that he doubted Wesley could play as a forward. Roberto Pruzzo said Soulé is growing and that Roma should build around him, and that he sees Santiago Castro as the alternative, adding that Mora looks too far behind the level required for the stage he is being asked to perform on. He said: "We must hope Malen doesn't even have a cold, otherwise it gets tough." Mario Mattioli argued that Pellegrini had only returned from injury two matches earlier and that the club had already lived through a similar situation. Nando Orsi criticised the constant talk of signings and of how Gasperini's training compares with that of previous years. The discussion is set to continue on the same programme, with pundits calling for Roma to reach January in contention for the top places before the club reassesses its options.

Tommaso Turci, journalist and pitchside reporter for DAZN, spoke exclusively to Retesport and praised Roma's progress under Gian Piero Gasperini, with particular praise for Stephan El Shaarawy's teammate Matías Soulé and new-look midfielder Marten de Roon. Turci said Soulé is "making giant steps forward" and described him as becoming a leader and a player for a top team. Turci said Roma look organised and improving but that they are still at the beginning of the season. He stressed that consistency will make the difference, and that the Roma side will become credible for the top of the table once squad players with limited minutes add value, as happened against Genoa and again in the most recent match. He said that the season before gave this group awareness, and that Roma are showing they can stay near the top of the table, though how long that will last remains to be seen. On Inter, Turci said that once they reach full speed they will pull away from the rest by 10-15 points. On Gasperini's reaction to Lulli's goal, Turci said the coach was moved to see the young scorer celebrating in a clumsy way, often looking at the referee to confirm his first goal was valid. Gasperini, who has now recorded 300 wins, congratulated him and then immediately gave the team instructions, even though the goal strongly pointed the match in Roma's favour. Turci praised Soulé's quality in the build-up to that goal, saying it was not just technique but also personality, and that the forward is now physically well and aligned with Gasperini's ideas. Asked which newcomer had impressed him most, Turci said: "De Roon, even though we all knew he would be functional to Gasperini's way of playing. Seeing how he has fitted into the group and the dressing room has made me understand that he is a top player." On the coaching staff, Turci said they are perfectly aligned with Gasperini, naming Raimondi and Gritti, and that Gasperini consults everyone while each member looks after the details during matches. He added: "All the top coaches have a great staff, and he is no exception."