Roma achieved a resounding 4‑2 victory over Cagliari on matchday nine of Serie A, avoiding possible relegation after a draw in the second half. The victory was sealed with two goals in the final minutes, after the visitor equalized in the 81st minute.
The match began with an advantage for Cagliari, when the VAR confirmed a penalty for a handball by Niccolò Pisilli inside the area. Forward M'Bala Nzola converted the penalty with a left-footed shot that beat goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini, putting the visiting team ahead. Roma, which came into the match with two consecutive defeats, reacted quickly. In the 15th minute, Nahuel Molina launched a cross that young Emanuele Lulli, 19, headed home to tie. Lulli, who joined the first team in 2021 and signed a contract until 2031, demonstrated his potential in the “Loba”. Six minutes later, Niccolò Pisilli completed the comeback by receiving a pass from Lulli and shooting with the inside of his right foot, sneaking into the Cagliari goal. The goal allowed Pisilli to return to the starting eleven and was decisive for coach Gian Piero Gasperini.
With the lead on the scoreboard, Roma maintained the pressure and sought to widen the difference. Goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini, starting in the absence of Mile Svilar due to injury, made several crucial saves to prevent Cagliari from tying again. However, the visitor equalized in the 81st minute thanks to Daniel Maldini, who took advantage of a gap in the Roman defense. Roma's response came just four minutes later: Rodrigo Mora headed a cross ball and finished at the near post, giving his team the advantage. The goal, much celebrated by the Portuguese, was an important point after he had not been able to demonstrate his quality in previous games.
Shortly after, Dutch striker Donyell Malen extended the lead to 4‑2. Malen took advantage of a ball served by Mora and, on his second attempt, beat the Cagliari goalkeeper. With these two goals in the final stretch, Roma secured a victory that reinforces its position in the table and maintains its unbeaten streak at home, with 17 games without losing in Serie A, including 13 wins and 4 draws. Cagliari, for its part, continues to fight after having won five of its last games at the Olympic Stadium, but without conceding in four of them. Roma, with this victory, advances in the competition and prepares for the next challenge in Serie A.