Gianluca Gaetano’s late strike secured a crucial 1-0 win for Cagliari over 10-man Roma at the Unipol Domus, ending the Sardinians’ 10-match winless streak in Serie A.
The first half defied expectations, as Cagliari, who have been flirting with relegation, largely controlled proceedings against a Roma side chasing the title.
Early on, Gennaro Borrelli went down in the box after just seven minutes, but the referee ruled that he had been fairly dispossessed, denying the hosts a potential penalty.
Roma, who have amassed 27 points—their best tally at this stage since 2017/18—struggled offensively, managing only one shot on target before the break and scoring just 15 goals in their opening 13 league matches.
In contrast, Cagliari looked the more dangerous side, with Sebastiano Esposito seeing his effort from close range brilliantly saved by Mile Svilar as the halftime whistle blew with the score still level.
The second half brought renewed intensity, and Cagliari were soon handed an opportunity to take the lead.
Michael Folorunsho appeared to be fouled by Zeki Celik in the area, but after consulting the pitchside monitor, referee Luca Zufferli ruled that the foul began outside the box. Celik was shown a red card for the incident, reducing Roma to 10 men.
Cagliari pressed on, with Adam Obert forcing a fine save from Svilar after weaving past two defenders inside the box.
Despite Roma’s recent dominance in their head-to-head clashes, winning five of the last six meetings, they could not withstand the hosts’ pressure.
With just eight minutes remaining, Cagliari broke the deadlock. A well-delivered corner found the unmarked Gaetano at the far post, and his low-driven finish into the bottom left corner sparked jubilation among the home fans.
It was Gaetano’s first league goal of the season and a dramatic way to seal all three points.
The victory, Cagliari’s first home win in five matches, lifts them four points clear of the relegation zone.
Roma, meanwhile, remain fourth but are only three points behind league leaders Inter, left to rue their missed opportunities against a resilient Sardinian side.a
