AS Roma secured a hard-fought 4-2 victory over Cagliari in the Italian Serie A on Tuesday, October 27, with Rodrigo Mora and Donyell Malen scoring late goals to help the hosts claim all three points at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
Cagliari took the lead in the 10th minute when M’Bala Nzola converted a penalty after a VAR review determined that Niccolò Pisilli had handled Ze Pedro’s header inside the box.
Roma responded quickly, with Emanuele Lulli heading home Nahuel Molina’s cross in the 15th minute to restore parity.
The hosts completed the turnaround six minutes later when Pisilli converted Lulli’s cross from the right, putting Roma 2-1 ahead.
Despite creating several opportunities, the home side could not extend their advantage before the break.
Both teams continued to threaten after the restart, with Roma goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini making several important saves to keep Cagliari at bay.
The visitors also created chances but struggled to find an equaliser.
Cagliari eventually drew level in the 81st minute through Daniel Maldini, who finished Adam Obert’s pass from a difficult angle to make it 2-2 and set up a tense finish.
Roma regained the lead four minutes later when Rodrigo Mora headed home Daniele Ghilardi’s cross at the far post.
Two minutes after that, Malen put the result beyond doubt, combining with Mora in a quick exchange before his finish slipped beneath the goalkeeper to give Roma a two-goal cushion.
Cagliari introduced Yael Trepy late in the game, marking the youngster’s return to action after he nearly drowned in a swimming pool on August 17 and required intensive care.
He immediately tested Gollini with a strong solo effort, but the Roma goalkeeper made the save.
The victory provides a boost for Roma, who had won only one of their previous four league matches amid an injury crisis.
Paulo Dybala, Mile Svilar, Manu Koné and Lorenzo Pellegrini remained unavailable for the encounter.
Cagliari, meanwhile, continued their difficult run of form following a draw against Juventus and consecutive defeats to Monza and Bologna.
Full-time: Roma 4-2 Cagliari. Nzola scored from the penalty spot for Cagliari before Lulli and Pisilli put Roma ahead.
Maldini briefly restored parity late in the second half, but goals from Mora and Malen secured the victory for the hosts.
