Roma 4–2 Cagliari: Lulli Shines as Mora and Malen Seal Dramatic Late Victory

Roma overcome Cagliari in dramatic six-goal contest

Roma secured an important 4–2 victory over Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, following a match that featured two comebacks and a remarkable late attacking response. Gian Piero Gasperini's side entered the fixture after drawing 3–3 against Napoli and were again forced to respond to an early setback. Cagliari took the lead through an M'Bala Nzola penalty before Roma turned the match around with goals from Emanuele Lulli and Niccolò Pisilli. The hosts maintained their advantage for much of the contest, but Daniel Maldini equalised in the 81st minute. That goal appeared to give Cagliari an opportunity to claim a valuable point. However, Roma responded immediately, with Rodrigo Mora and Donyell Malen scoring in quick succession to secure all three points.

Nzola opens scoring before Lulli and Pisilli respond

The visitors made an aggressive start and received an opportunity to take the lead following a VAR review. A header from Zé Pedro struck Niccolò Pisilli's hand inside the penalty area, and referee Ermanno Feliciani awarded a penalty after reviewing the incident. Nzola converted in the tenth minute, sending Roma goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini the wrong way. The home side responded almost immediately. Nahuel Molina delivered a cross towards the far post, where 20-year-old Emanuele Lulli headed past Elia Caprile to equalise in the 15th minute. Lulli then turned provider. The young wing-back delivered another dangerous cross from the right, allowing fellow academy graduate Pisilli to finish from close range and put Roma ahead. The two goals showcased the influence of Roma's younger players during a demanding period for Gasperini's squad.

Maldini equalises before Roma produce late double blow

Cagliari continued to threaten after the interval despite trailing 2–1. Gollini made several important saves, including interventions to deny the visitors during dangerous counterattacks. The goalkeeper was unable to prevent the equaliser in the 81st minute. Adam Obert released Daniel Maldini, who finished from a difficult angle to make the score 2–2. Roma responded with renewed attacking urgency. Daniele Ghilardi delivered a cross from the right and Rodrigo Mora headed home in the 85th minute to restore the hosts' lead. Just two minutes later, Mora combined with Donyell Malen, whose finish beat Caprile to extend the advantage to 4–2. The rapid sequence of goals transformed what had briefly appeared to be a frustrating draw into an important home victory.

Lulli and Mora highlight Roma's attacking depth

Roma's performance demonstrated the value of their emerging players and the impact of tactical changes during a competitive Serie A fixture. Lulli finished with a goal and an assist, while Mora contributed decisively after entering the match. Pisilli also responded positively after conceding the early penalty, scoring the goal that gave Roma their first lead. The hosts achieved the result without Paulo Dybala, who was unavailable for selection. Malen's contribution provided further attacking quality during the closing stages. For Cagliari, the defeat was especially disappointing because the visitors recovered from a 2–1 deficit and remained competitive until the final ten minutes. Nzola and Maldini provided goals, but the defensive response after the second equaliser proved insufficient. Roma can take encouragement from their resilience and attacking variety, although conceding twice at home remains an area for improvement. The result gives Gasperini's side a valuable victory as they continue their pursuit of the leading positions in Serie A.