Roma 4-2 Cagliari: Mora Shines as Roma Strike Late Once Again

Roma extended their unbeaten run in Serie A with a 4-2 win over Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico.

Gian Piero Gasperini's side came close to dropping points after Daniel Maldini's 81st-minute equaliser, but the impact of substitutes Rodrigo Mora and Donyell Malen kept Roma third in the table.

Cagliari were awarded a penalty in the 10th minute following a VAR review after Niccolo Pisilli handled the ball in the box, and M'Bala Nzola converted from the spot to put the visitors 1-0 up.

Roma's response was swift. In the 21st minute, Emanuele Lulli rose well at the back post to head in Nahuel Molina's cross for the equaliser, and five minutes later it was Lulli's whipped delivery that Pisilli turned home to put the capital side in front.

Malen and Mora were introduced in the second half, but Cagliari refused to give up. Pierluigi Gollini saved a dangerous effort from Alieu Fadera on the hour mark, before the visitors' persistence paid off in the 81st minute. Adam Obert carried the ball down the left and Daniel Maldini fired a powerful strike to make it 2-2.

Just five minutes after the equaliser, Mora restored Roma's lead with a neat header from Daniele Ghilardi's cross. Only 110 seconds later Mora was at it again, driving to the byline and cutting the ball back for Malen. The Dutch forward saw his first attempt blocked but followed up to make it a two-goal margin and settle the final score at 4-2.

In another match on the day, Cesc Fabregas's Como beat Torino 3-1 with goals after the 81st minute from Jacobo Ramon, Nico Paz and Martin Baturina, climbing into the top four.

Having rescued a point with an 89th-minute goal in their previous outing away at Napoli, Roma once again left it late to secure victory. Mora stole the show off the bench by creating three chances, while Malen brought energy to the attack with four shots and seven touches in the opposition box. The 19-year-old defender Lulli, who finished the match with a goal and an assist, was another standout performer on the night.

Roma remain four points behind leaders Lazio, who comfortably beat Sassuolo.