Full-time: AS Roma 4-2 Cagliari

AS Roma delivered a six-goal thriller at the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, defeating Cagliari 4-2 in Serie A. The hosts combined sharp attacking play with a few nervy defensive moments, but ultimately had too much quality in the final third as they secured an important three points in front of their home supporters.

Match overview

Roma set the tone early, pressing Cagliari deep and forcing the visitors into a series of hurried clearances. The breakthrough arrived from the penalty spot after Lorenzo Pellegrini was brought down inside the area, and the Roma captain dusted himself off to convert confidently. Paulo Dybala doubled the lead midway through the first half with a trademark left-footed finish from the edge of the box, curling the ball beyond the Cagliari goalkeeper.

Cagliari responded well before the interval, pulling one back through Gianluca Lapadula, who powered home a header from a right-sided cross. That goal gave the visitors belief, but Roma restored their two-goal cushion early in the second half when Gianluca Mancini arrived at the back post to turn in a corner. Cagliari refused to fold, and Roberto Piccoli made it 3-2 with a composed finish after a quick counter-attack, setting up a tense final quarter of an hour. Roma finally sealed the win in the closing stages when Stephan El Shaarawy finished off a flowing move down the left.

Key moments

• 12’ – Roma 1-0: Lorenzo Pellegrini converts a penalty after a foul in the box.
• 34’ – Roma 2-0: Paulo Dybala curls a precise effort into the bottom corner.
• 44’ – Roma 2-1: Gianluca Lapadula heads Cagliari back into the contest.
• 58’ – Roma 3-1: Gianluca Mancini scores from a corner.
• 76’ – Roma 3-2: Roberto Piccoli finishes a swift Cagliari counter.
• 82’ – Roma 4-2: Stephan El Shaarawy wraps up the points.

Tactical story

Roma’s midfield control was the foundation of the win. Pellegrini and Bryan Cristante dictated the tempo, frequently switching play to the full-backs and creating overloads in wide areas. Cagliari sat in a compact block and looked to spring forward on the break, which worked well in patches, particularly through Lapadula’s physical presence and Piccoli’s movement. However, Roma’s ability to win second balls and sustain pressure eventually told. The hosts were vulnerable to quick transitions, but their attacking depth proved decisive.

Standout players

Pellegrini was at the heart of everything good for Roma, combining his penalty with intelligent link-up play. Dybala’s goal was the moment of the match, and his dribbling drew fouls and created space for others. For Cagliari, Lapadula led the line admirably, while Piccoli’s sharp finish underlined his threat. Roma’s back line will want to review the two goals conceded, but the attacking display will please the coaching staff.

Table and season impact

The result lifts Roma into a stronger position in the Serie A standings as they chase European qualification. Cagliari, meanwhile, remain in a scrap near the lower half and will take encouragement from their fighting spirit but regret the defensive lapses. Roma’s top scorers continue to build momentum, and the home fans will hope this win sparks a consistent run. The head-to-head record now favours Roma once again, and the club will look to carry this attacking form into their next fixture.