Dutch forward scores twice to lift Giallorossi back into the Champions League race on Matchday 24
A goal in each half from Donny Malen powered Roma to a deserved 2–0 home win over Cagliari, snapping their recent stumble and reigniting the Serie A top-four battle. The visitors, winners of three straight coming into the night, were kept at arm’s length as Roma controlled the game from start to finish at the Stadio Olimpico.
After strong showings against Torino but frustrating losses to Milan and Udinese, Malen delivered the response Gian Piero Gasperini needed. His brace—clinical, direct, and ruthless—made the difference against a Cagliari side that never truly found its usual bite.
Roma set the tone early, pinning Cagliari deep and circulating the ball with purpose. The breakthrough came on 25 minutes: Malen burned Dossena for pace, then delicately lifted his finish past Caprile to reward the hosts’ dominance. Before and after the opener, Roma flirted with a second, only to lack precision in the final touch—an aspect Gasperini will want sharpened.
The second half unfolded at a slower tempo, but Roma remained in control. On 65 minutes, the decisive blow arrived: a perfectly weighted ball from Çelik across the face of goal, and Malen arrived to tap home his second of the night. Cagliari shuffled their attacking options in search of a lifeline, but aside from a Sulemana effort that kissed the crossbar, they posed little threat.
Watched by club legend Francesco Totti in the stands, Roma secured a vital three points—matching Juventus on points and setting up a fascinating run-in, with the Derby d’Italia looming next for the Bianconeri. For Cagliari, the defeat halts momentum, while Roma head forward with renewed belief.
Match Report: Roma 2–0 Cagliari
Scorers:
25’, 65’ Malen (Roma)
Roma (3-4-2-1):
Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Ghilardi; Çelik, Pisilli, Cristante (El Aynaoui 84’), Wesley; Soulé (Venturino 84’), Pellegrini (Zaragoza 67’); Malen (Arena 84’).
Head coach: Gasperini.
Cagliari (4-3-3):
Caprile; Zé Pedro (Zappa 87’), Dossena, Juan Rodriguez, Obert; Adopo, Gaetano (Trepy 87’), Mazzitelli (Sulemana 59’); Palestra, Kılıçsoy (Pavoletti 73’), Esposito (Idrissi 73’).
Head coach: Pisacane.
Referee: Marcenaro
Yellow cards: Dossena, Palestra, Gaetano, Idrissi (Cagliari); Mancini, Zaragoza (Roma)
