Ranieri’s Roma Maintain Fiery Form with Hard-Fought Win Against Cagliari

AS Roma clinched their sixth consecutive Serie A win with a narrow 1-0 victory over Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico, extending their unbeaten run at home to 10 matches, featuring eight clean sheets in that stretch.

Following a tough loss in Spain on Thursday that marked the end of their UEFA Europa League campaign, Roma aimed to bounce back in league play. However, a sluggish start indicated they were still feeling the effects of that defeat.

Despite dominating possession, Claudio Ranieri’s side posed their first threat through Artem Dovbyk, whose long-range effort flew over the crossbar.

Heading into the weekend, Cagliari had conceded the most goals from set-pieces in the division, with a total of 16. Gianluca Mancini nearly capitalised on this record by volleying a corner just wide of the target.

The Giallorossi’s laborious display saw them struggle to register a shot on target before half-time, with Dovbyk coming closest with a glancing header that narrowly missed the post.

In the closing stages of the first half, Cagliari sensed a chance to strike, breaking through the Roma defence to find Nadir Zortea in space on the right flank. However, his shot emphasised the lack of attacking prowess from either side as it flew high and wide.

Cagliari carried their momentum into the second half and could have taken the lead early on when Zortea’s cross found Roberto Piccoli. However, his close-range effort was expertly saved by Mile Svilar.

That miss proved to be pivotal as Cagliari’s defensive errors allowed Roma to find the back of the net just after the hour mark.

Instead of clearing the corner, Nicolas Viola attempted to duck under the incoming ball, which instead struck him on the back, gifting Dovbyk a clear chance just six yards out.

The Ukrainian took full advantage, scoring his 10th league goal of the season. Nonetheless, Roma weren’t completely safe as Svilar again showcased his skills, this time denying Yerry Mina’s header with another impressive save.

The hosts’ efforts to extend their lead were hampered when Paulo Dybala’s substitution lasted a mere 14 minutes before he left the field due to injury.

Fortunately for Roma, Cagliari’s lack of offensive threat allowed them to leapfrog AC Milan into seventh place, leaving them just four points adrift of the top four.

As for Cagliari, they remain disappointed with only one win from their last eight league matches and sit just four points above the relegation zone.