Roma Vs Cagliari

Following their recent elimination from European competition, Roma now shift their focus back to domestic success as they prepare to host Cagliari at Stadio Olimpico this Sunday. With Serie A action resuming, the Giallorossi will be eager to maintain their impressive league form and continue their push for a top-four finish. The upcoming fixture provides an opportunity for the team to respond positively to their midweek setback and further solidify their position in the race for European qualification.

Thursday's Europa League clash against Athletic Bilbao proved to be a frustrating encounter for Roma. Despite entering the second leg with an advantage, the early dismissal of Mats Hummels for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity left them at a significant disadvantage. Reduced to ten men, Roma found themselves struggling to cope with Athletic's relentless pressure, ultimately conceding three goals. Although Leandro Paredes managed to salvage some pride with a late strike, it was not enough to overturn the deficit, and Roma exited the competition with a 4-3 aggregate defeat.

This elimination was a bitter pill to swallow, especially given the team's ambitions to end Claudio Ranieri’s tenure on a high note. Ranieri, who returned to Roma in an interim capacity, has been instrumental in revitalizing the squad, and his impact has been evident in their domestic performances. While their European journey has concluded, Roma still have plenty to fight for in Serie A, where they remain one of the most in-form teams in Italy.

Unbeaten in 12 league matches, Roma have emerged as one of the strongest sides in the competition since the start of the year. Their remarkable run includes nine victories, making them the team with the highest points tally in 2025. This surge in form has reignited hopes of securing a place in next season’s UEFA competitions, with a top-four finish now within reach. Given their recent displays, Roma appear well-equipped to achieve this objective, and their focus now shifts to overcoming Cagliari in what promises to be an intriguing contest.

Last weekend, Roma extended their winning streak in Serie A by securing a hard-fought victory against Empoli. This marked their fifth consecutive league win, a feat they had not accomplished since 2016 under Luciano Spalletti. Ranieri, who boasts an impressive 57.3% win rate as Roma manager, is now within touching distance of matching the longest winning run achieved by his predecessor. Only Spalletti himself, with a 59.2% success rate, has a better record in Roma’s recent history.

Beyond their current form, Roma also hold a psychological edge over Cagliari, having dominated their recent head-to-head encounters. The Giallorossi are unbeaten in their last nine home games against the Sardinian outfit, dating back to 2013. During this period, they have emerged victorious on seven occasions, keeping as many clean sheets in the process. This formidable record suggests that Roma will enter Sunday's clash with considerable confidence, determined to extend their dominance over their opponents.

Cagliari, on the other hand, will be aware of the challenge they face at Stadio Olimpico. Historically, they have struggled against Roma, with their last victory in this fixture coming several years ago. Their record against the capital club is particularly discouraging, having won just one of their previous 20 league meetings. Despite their underdog status, Cagliari will be keen to defy expectations and produce a performance that could boost their hopes of avoiding relegation.

Manager Davide Nicola has played a pivotal role in Cagliari’s survival bid, guiding them away from immediate danger in the relegation battle. Since taking over, Nicola has instilled resilience within the squad, enabling them to grind out crucial results in their quest for safety. As it stands, Cagliari sit four points above the drop zone with ten games remaining in the season. While they are not entirely safe yet, their recent performances suggest that they have the ability to retain their Serie A status.

Nicola’s arrival followed the departure of Claudio Ranieri, who previously managed Cagliari in two separate spells. His first tenure, spanning the late 1980s and early 1990s, saw him lead the club to consecutive promotions, elevating them from Serie C1 to Serie A. It was during this period that Ranieri made his mark as a coach, laying the foundation for a distinguished managerial career. Over three decades later, he returned to Cagliari and once again made an impact, steering them back to the top flight before stepping aside.

Ironically, Ranieri’s decision to return to Roma disrupted his retirement plans, as he was called upon to steady the ship following managerial changes in the capital. His presence has since revitalized Roma, and he now finds himself preparing to face his former side, adding an emotional layer to Sunday's fixture. As he reunites with Cagliari, Ranieri will be determined to secure a victory that strengthens Roma’s European aspirations while simultaneously dealing a blow to his former club’s survival hopes.

Cagliari enter this encounter following a hard-fought draw against Genoa last week, a result that helped them stay above the relegation zone. Prior to that, they had suffered consecutive defeats, raising concerns over their ability to maintain their Serie A status. However, their resilience in recent matches has provided optimism, and they will be eager to build on their latest performance when they visit the capital.

One of the key factors behind Cagliari’s improvement has been their ability to grind out results against direct rivals in the lower half of the table. Under Nicola’s guidance, they have averaged over one point per game since the turn of the year, a statistic that has contributed to their steady climb away from the drop zone. While they remain in a precarious position, their ability to frustrate opponents and secure valuable points has been evident throughout their campaign.

That said, their task at Stadio Olimpico will be significantly more difficult, given Roma’s attacking prowess and defensive solidity. The hosts have been particularly strong on home turf, where they have established themselves as a formidable force. Their ability to control possession and break down compact defensive units has been a recurring theme in their recent performances, making them a daunting prospect for any visiting team.

Offensively, Roma have been led by a combination of experienced figures and emerging talents. Players such as Paulo Dybala and Romelu Lukaku have provided the attacking impetus, contributing crucial goals and assists. Meanwhile, the midfield trio of Leandro Paredes, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and Bryan Cristante has offered stability and creativity, ensuring balance across the pitch. Defensively, the likes of Gianluca Mancini and Evan Ndicka have played key roles in maintaining Roma’s impressive record at the back.

Cagliari, in contrast, will likely adopt a pragmatic approach, aiming to frustrate Roma and capitalize on any counterattacking opportunities. Nicola’s tactical discipline has been evident in recent matches, and his ability to organize his team effectively will be crucial if they are to stand a chance against their high-flying opponents. The likes of Gianluca Lapadula and Andrea Petagna will be tasked with leading the line, hoping to exploit any defensive lapses from Roma’s backline.

Ultimately, this match presents an opportunity for Roma to further cement their status as one of Serie A’s in-form teams. A victory would not only extend their winning streak but also reinforce their credentials as serious contenders for European qualification. With the momentum firmly in their favor, they will be eager to capitalize on their strong position and continue their remarkable resurgence under Ranieri.

For Cagliari, the objective remains survival, and while this fixture represents one of their toughest challenges of the season, they will approach it with determination. Avoiding defeat would be a significant achievement, particularly given their recent struggles against Roma. However, overcoming a side in such imperious form will require a near-flawless display.

As the two teams prepare to face off, all eyes will be on Stadio Olimpico, where Roma will seek to respond to their European disappointment with another commanding league performance. Meanwhile, Cagliari will aim to upset the odds and take a step closer to securing their Serie A future. With both sides having plenty to play for, this encounter promises to be an intriguing battle with high stakes on both ends of the table.