Digimagaz.com – AS Roma delivered an impressive performance in the 8th week of the 2023/2024 Serie A season as they faced Cagliari at Unipol Domus on Sunday. The final score of 4-1 reflected their dominance throughout the match, with Romelu Lukaku stealing the spotlight by netting two crucial goals in the 20th and 59th minutes. Houssem Aouar (19′) and Andrea Belotti (51′) also contributed to Roma’s impressive victory.
The match began with both Roma and Cagliari displaying a fairly balanced performance. However, it was the quality of finishing that proved to be the difference-maker in the first 45 minutes. Roma’s opening goal came in the 19th minute when Houssem Aouar capitalized on a well-placed pass from Leonardo Spinazzola. Leaving the Cagliari defense helpless.
Just a minute later, in the 20th minute, Roma doubled their lead. Quick and precise teamwork by Roma allowed Rick Karsdorp to find space on the right side. His precise cross into the Cagliari penalty area was met by Romelu Lukaku’s head, securing Roma’s second goal. However, Roma faced a setback towards the end of the first half when Paulo Dybala was forced to exit the game due to injury in the 40th minute, being replaced by Andrea Belotti.
Despite Dybala’s absence, Roma did not lose their edge in the second half. On the contrary, they maintained control of the game, with Leandro Paredes and his teammates dictating the pace. In the 51st minute, Roma extended their lead further, with Andrea Belotti adding his name to the score sheet. Belotti received a long pass during a counter-attack, outmaneuvered a Cagliari defender, and struck a powerful low shot into the net. Initially, the goal was disputed as an assistant referee claimed an offside position, but VAR confirmed its validity.
Roma continued to torment Cagliari in the 59th minute when Romelu Lukaku secured his second goal of the match. Lukaku capitalized on a breakthrough pass from Paredes and calmly placed the ball into the net from close range, eluding Cagliari’s goalkeeper.
Cagliari managed to pull one back in the 73rd minute, with Matteo Prati delivering a powerful volley into Roma’s net. However, VAR intervened, ruling the goal as invalid due to an offside position during the build-up. Cagliari finally found the back of the net in the 87th minute when Nahitan Nandez successfully converted a penalty kick.
With this convincing win, AS Roma climbed to the 10th position in the Serie A standings. Amassing a total of 11 points from eight matches. On the other hand, Cagliari finds themselves languishing at the bottom of the table with a mere two points to their name.
Lineups
Cagliari (3-5-2), Manager: Claudio Ranieri
Scuffet; Hatzidiakos, Wieteska, Obert; Nandez, Sulemana, Prati, Makoumbou, Azzi; Oristanio, Petagna.
AS Roma (3-5-2), Manager: Jose Mourinho
Patricio; Mancini, Cristante, N’Dcika; Karsdorp, Bove, Paredes, Aouar, Spinazzola; Dybala, Lukaku.
AS Roma’s dominant performance in this match showcased their potential in the Serie A this season. With Romelu Lukaku’s stellar display proving crucial to their success. Meanwhile, Cagliari faces an uphill battle as they aim to climb out of the relegation zone and secure more positive results in the upcoming matches.
