Paulo Dybala’s second-half winner lifted AS Roma to a crucial 1-0 victory over Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico, keeping José Mourinho’s side within striking distance of European qualification spots in Serie A.
The Argentine forward broke the deadlock in the 68th minute, curling home a left-footed effort from the edge of the box after a well-worked move involving Lorenzo Pellegrini and Tammy Abraham. The goal marked Dybala’s eighth league strike of the season and his third in five matches.
Mourinho’s Tactical Adjustment Pays Off
Roma dominated possession but struggled to break down Cagliari’s compact defensive setup through the opening 45 minutes. Mourinho’s halftime switch proved decisive, introducing Nicola Zalewski for the ineffective Stephan El Shaarawy and pushing Dybala into a more central role behind Abraham.
“We needed more creativity in the final third,” Mourinho said after the match. “Paulo showed why he’s so important for us when he finds those pockets of space.”
The tactical tweak immediately paid dividends. Roma registered four shots on target in the second half compared to just one before the break. Pellegrini nearly doubled the lead in the 78th minute, forcing a spectacular save from Cagliari goalkeeper Boris Radunović.
Cagliari’s Relegation Fight Continues
The defeat leaves Cagliari hovering just three points above the relegation zone with 12 matches remaining. Claudio Ranieri’s side showed defensive discipline but managed just two shots on target against Roma’s backline.
Cagliari’s best chance fell to Eldor Shomurodov in the 34th minute, but the Uzbek striker sent his header wide from six yards after good work down the right flank by Nahitan Nández. The miss proved costly as the visitors failed to capitalize on their limited opportunities.
“We played with courage but lacked precision in the final moments,” Ranieri reflected. “Against teams like Roma, you cannot afford to waste chances like that.”
European Race Heating Up
The victory moves Roma to sixth place with 44 points from 26 matches, level with Atalanta and just two points behind fifth-placed AC Milan. The Giallorossi have now won four of their last six league fixtures as they push for a Conference League qualification spot.
Roma’s defensive solidity has been key to their recent upturn. The clean sheet marked their third shutout in five games, with Chris Smalling and Evan Ndicka forming an increasingly reliable partnership at the heart of defense.
Rui Patrício made two comfortable saves but was rarely tested by Cagliari’s blunt attack. The Portuguese goalkeeper has kept eight clean sheets in Serie A this season, matching his tally from the entire 2022-23 campaign.
Abraham’s Supporting Role
While Dybala grabbed the headlines, Abraham’s work rate and link-up play proved crucial to Roma’s breakthrough. The English striker completed 23 of 26 passes and won four aerial duels, providing the physical presence that allowed Dybala to drift into dangerous areas.
Abraham has gone five league matches without a goal but his overall contribution has drawn praise from Mourinho. “Tammy is doing the dirty work that allows others to shine,” the Portuguese manager noted.
The striker’s drought extends back to a brace against Hellas Verona in early February, but his 12 league goals this season still make him Roma’s second-leading scorer behind Dybala.
Roma return to action next Sunday when they travel to face Juventus in Turin, a fixture that could prove pivotal in their quest for European football. Cagliari host relegation rivals Empoli in what shapes up as a crucial six-pointer at the bottom of the table.
