Roma extended their unbeaten start in Serie A with a 4-2 victory over Cagliari at Stadio Olimpico.

Gian Piero Gasperini's side found themselves heading for a draw after Daniel Maldini's 81st-minute equaliser, but substitutes Rodrigo Mora and Donyell Malen ensured Roma would stay third in the league.

Cagliari were awarded a penalty after Niccolo Pisilli blocked Michel Adopo's header with his arm, and after a VAR check, M'Bala Nzola coolly slotted into the bottom-right corner in the 10th minute.

However, Roma were ahead by the 21st minute. Emanuele Lulli restored parity with a towering header at the back post from Nahuel Molina's cross, and his whipped cross five minutes later was side-footed in by Pisilli.

Matias Soule almost caught Elia Caprile when his free-kick from the right wing threatened at the near post, while Adopo failed to get enough power on a first-time finish to trouble Pierluigi Gollini at the other end.

Malen and Mora were introduced in the second half, but Cagliari still provided plenty of threat as Alieu Fadera forced a reflex save from Gollini on the hour.

And their persistence paid off as Maldini fired in after impressive work from Adam Obert on the left wing, only for Mora to head in from Daniele Ghilardi's cross five minutes later to restore Roma's lead.

Mora was also at the heart of Roma's fourth, which came 110 seconds after their third, as he drove to the byline before cutting back for Malen, who saw his initial attempt blocked before scoring on the rebound.

Como, meanwhile, completed a late turnaround to defeat Torino 3-1, as Jacobo Ramon, Nico Paz and Martin Baturina all scored after the 81st minute to move Cesc Fabregas' team into the top four.

 Lulli  Pisilli  Mora  Malen #RomaCagliari https://t.co/UBZOeWuLD6

— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) October 27, 2026

Gasperini's super subs get Roma over the line

After scoring an 89th-minute equaliser to snatch a point against Napoli last time out, Roma left it late again, albeit they will feel they were worthy of at least a point, having accumulated 3.02 expected goals (xG) on this occasion to Cagliari's 2.4.

Mora made the all-important impact off the bench, creating a joint-high three chances (level with Molina and Soule), while Malen recorded the most shots (four) and touches in the opposition box (seven).

It was also an impressive performance from 19-year-old Lulli, who created two chances, won three of his five duels and recorded two interceptions before being substituted off in the 76th minute.

With his goal and assist, Lulli is now one of the two defenders born from 2007 onwards to have recorded at least three direct goal contributions in the top five European leagues this season, along with Barcelona's Xavi Espart.

Roma remain four points behind leaders Lazio, who thrashed Sassuolo earlier on Tuesday, with an away trip to Cagliari up next for Gasperini's side.