Roma, aiming for the top four, faces Cagliari, who is fighting relegation, on Monday night at Stadio Olimpico.
Since Daniele De Rossi took over, Roma has climbed the Serie A table with two straight wins, while Cagliari has fallen into the relegation zone.
Match preview
Daniele De Rossi made a strong start as Roma’s coach after Jose Mourinho left, leading the team to two consecutive Serie A wins and keeping their Champions League hopes alive.
De Rossi’s debut win came against Hellas Verona, followed by a victory at Salernitana. Roma now aims for three consecutive league wins, a feat last achieved in October.
Paulo Dybala scored a penalty, and Lorenzo Pellegrini increased the lead at Stadio Arechi, securing a win that moved Roma to fifth place.
De Rossi, serving as interim manager, has brought momentum to the team with a more attacking strategy, resulting in wins against lower-ranked teams.
Roma has been strong at home since September and looks forward to beating another struggling team before facing Inter Milan and Feyenoord in upcoming matches.
Roma has a history of success against Cagliari at home, not losing in their last eight meetings and keeping clean sheets in six of those games.
Cagliari, having won only once in their last 17 Serie A games against Roma, faces a tough challenge with coach Claudio Ranieri needing points to avoid relegation.
Cagliari’s recent loss to Torino, despite a tribute to club legend Gigi Riva, highlighted their struggle, especially in away games.
Roma Serie A form:
W L D L W W
Roma form (all competitions):
D L L W W W
Cagliari Serie A form:
L D D W L L
Cagliari form (all competitions):
D L D W L L
Team News
Roma’s Daniele De Rossi can count on new signings, including Angelino from Galatasaray, who may debut due to Leonardo Spinazzola’s absence.
Tommaso Baldanzi might start on the bench, and Renato Sanches could return from injury. Leandro Paredes is back after a suspension.
However, Tammy Abraham and Chris Smalling are out, Evan Ndicka is at the Africa Cup of Nations, and Andrea Belotti and Marash Kumbulla are on loan.
Lorenzo Pellegrini, scoring in his last two games, aims for a third. He’ll play midfield with Paulo Dybala and Stephan El Shaarawy supporting Romelu Lukaku.
Claudio Ranieri has added Yerry Mina and Gianluca Gaetano to Cagliari’s squad, with Mina expected to strengthen the defense.
Andrea Petagna might lead the attack, as injuries affect the team. Nicolas Viola, often a substitute scorer, might start.
Roma possible starting lineup:
Patricio;
Karsdorp, Mancini, Llorente, Angelino;
Pellegrini, Paredes, Cristante;
El Shaarawy, Dybala;
Lukaku
Cagliari possible starting lineup:
Scuffet;
Wieteska, Mina, Dossena;
Zappa, Nandez, Makoumbou, Prati, Augello;
Viola;
Petagna
Prediction: Roma 2-0 Cagliari
Considering Roma’s strong home performance and Cagliari’s difficulties away, Roma is likely to secure a win. Under De Rossi’s leadership, Roma should easily claim another victory.