Serie A: Cagliari Stuns Roma with Late Winner, Claps Back into Form

10-Man Roma fall to Cagliari, gift hosts vital win

Cagliari shocked Roma with a 1-0 win, thanks to Gianluca Gaetano's 82nd-minute goal. The hosts moved four points clear of the relegation zone, while Roma's title hopes took a hit

Roma had won five of the previous six head-to-heads, but they couldn't withstand Cagliari's pressure...

Roma's Serie A title hopes took a hit as they suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Cagliari, playing with 10 men for most of the game. Gianluca Gaetano scored the late winner, securing Cagliari's first win in 10 Serie A matches.

The first half was a surprise, with Roma struggling against relegation-threatened Cagliari. Roma's defense was breached in the 82nd minute, as Gaetano scored from a corner, giving Cagliari a much-needed win. This victory moves Cagliari four points clear of the relegation zone, while Roma remains fourth, three points off leaders Inter Milan.

Roma's title hopes took a hit as they suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Cagliari, who earned their first win in 10 Serie A matches. Gianluca Gaetano scored the winner in the 82nd minute, capitalizing on Roma's numerical disadvantage after Zeki Celik was sent off in the second half.

Gaetano grabs a late winner as Cagliari take all three points! ✨❤️💙#CagliariRoma pic.twitter.com/hvoLd41LTM

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) December 7, 2025

The first-half pattern of play was a surprise to many, with title-challengers Roma struggling against relegation-threatened Cagliari. The hosts had chances to take the lead, but Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar made crucial saves to keep the score level at halftime.

Cagliari carried their momentum into the second half and thought they'd gotten a golden opportunity to take the lead when Zeki Celik was sent off for bringing down Michael Folorunsho in the box. The red card gave Cagliari a penalty and a man advantage, setting them up for a potential win.

However, referee Luca Zufferli checked the pitchside monitor and decided the foul started outside the box, downgrading the penalty to a free-kick and showing Zeki Celik a red card.

Gianluca Gaetano is the Panini Player of the Match for #CagliariRoma 🏆 pic.twitter.com/cGOABUvwGN

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) December 7, 2025

Cagliari pushed for the lead, with Adam Obert winning possession and beating two Roma defenders before his shot was saved by Svilar.

Roma had won five of the previous six head-to-heads, but they couldn't withstand Cagliari's pressure. Despite fighting hard, their resistance was finally broken with eight minutes of normal time left, as Gianluca Gaetano scored the winner.

Gaetano's goal, his first league goal of the season, sparked wild celebrations from the home fans. Cagliari's dramatic win, their first at home in five matches, sees them move four points clear of the relegation zone, while Roma remain fourth, three points off leaders Inter.