Cagliari starting XI (3-5-2): Scuffet, Wieteska, Obert (subbed for Dossena), Hatzidiakos (subbed for Zappa), Nandez, Sulemana (subbed for Luvumbo), Prati, Makoumbou, Azzi, Oristanio (subbed for Shomurodov), Petagna (subbed for Pavoletti)
Bench: Radunovic, Aresti, Goldaniga, Augello, Di Pardo, Viola, Deiola, Pereira, Jankto, Desogus
Goals: Nandez 87’ (Pen)
Roma starting XI (3-5-2): Rui Patricio, Mancini, Cristante, Ndicka,
Karsdorp (subbed for Kristensen), Bove, Paredes (subbed for Celik), Aouar (subbed for Pagano), Spinazzola, Dybala (subbed for Belotti), Lukaku
Bench: Boer, Svilar, Zalewski, Pisilli, Azmoun, Joao Costa, El Shaarawy
Goals: Aouar 19’, Lukaku 20’ 59’, Belotti 51’
Lukaku’s Sunday double raised his tally to seven goals in eight matches across all competitions since joining the Giallorossi in August on a season-long loan.
“A lot of things were said about me, but I worked hard over the summer,” Lukaku, previously accused of no longer being at his physical peak, said.
It was not all good news for Jose Mourinho’s side, though, with fellow front-man Paulo Dybala - who missed long stretches of last season through injury - exiting the match in the first half with a left knee problem.
Lukaku used his chest to redirect in a cross from Rick Karsdorp following a setup from Leonardo Spinazzola 20 minutes in, doubling Roma’s lead after Houssem Aouar had put the visitors ahead 60 seconds earlier.
The 30-year-old Belgium international added his second close to the hour mark.
Andrea Belotti also scored for the Giallorossi after replacing Dybala, while Nahitan Nandez converted a late penalty for Claudio Ranieri’s Cagliari.
Lukaku said Roma coach Mourinho was fundamental in his decision to move to Italy’s capital.
“I have a special relationship with [Mourinho]. He knows my family. He knows my kids,” Lukaku said.
“I really have confidence in him, and he really has confidence in me.”
AAP
