Zeman under more pressure as Cagliari stun Roma

MILAN (AFP) –

Cagliari‘s forward Marco Sau celebrates with teamates after scoring against AS Roma during their Serie A football match in Rome’s Olympic Stadium on Febuary 1, 2013. Zdenek Zeman’s future as coach of AS Roma was placed in further doubt Friday after the Serie A side suffered a 4-2 reverse at home to lowly Cagliari for their fifth straight game without a win.

Zdenek Zeman’s future as coach of AS Roma was placed in further doubt Friday after the Serie A side suffered a 4-2 reverse at home to lowly Cagliari for their fifth straight game without a win.

Cagliari shocked the Giallorossi with a third-minute opener thanks to Radja Nainggolan before captain Francesco Totti levelled in the 35th minute.

The Sardinians took the lead again a minute after the restart when Roma ‘keeper Mauro Goicoechea conceded an own goal and eight minutes later were 3-1 up thanks to striker Marco Sau.

Cagliari all but assured the three points with a Francesco Pisano goal in the 71st minute, with only a 93rd minute consolation goal from Marquinho reducing the arrears at the death.

It was Roma’s ninth defeat in 23 games, the most of any side in the top half of the table and the club’s general manager Franco Baldini told Sky Sport Italia: “We need to reflect on what happened tonight.

AS Roma coach Zdenek Zeman reacts during their match against Cagliari at Rome’s Olympic Stadium on Febuary 1, 2013. Zeman’s future as coach of AS Roma was placed in further doubt Friday after the Serie A side suffered a 4-2 reverse at home to lowly Cagliari for their fifth straight game without a win.

“I will be meeting with the club owner and the other board members before any decision is taken.”

With 49 goals scored Roma currently lead Juventus for the best attack in Italy’s Serie A. However they have now conceded 42, to the miserly 15 conceded by leaders Juventus.

Last week, sporting director Walter Sabatini lit the fuse when he said: “Zeman’s work is satisfactory in some respects, but it’s clear there are some less positive aspects as well,” Sabatini.

“It’s time to ask ourselves whether we need to make a change.”

Days later Zeman appeared to have been given the support of the club, but now time appears to be running out for the 65-year-old Czech.

Zeman, a legendary figure in the Italian game, said Friday: “I have not spoken with anyone from the board, but they will ultimately make the final decision.”