According to Italian media outlet Calciomercato, Roma and Cagliari are both surprising performers, ranking third and fourth in the Serie A table, respectively. For Atalanta's team under Gasperini, their performance continues the excellent trajectory of last season, which saw them qualify for the Champions League; Cagliari, on the other hand, is enjoying a fairytale-like campaign. After securing 13 points from six matches, Pisacane's players have made history for the Rossoblu, achieving their best start in the three-point era. The common thread in these extraordinary performances is their exceptional defense: having conceded only three goals in six matches, Roma and Cagliari boast defenses among the best in Europe's top five leagues.

If the prolific Maldini, who has scored four goals in six matches, is the face of the Sardinian team, then the true cornerstone lies in its defense. There's Caprile, whose saves have repeatedly preserved leads for the Rossoblu. For example, against Juventus, despite conceding one goal, he made nine saves and was named Man of the Match. In front of him is a high-quality defensive line, with experienced and tenacious Mina partnering the young Rodríguez, while Augello and Zé Pedro guard the flanks. The former has become a stable and reliable presence for the Rossoblu. This is a solid and united team, now reaping the rewards of Pisacane's work since last season.

For Gasperini, the goalkeeper is also an indispensable part of the team. Svilar was named Serie A's best goalkeeper for the past two seasons and continues to maintain a very high standard. However, a fractured finger has forced him out of action, and he is expected to be sidelined for about a month. Roma need not worry, though, as Gollini kept a clean sheet against Como when called upon. In front of goal, Mancini and N'Dicka continue to prove themselves as irreplaceable pillars, and Hermoso has also regained his confidence and stability. As backup options, the young players Ballerini and Giraldi have also been performing well.

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