Cagliari rallied to beat Sassuolo 2-1 in a close game at the Stadio Sant’Elia on Saturday evening in Serie A.
The Sardinians took the lead in the first half through a close range Luca Rossettini header off of a Danilo Avalar corner.
Their lead looked to be unassailable after good defending and an impressive display from Zeljko Brkic, but a Sassuolo equaliser thanks to a Rossettini own-goal 15 minutes from the end appeared to have blown the game wide open.
However, Gianfranco Zola’s team wasted no time in restoring their lead as substitute Duje Cop volleyed home the winner three minutes later to secure the victory.
Cagliari
Zeljko Brkic – 8 – Assured
At ease in the first half, dealing comfortably with several balls forward, even with his head. Consistently claimed the ball from crosses in the second half and marshalled his defence effectively as they saw out the victory. The Serbian saved magnificently from Berardi in the second half to preserve his team’s lead.
Alejandro Gonzalez – 5 – Shadow
The stand-in right back failed to contribute anything of note to the game aside from fouling the Sassuolo wingers.
Luca Rossettini – 7 – Mixed
Rose well to head his side into the lead from Avelar’s corner but was unfortunate enough to score for both sides after the ball deflected into his own net for Sassuolo’s equaliser. Like his defensive partner, he was also forced to take out Zaza by dishonest means, and will miss the next game against Atalanta after receiving another yellow card today.
Marco Capuano – 6 – Lucky
Struggled with the pace and trickery of Zaza. His sliced attempt to clear a Berardi cross in the 70th minute almost caused Rossettini to turn another the ball into his own net but the deflection narrowly cleared the bar.
Danilo Avelar – 7 – Impressive
Combined well with Dossena and Ekdal down the left wing with some quick passing exchanges before overlapping. His corner supplied the perfect chance for Rossettini to score.
Daniele Dessena – 8 – Superb
Linked the play between defence in midfield, particularly between Avelar and Ekdal down the left. His sublimely dinked ball over the defence allowed Cop to win the game with the deciding goal.
Lorenzo Crisetig – 7 – Sturdy
Provided cover for his backline and cleared the second balls before the Sassuolo forwards could pounce on any loose balls. He found himself in the wars slightly as the game became more gritty in the second half and was on the wrong end of a ball which was blasted in his direction by Missiroli.
Godfred Donsah – 6 – Vibrant
His physicality combined with calm passing made him a very useful component in midfield.
Joao Pedro – 5 – Disappointing
His quick feet and skill showed signs of unlocking the Sassuolo defence on a few occassions. His infrequent contributions to the game saw him substituted with just over twenty minutes remaining after fluffing an opportunity to pass.
Albin Ekdal – 7 – Functional
Not Ekdal’s most spectacular display. The Swede swapped his stylish football for a more modest approach today, as evidenced by his aggression to deal with Zaza. He was involved in some neat interchanges with Dossena and Avelar. However, his ability with the ball did almost produced a second goal when he played Joao Pedro through but the Brazilian failed to pick the right pass across to Cop inside the area.
Samuele Longo – 5 – Diligent
Ran tirelessly upfront and didn’t allow the Sassuolo defenders a chance to settle. Lacked a cutting edge in the box and in front of goal however, although he did stick an offside opportunity in from two yards. Zola replaced the 23-year-old with Cop after an hour.
Substitutes
Duje Cop – 7 – Opportunist
Finished with aplomb on the volley past Consigli to restore the Sardinians’ lead in the 78th minute.
Diego Farias – N/A
Marco Sau – N/A
Sassuolo
Andrea Consigli – 5 – Unprotected
There was little he could do with either of Cagliari’s goals after his defence had been exposed, both being from fairly close range and happening too quickly.
Sime Vrsaljko – 6 – Solid
Managed to keep Joao Pedro reasonably quiet, while also adding an attacking option coming forward to cross the ball and even had an attempt at goal from distance.
Paolo Cannavaro – 6 – Astute
Anticipated Cagliari moves and was quick to cut them out. Although he was beaten by the ball over the top for the second goal, he prevented the hosts from taking a 3-1 lead in injury time with a cool goal-line clearance.
Francesco Acerbi – 6 – Average
Beaten in the air for Rossettini’s goal. Although he couldn’t put the ball in during the scramble that caused the equalising goal, his touch was vital in forcing Rossettini to put into his own net.
Marcello Gazzola – 6 – Decent
Caused problems for the Rossoblu defence when he forayed forward but his final ball was at times found wanting.
Matteo Brighi – 6 – Tidy
Protected the area in front of the back four fairly well before being withdrawn.
Francesco Magnanelli – 6 – Playmaker
Looked comfortable on the ball and kept the play moving in midfield. He didn’t allow Cagliari to bully him off the ball either and held his own.
Simone Missiroli – 6 – Catalyst
His header towards goal from a corner created the carnage in Cagliari’s goalmouth for the own goal equaliser.
Domenico Berardi – 6 – Close
Came so close to levelling for the visitors with his spin and shot just inside the area in the 65th minute but saw his effort just turned behind by Brkic.
Simone Zaza – 6 – Tricky
His ability on the ball gave Sassuolo an outlet and a possible path back into the game after conceding first but unfortunately could not produce the goods for his side today. The eye-catching 23-year-old was paid close attention by the Cagliari defenders throughout the game.
Nicola Sansone – 6 – Sassy
His volley off a corner kick on 16 minutes wasn’t far away. His direct running at his full back was a constant threat in the first half which forced Gonzalez to foul him several times. However his influence faded after the break and he was replaced on the hour mark much to his displeasure as he ignored his manager and proceeded to kick a water bottle in anger.
Substitutes
Antonio Floro Flores – 5 – Useful
Contributed after coming on with decent deliveries into the box from the left flank.
Sergio Floccari – N/A
Leonardo Pavoletti – N/A
