Cagliari defeated Udinese 3-0 at the Stadio Sant’Elia on Sunday afternoon in Serie A.
With just one win in 10 games the Isolani pulled off a much needed victory over the Zebrette with goals from Victor Ibarbo, Matias Vecino and Agim Ibraimi to take them level on points with visitors.
The Rossoblu have not tasted victory away from Sardinia in over a year now making the points secured at home during the latter stages of the campaign even more vital as they look to retain their Serie A status.
A contest between two seemingly evenly matched sides allowed for a fairly open match with both sides willing to attack their opponents to gain the advantage, however, it wasn’t until the 17th minute that either could create a clear goal scoring opportunity.
When that moment came it was somewhat surprising to see the often clinical Antonio Di Natale blaze a Dusan Basta cutback well over the bar although the veteran was forced to adjust his body instantly and was falling backwards as he struck the ball.
Within a minute the Bianconeri were made to pay for that miss as Ibarbo showed great strength to control a long ball on the penalty spot with two defenders in close proximity before his scuffed shot bobbled past Simone Scuffet.
Unfortunately for coach Diego Lopez any lack of confidence in his side was witnessed by the willingness to sit back after going ahead and Di Natale twice nearly levelled for the Zebrette, watching his left-foot drive saved by the shin of Vlada Avramov and then curling an effort onto the crossbar.
However, the Isolani eventually began to press the Udinese defence as the first period drew to a close delivery consecutive testing crosses into the penalty box with Scuffet first punched clear and then catching the second bravely.
Cagliari’s cautious approach continued into the second half allowing the Bianconeri the majority of possession as they attempted to find an equaliser, yet the notorious winds that drive through the Sant’Elia caused as much resistance as the Sardi’s resolute defending.
Despite the ongoing pressure it was the hosts who nearly went further ahead after Danilo sold Scuffet short with a chested back pass, but the keeper was quick to smother the attempt from the onrushing Avelar.
The Isolani took confidence from that half chance and had another with 15 minutes remaining as Ibarbo played substitute Nene in from the right hand side, but his shot was deflected wide at the last second by Thomas Heurtaux.
The points were eventually secured with 10 minutes to go when Vecino met an Ibraimi freekick on the volley just inside the Udinese box placing his shot low to the left of the helpless Scuffet.
To make matters worse for coach Francesco Guidolin the Isolani had a third with the clock ticking down on normal time as Ibraimi broke swiftly down the right cut inside and curled a wonderful shot into the top corner past Scuffet.
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