Borrelli gives Cagliari the lead, but Kabasele’s second-half strike earns Udinese a deserved draw after a lively match full of missed chances.
Udinese and Cagliari split the points at the Bluenergy Stadium after a hard-fought 1–1 draw in Sunday’s early Serie A kickoff. The visitors took the lead through Borrelli midway through the first half, but Kabasele’s goal from a corner brought Udinese level early in the second. Despite numerous opportunities, Kosta Runjaic’s side couldn’t find a winning goal.
The match began at a high tempo but quickly turned physical, with few clear chances early on. Udinese came closest when Zaniolo struck the post in the 10th minute after pouncing on a loose ball. Cagliari responded through Borrelli, who first tested Sava with a low shot before opening the scoring on 25 minutes, turning home a rebound after a blocked effort.
Udinese nearly equalized immediately, but Caprile produced a fine double save to deny first Atta from distance and then Piotrowski from close range. Just before the break, the hosts pushed hard — Atta hit the crossbar with a header, and Karlstrom fired just over.
In the second half, Udinese finally got their reward. From a corner in the 58th minute, Kabasele reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box and fired home for 1–1. The home side continued to press, with Davis and substitute Bayo both going close, but Caprile stood firm in goal for Cagliari.
The visitors also threatened on the counter, as Luvumbo narrowly missed with a late diagonal strike. In stoppage time, Davis saw his close-range effort denied by Caprile, and Bayo failed to convert the rebound — the last action of a thrilling draw.
Udinese climb to eight points in the table, while Cagliari pick up another valuable result away from home.
Match Report
Serie A – Matchday 7
Bluenergy Stadium, Udine
Scorers: 25’ Borrelli (C), 58’ Kabasele (U)
Udinese (3-5-2): Sava; Goglichidze, Kabasele (67’ Bertola), Solet; Zanoli (85’ Ehizibue), Piotrowski (85’ Zarraga), Karlstrom (c), Atta, Kamara; Zaniolo (77’ Bayo), Davis.
Coach: Kosta Runjaic
Cagliari (3-5-2): Caprile; Zé Pedro, Mina (19’ Adopo), Obert (82’ Cavuoti); Palestra, Deiola (c), Prati, Folorunsho, Felici (46’ Di Pardo); Esposito (82’ Pavoletti), Borrelli (72’ Luvumbo).
Coach: Fabio Pisacane
Bookings: Felici (C), Obert (C), Zaniolo (U)
Sent off: None
Referee: Arena
