Gagliardini and Orban put Verona ahead, but substitutes Idrissi and Felici lead Cagliari’s late comeback for a vital away point.
Cagliari snatch a draw in a lively contest at the Bentegodi
An entertaining afternoon at the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi ended with Cagliari rescuing a 2–2 draw against Hellas Verona, thanks to a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer from Mattia Felici. Verona appeared in full control after goals from Gagliardini and Orban, both assisted by the impressive Tommaso Giovane, but Fabio Pisacane’s substitutions turned the match on its head.
The first half was balanced, with both teams trading attacks, but Verona took the lead in the 23rd minute when Gagliardini rose highest to head home from Giovane’s precise cross. The midfielder continued to pull the strings after the break, setting up Orban in the 59th minute to double the advantage with a well-taken finish.
Cagliari, however, didn’t fold. Idrissi halved the deficit in the 77th minute, finishing off Obert’s delivery from the left, before substitute Felici found the net deep into injury time after a clever assist from Pavoletti.
The draw extends Verona’s unbeaten run but leaves Paolo Zanetti’s men frustrated after letting a two-goal lead slip. For Cagliari, the comeback provides a morale boost after their recent loss to Bologna and could prove crucial in their battle to climb the table.
Match Report
Serie A – Round 8
Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi, Verona
Hellas Verona 2–2 Cagliari
Scorers: 23′ Gagliardini (V), 59′ Orban (V), 77′ Idrissi (C), 90+2′ Felici (C)
Hellas Verona (3-5-2): Montipò; Nunez (16′ Kotchap), Nelsson, Valentini; Belghali (70′ Fallou), Serdar, Gagliardini, Akpa Akpro (46′ Bernede), Bradaric; Giovane (78′ Sarr), Orban (78′ Harroui).
Coach: Zanetti
Cagliari (3-4-1-2): Caprile; Zappa, Zé Pedro, Idrissi; Palestra (78′ Felici), Liteta (46′ Adopo), Prati (86′ Mazzitelli), Obert; Folorunsho (62′ Pavoletti); Gaetano (63′ Zito), Borrelli.
Coach: Pisacane
Referee: Dionisi
Booked: Akpa Akpro, Gagliardini, Nelsson (Verona); Obert, Pavoletti, Mazzitelli, Borrelli (Cagliari)
Stadium: Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi (Verona)
