Captain Caracciolo scores twice as Pisa claim a crucial win over Cagliari on Serie A Matchday 29 despite playing much of the match with ten men.
Pisa secured a vital 3–1 victory over Cagliari in one of the most important matches of their season, earning three points that keep their survival hopes alive in the Serie A relegation battle.
In a dramatic contest filled with controversy, red cards, and defensive mistakes, captain Antonio Caracciolo emerged as the hero with a second-half brace that lifted the Tuscan side to a crucial win.
The hosts took the lead early in the match through a penalty. Referee La Penna awarded the spot kick after a collision between Sulemana and Calabresi just outside the area, a decision that sparked some debate. Stefano Moreo stepped up and calmly converted to give Pisa a 1–0 advantage in the ninth minute.
Cagliari reacted quickly and nearly equalized moments later when Adam Obert struck the crossbar. The Sardinian side continued to push forward and created a few chances before halftime, with Nicolas making an important save to deny Obert.
The game took another turn in the 37th minute when Pisa were reduced to ten men. Durosinmi received a red card for a reaction foul on Mina, leaving the home side with a numerical disadvantage.
Despite the setback, Pisa returned from halftime with remarkable intensity. In the 52nd minute a costly mistake from Michael Folorunsho—who inadvertently headed a throw-in backward—allowed Caracciolo to intercept the ball and double Pisa’s lead.
Just two minutes later, the captain struck again. After a corner kick, Caracciolo found himself in the right place inside the box and calmly finished to make it 3–0, sending the home crowd into celebration.
Cagliari attempted to respond and eventually pulled one back in the 67th minute through Leonardo Pavoletti, who had entered the match at halftime and scored in what was a personal derby against Pisa.
However, the visitors failed to build real momentum after the goal. The match became fragmented and filled with mistakes, and Cagliari’s hopes faded further when Obert was sent off late in the game, leaving both teams with ten players.
With the win, Pisa move within seven points of safety while awaiting the outcome of other matches. For Cagliari, the defeat represents another setback, leaving them nervously watching the relegation race unfold.
Match Report
Pisa 3-1 Cagliari
Goals:
9’ Moreo (pen.) (Pisa), 52’ Caracciolo (Pisa), 54’ Caracciolo (Pisa), 67’ Pavoletti (Cagliari)
Pisa (3-4-1-2):
Nicolas; Caracciolo, Canestrelli, Calabresi (46’ Albiol); Angori, Marin (16’ Højholt), Aebischer, Leris (90’ Toure); Tramoni (73’ Piccinini); Moreo, Durosinmi.
Coach: Oscar Hiljemark
Cagliari (4-3-3):
Caprile; Ze Pedro (76’ Albarracin), Mina (46’ Zappa), Dossena, Obert; Adopo (46’ Pavoletti), Gaetano (64’ Mazzitelli), Sulemana; Palestra, Kilicsoy (64’ Trepy), Folorunsho.
Coach: Fabio Pisacane
Referee: La Penna
Yellow Cards: Ze Pedro, Aebischer, Dossena
Red Cards: Durosinmi (Pisa), Obert (Cagliari)
