Sassuolo overturn a first-half deficit with a strong second-half response, securing a crucial win on Matchday 31.
Sassuolo came from behind to defeat Cagliari 2-1 at the Mapei Stadium, producing a spirited second-half performance to claim three valuable points in their Serie A survival battle.
The visitors started brightly and controlled much of the first half, showing greater intensity and composure in possession. Their pressure paid off in the 30th minute when a VAR review awarded a penalty for handball, calmly converted by Sebastiano Esposito to give Cagliari the lead.
Cagliari nearly doubled their advantage shortly after, but a mix-up in the box saw Esposito deny his own teammate Michel Adopo a clear scoring opportunity, wasting a golden chance to make it 2-0.
After the break, Sassuolo emerged with renewed energy and quickly found the equalizer. A cleared corner fell kindly to Garcia on the edge of the box, and his precise strike nestled into the bottom corner to make it 1-1.
The momentum shifted decisively in Sassuolo’s favor, and the hosts completed the turnaround in the 78th minute. A well-worked move ended with Andrea Pinamonti controlling the ball expertly inside the box before turning and firing home the winner.
Cagliari had a dramatic chance to salvage a point in stoppage time, but Adam Obert missed an open goal from close range after a goalkeeping error, summing up a frustrating end for the Sardinians.
The result sees Sassuolo capitalize on their second-half resurgence, while Cagliari are left to rue missed opportunities after a promising first-half display.
Match Report
Sassuolo 2-1 Cagliari
Scorers: 30’ (pen) Esposito (C), 50’ Garcia (S), 78’ Pinamonti (S)
Sassuolo (4-2-3-1): Muric; Walukiewicz, Idzes, Romagna (58’ Coulibaly), Garcia; Thorstvedt, Koné (69’ Lipani); Berardi, Volpato (58’ Matic), Laurienté (69’ Bakola); Pinamonti (82’ Nzola). Head coach: Grosso.
Cagliari (3-5-2): Caprile; Zé Pedro (83’ Kilicsoy), Mina, Rodriguez; Palestra, Adopo, Gaetano (75’ Sulemana), Deiola, Obert; Folorunsho (75’ Borrelli), Esposito. Head coach: Pisacane.
Referee: Chiffi
Bookings: Pinamonti
Red cards: None
