Mendy’s early brace and Caprile’s heroics seal crucial win on Matchday 34, despite Scamacca double
Cagliari moved a huge step closer to Serie A safety with a dramatic 3-2 win over Atalanta in one of the most entertaining matches of Matchday 34. A stunning performance from teenage forward Mendy and late heroics from goalkeeper Elia Caprile proved decisive in a night full of twists.
The hosts made a dream start, taking the lead after just 17 seconds. Mendy, born in 2007, capped off a lightning-fast move he had initiated himself, heading home from close range after a perfect cross by Adopo. Just minutes later, the young striker struck again, reacting quickest to a chaotic rebound in the box following deflections off Scamacca and Djimsiti to make it 2-0.
Cagliari had the momentum and nearly extended their lead through Adopo after a brilliant combination involving Mendy and Esposito. However, Atalanta responded before halftime, led by Gianluca Scamacca. The Italian striker pulled one back with a precise strike from the edge of the box before completing his brace with a first-time finish on an assist from Scalvini, leveling the score at 2-2 before the break.
The second half delivered more drama almost immediately. With Mendy forced off due to injury, his replacement Borrelli made an instant impact, scoring just minutes after coming on. Following a strong individual run by Folorunsho, the ball fell kindly for Borrelli, who reacted quickest to restore Cagliari’s lead.
Atalanta pushed hard in the final stages, but their attacking efforts were repeatedly denied by an inspired Caprile. The goalkeeper made a series of crucial saves, including a stunning stop from Krstovic and multiple late interventions against Scamacca and Raspadori to preserve the advantage.
Cagliari even had a chance to seal the game on the counter, but Andrea Belotti squandered a one-on-one opportunity. Still, it didn’t matter in the end, as the Rossoblù held firm to secure a vital three points.
The victory lifts Cagliari eight points clear of the relegation zone with four games remaining, putting survival firmly within reach. For Atalanta, the defeat is a significant blow to their European ambitions, leaving them trailing the teams above in the standings.
Match Report
Cagliari 3-2 Atalanta
Scorers: 1’, 8’ Mendy, 40’, 45’ Scamacca, 47’ Borrelli
Cagliari (4-3-2-1): Caprile; Zé Pedro, Mina, Rodríguez (73’ Dossena), Obert; Adopo, Gaetano, Deiola (56’ Sulemana); Folorunsho, Esposito (56’ Palestra); Mendy (46’ Borrelli, 78’ Belotti).
Head Coach: Pisacane
Atalanta (3-4-2-1): Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Djimsiti, Kolašinac (73’ Kossounou); Bellanova (57’ Krstović), De Roon (73’ Éderson), Pašalić, Zappacosta (56’ Zalewski); De Ketelaere (77’ Samardžić), Raspadori; Scamacca.
Head Coach: Palladino
Referee: Sacchi
Bookings: None
Red Cards: None
