Training without several owners but able to fight to the end and take the lead, then the Giallorossi comeback
CAGLIARI. Cagliari beaten but alive. Roma go 2-1 to Unipol Domus but had to sweat to do it. Rossoblù bandaged, without Nandez, Godin, Strootman, Dalbert and Caceres, but who managed to stay in the game until the end against a much stronger team. The message that comes from the match is that if this Cagliari fights and faces the opponents hard, it can still save itself, despite the last place in the standings with only 6 points after 10 days. Mazzarri fielded a 4-4-2 with Grassi and Bellanova, his great game, the owners and Joao Pdro called to sacrifice himself often in the non-possession phase.
Team full of absences but started well: at the 8th great launch by Marin in the area for Bellanova who, after having controlled the ball, started a right-footed shot that was printed on the crossbar. A good sign for the rossoblùs, with the Giallorossi remaining a bit on the alert after the danger.
Rome that was close to scoring in the 35th minute when an action started by Pellegrini and Zaniolo was finished by Vina. The cross ended on Abraham who in the rebound with Cragno sent the ball to the bottom from a few steps.
At 40 ‘two beautiful initiatives by Lykogiannis on the left, cross in the center and on the second action Veretout saved himself in the corner anticipating Pavoletti. Time ended with a long-range shot by Zaniolo on the bottom.
At the start of the second half Cagliari took the lead: Marin received deep on the right and crossed in the center where Bellanova took advantage of a mess from Vina to deflect towards the small area where Pavoletti was the quickest of all to send the ball to the net and sign his first goal of the season.
The game caught fire. Roma’s ready replica after a wrong support by Grassi: cross for Zaniolo anticipated in diving by Cragno and overturned on the bottom of El Shaarawy.
But it was still Cagliari in the 14th minute to go close to scoring: Bellanova-Deiola and a cross in the center for Pavoletti who was very lonely but kicked on the Roma goalkeeper. Overturning and at 18 ‘cross by El Shaarawy and a sure shot header by Zaniolo who, however, did not frame the mirror from a few meters. At 22 ‘close Rome close to par with a cross Karsdorp who fishes on the left Pellegrini: volley and ball that broke on the crossbar and then on the ground.
No moments of pause because on 23 ‘it was Cagliari who stung: Bellanova’s cross and Pavoletti’s diving detour who finds Rui Patricio ready to parade. Reversal in front and 1-1: corner kick and Ibanez header deflection that surprised Cragno at 26 ‘. At 33 ‘overtaking: free kick caused by Lykogiannis on Zaniolo and Pellegrini slipped the ball at seven. In short, in seven minutes, the score changed face and brought Cagliari back to clay after a fair test.
9 ‘minutes from the end outside Deiola inside Keita, Mazzarri’s desperation move to try, with an extra tip to catch the result. The rossoblù generosity resulted in a shot from distance by Zappa blocked to the ground by the visiting goalkeeper in the 44th minute.
After 6 minutes of recovery came the final whistle of the uncertain Pezzuto. Cagliari defeated but ending with the convinced applause of their fans. When you fight as hard as it did this time, the team could not be blamed for anything.
Cagliari (4-4-2): Cragno, Zappa, Ceppitelli, Carboni, Lykogiannis; Bellanova, Deiola (37 ‘st Keita), Grassi (34’ st Oliva), Marin; Pavoletti, Joao Pedro. (1 Aresti, 31 Radunović 15 Altar, 33 Obert, 17 Farias, 36 Delpupo, 20 Pereiro). Coach: Mazzarri.
Rome (4-2-3-1): Rui Patricio, Karsdorp, Mancini, Ibanez, Vina (12 ‘st Felix Afena) Cristante, Veretout (45’ st Kumbulla), Zaniolo (35 ‘st Calafiori) Pellegrini, Mkhhitaryan (1 ‘st El Shaarawy), Abraham. (87 Fuzato, 55 Darboe, 52 Bove, 62 Volpato, Zalewski, 11 Pérez, 14 Shomurodov, 65 Tripi). Coach: Mourinho disqualified (on the Sacramento bench).
Referee: Pezzuto from Lecce.
Networks: in the st 8 ‘Pavoletti, 26’ Ibanez, 33 ‘Pellegrini.
Note. Stoppage time: 2 ‘and 4’. Corners: 10-2 for Roma. Booked: Zaniolo, Joao Pedro, Lykogiannis, Calafiori, Bellanova for unfair play, Abraham for non-regulatory behavior. Spectators: 8,547.
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