Against Roma he gives everything. He takes the lead, resists, then surrenders to Pellegrini’s punishment
SENT TO CAGLIARI. This time Cagliari comes out to applause despite the defeat. He played the game with all the weapons he had at his disposal. He tried, coming very close to accomplishing a feat. He surrendered to the billiard shot of a champion like Lorenzo Pellegrini who brushed a free kick under the crossbar. The rossoblù played with the heart, they defended themselves but not passively, they countered the initiatives of their opponents, creating various opportunities that could have put the challenge on ice. Mazzarri had the answer he wanted and paradoxically from this defeat we can start again to see the light again as soon as possible.
Brain teaser. Mazzarri hoped until the end to recover Godin and Strootman but the finishing done yesterday morning advised not to take risks. The Cagliari coach, also orphan of Nandez, Caceres and Walukiewicz, had to scrape the bottom of the barrel to choose the eleven to be sent to the field. The only technical choice is Pavoletti instead of Keita in attack, the rest are forced choices. There is the debut of Grassi in midfield and that of Bellanova. It is a 4-4-2, Zappa and Lykogiannis are the low wards, Mourinho, in the stands due to disqualification, sends the same team that drew with Napoli to the field, as he said on Sunday.
Courage. The start of the rossoblù is promising. They play without fear, they keep the lines tight between the departments, they help each other in the non-possession phase. In particular, Joao Pedro on the left lends a hand to close the passing lines. Bellanova shakes the crossbar. An action that gives Mazzarri’s team confidence against an opponent who has all the owners available and the command of the game. Cagliari press high, always double the scoring. Roma tries to sink on the lanes but does not find fertile ground because the Quattro Mori shorten and do not allow space for the cross. Every now and then the island team restarts but is not very effective in the plays. On the pitch there is great application by Mazzarri’s guys who counter blow for blow. Spirit of sacrifice, desire not to give up, to put on the mat the weapons you need when you are inferior to the opponent.
A lot of heart. What you don’t expect happens after a few minutes of shooting. Pavoletti puts it in after a cross from Marin and a rebound won by Bellanova. It is the reward for a game played diligently so far. Mourinho sends El Shaarawi on the field for a dead Mkhitaryan. Cagliari believes in it and is close to doubling again with Pavoletti who misses an easy easy goal by kicking very badly. Outside Vina, too soft in the action of the goal, inside Fekix Afena. Roma pushes a lot, almost equal several times. Cagliari defends itself with everything it has and more. The crossbar grace Cragno on Pellegrini’s conclusion.
One two. It is a siege broken by Pavoletti but Rui Patricio makes a super save. Roma realizes with Ibanez who heads ahead of Bellanova and puts her in. Then that champion Lorenzo Pellegrini takes care of overtaking with a masterful free kick. A knockout blow that deprives Cagliari of the possibility of bringing home an unexpected positive result on the eve. In the recovery there is an episode in the Roma area that screams for the penalty, but the Var does not correct the referee, who plays. The signs arrived yesterday are encouraging. Those who have played the game so far have made it clear to the coach that he can count on him. Mazzarri’s team remains at the bottom of the standings but if they play from now on as against Roma, it is possible to go up again.