The numbers of the collapse: fits and starts, defensive puncture and asphyxiated attack
VENICE. If the ranking were not enough, the numbers put together by Cagliari this season unequivocally photograph the reason for this hallucinating relegation.
Championship in fits and starts. The rossoblù season can be divided into three sections, with the head and tail that have decided the fate of the team. In the first 19 games, therefore in the first round, Cagliari finished with just 10 points and only one victory. The team coached by Mazzarri, who had taken over Semplici after the third day, was in last place, with one point less than Salernitana and Genoa. In the following 8 games 15 points that revitalized the ranking and deluded many that the game was done. Wrong because in the last eleven games only 5 points have arrived: the success against Sassuolo, and the draws against Salernitana and Genoa. Hence the collapse.
Salvation to 31 points. To find a team saved at 31 points, as happened to Salernitana pardoned by Cagliari, it is necessary to go back to the 2005/06 tournament, the second since the establishment of the 20-team tournament and with 3 points for the victory, when to avoid the fall in B was Messina with 31 points, but thanks to the relegation of Juve … Cagliari must bite their hands because an extra point would have kept them afloat by sending the Campanians to the cadet series.
Networks made. The offensive department was also a disaster where Joao Pedro scored 13 of the 34 total goals. There are those who did worse, like Spezia, at an altitude of 30, but the asphyxiated Rossoblù attack resulted in many draws and defeats of measures.
Sieve defense. The rossoblù goal was an inviting target for the opponents: 68 goals conceded, third worst defense after Empoli (70) and Venice (69). But in just three occasions the rossoblù goal has remained intact. Another reason to explain why so many points were missing from the appeal.
Victories. Just 6, including 3 at home and 3 away. A measly number. In particular, the low level of successes obtained within the friendly walls of Unipol Domus was decisive. Three points left: Sampdoria (the only team to have conceded two goals from Cagliari), Bologna and Sassuolo. In the year of the previous relegation, 2015, the victories were 4 at home and 4 away, with 34 total points, which today would be worth gold … (en.g.)