Enter the final, recapture Empoli and in the recovery touches the blow of the ko. Lovato injured
SENT TO EMPOLI. From dust almost to the altar. Cagliari seemed to be at the entrance to the gate of hell, then had a start, equalized and touched the blow of the knockout. A “strange” game yesterday. First half almost all of the Empoli brand, Pinamonti’s goal of advantage and many missed opportunities by the Tuscans. Second part with the rossoblù in the chair. The equal of Pavoletti and a final that could give the Quattro Mori the second external exploit in a row. The draw is the right result even if in the end a bit of regret remained. Moving the rankings, bringing Sampdoria closer and reaching Venice which has one game less, giving continuity to results and performances is the goal to achieve salvation. Yesterday Mazzarri’s team alternated positive things with mistakes, but showed that they have acquired the combative mentality that is useful when you have to fight to maintain the category. The other good news are the arrows in the coach’s bow. They increased and just when he resorted to “reserves” the match changed face.
Confirmations. Mazzarri had said that those who play well have a better chance than others of being in the top eleven. The Cagliari coach has kept faith with his words. Only one novelty in the line-up compared to the Bergamo match: Joao Pedro returns after the disqualification and is teamed up with Pereiro, who has climbed positions in the hierarchy of the advanced department. Even the promising Obert is re-proposed on the left in the three-man defense. Empoli plays with 4-3-1-2. The points are Pinamonti and Cutrone, Bajrami floats between the lines.
Replacement. After a little less than a quarter of an hour the referee leaves. Dionisi gets hurt and despite the care of the Empoli masseurs he is unable to continue. He is the fourth official, Marini di Roma 1 who from minute 20, after 5 ‘for dressing, takes the reins of a balanced game that begins with a soft rhythm. Lovato hurts (thigh discomfort) forced to go out and from that moment the team loses confidence. In its place Altar with Goldaniga climbing in the center of the defense. As the minutes pass, the Tuscans rise in tone and are stationed more in the half of the rossoblù, now more “foul” in the circulation of the ball. Andreazzoli’s team gains meters and becomes threatening.
Empoli passes. The pressure of the blues is now constant. Marin loses a ball (it is not the first time that this has happened to him) that is easy to manage and the restart from Empoli is lethal. Pinamonti makes no discounts and unlocks the race. Cagliari swerves, they no longer win a tackle, they are always late on the second balls. The team gets longer, loses the distance between the departments, gives away portions of the field in which Empoli sinks. The rossoblùs are not very reactive, predictable in their play.
Reaction. Cagliari tries twice with Pereiro. Then Mazzarri changes. Outside Lykogiannis and Obert, inside Baselli and Ceppitelli. Goldanica passes on the left, Altare on the opposite side. Dalbert becomes the fifth on the left. The race becomes foul and a little confused. An ideal climate for those who have the advantage and certainly not for those who have to recover. The rossoblù are struggling to build because the maneuver is not fluid, too many passages and few verticalizations. Altare tries from outside the area, Vicar says no. Mazzarri fires all available cartridges. Inside Pavoletti and Keita.
Emotions. It’s a super offensive Cagliari. The ending is nervous. Pavoletti finds the winning play in the area and brings the islanders back to the surface. Empoli is in trouble, the attacker touches the encore with the ball coming out a few centimeters. Seven minutes of recovery, as in the first half. Cagliari seems to have more but does not find the knockout blow. The draw is a positive result but some regret remains.