A goal from the Uruguayan in the 93rd minute completes the comeback against Bologna: these are 3 fundamental points
SENT TO CAGLIARI. The Bologna that wastes time, throws itself on the ground, makes the seconds go by. But yesterday someone up there wanted to help Cagliari and punish those who have obstructed them with some very little credible dramas. When Pereiro put the ball in the bag in the third added time, the stadium exploded with joy. A victory that not only keeps the hope of saving alive, but is such a boost of self-esteem that could have positive repercussions on the rest of the season. Perhaps the draw was the fairest result but many times fate has turned its face at the Quattro Mori, yesterday it began to give back something of what was taken away in the first phase of the tournament. This is not to say that salvation is around the corner. Yesterday we saw good things and several mistakes. The road remains long but now we can look to the next races with more optimism.
Obligatory choices. Both Mazzarri and Mihajlovic have to deal with an endless list of absentees. The two coaches have little to think about, the players available are those and the formation discounted. Cagliari confirms the same eleven who won at “Ferraris” with Sampdoria. The squad are also the same with only one news: there is no Faragò who has moved to Lecce, Dalbert returns and has served his suspension. The Emilians line up with 3-5-2, Arnutovic and Orsolini the strikers, Dominguez in the middle of the field, Skov Olsen and Dijks the outsiders of a team that until two days ago in quarantine.
Rossoblù live. Cagliari starts the game without jumping headlong. Mazzarri’s formation is reflexive, he knows that he must not give space to a sly opponent who knows how to hit a throw-in. The Quattro Mori are determined, they are aware that they must win and try to break through using the lanes, especially the right one, where Bellanova finds fertile ground on several occasions. The goal touches him but it is the post that denies him the joy. It is not easy to maneuver against an organized team like that of Mihajlovic, which has a lot of density in the middle of the field and closes the passing lines in advance. Cagliari have some good chances when they start again but they are not precise in the finishing touches. It is an open, competitive competition.
Punch in the stomach. In the stadium, the temperature drops below freezing when Orsolini hits a free kick that makes Cragno dry. A feat but there are two mistakes: meanwhile Lykogiannis’ useless foul just outside the box and goalkeeper Cragno, badly placed and very late on the serve. Mazzarri runs for cover, inside Dalbert and outside Liko, whistled by the fans and invited to leave. Inside also Pereiro for Deiola. The Uruaian plays the mezzala but is more offensive than his teammate. Right move to try to give more unpredictability to the maneuver.
Reaction. Cagliari is generous and reaches par with Pavoletti, primed by Pereiro, who perhaps wanted to kick towards the goal more than put it in the middle. The right reward for the substitutions made by the Livorno coach, considering that the new entrants take part in the action of the goal. The rossoblùs are in trouble when they have to defend, Arnautovic and Orsolini are thorns in the side. Cragno saves on the latter aided by the pole. Pavoletti (shot in the stomach) comes out hit hard by Dominguez, inside Zappa. Pereiro climbs forward. Without the mark Cagliari loses a point of reference and it becomes more difficult to keep the ball. At 48 the feat of Pereiro that drives the fans crazy and brings the rossoblù close to the safety zone. A compensation after so many bitter mouthfuls swallowed. A joy that also blows up mister Mazzarri who has many merits for this victory.