In a stunning upset, Cagliari triumphed over European contenders Atalanta BC with a thrilling 3-2 victory at Unipol Domus, securing back-to-back home wins for just the second time in two seasons.
Cagliari could not have asked for a better start, taking the lead just 15 seconds into the match. A precise cross from Michel Adopo found Paul Mendy, who scored with a powerful header during his first Serie A start.
Just seven minutes later, the 19-year-old showcased his abilities again, doubling Cagliari’s lead shortly after Atalanta failed to clear a corner kick. Mendy capitalized on a rebound from goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi’s initial save, with the ball deflecting off Berat Djimsiti into the net.
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Despite a lackluster first half, Atalanta turned the match on its head in the dying minutes before the break. Gianluca Scamacca, demonstrating sharp finishing, scored two quick goals to equalize; first from distance and then tapping in a low cross from Giorgio Scalvini, much to Cagliari’s disbelief.
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Despite Mendy being substituted at halftime due to injury and missing the chance for a debut hat-trick, Cagliari quickly regained the lead within minutes of the second half. Gennaro Borrelli capitalized on a blocked attempt by Michael Folorunsho to net the third goal for the hosts.
Cagliari, who had previously managed only one win in their last ten league outings (D2, L7), demonstrated newfound resilience, effectively staving off Atalanta’s attempts to mount a comeback. The visiting side’s only significant chance of the second half arrived late in the game when Elia Caprile saved Nikola Krstović’s effort from inside the area.
This result allows Cagliari to extend their lead to eight points above the relegation zone, while Atalanta’s aspirations for European qualification grow increasingly challenging, remaining seven points adrift of the sixth and final qualifying spot.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Paul Mendy (Cagliari)
Check out the match stats here.
