In a thrilling showdown during the fourth round of Serie A, Cagliari showcased their prowess by coming from behind to defeat Lecce 2-1. The match started on a sour note for Cagliari, as Lecce’s Tiago Gabriel scored a header just 4 minutes into the game, putting them ahead early on.
However, Cagliari’s Andrea Belotti was the star of the match, leveling the score with a brilliant goal in the 32nd minute before adding another from the penalty spot in the 69th minute, demonstrating his remarkable skill and composure under pressure.
Cagliari nearly went ahead before halftime, but Sebastiano Esposito’s strike hit the post, leaving the score at 1-1.
Belotti’s exceptional performance included two goals and four shots on target, solidifying his role as a key player in this encounter. Defensively, Marco Palestra was instrumental in maintaining Cagliari’s stability throughout the match.
Lecce’s coach, Eusebio Di Francesco, set up a 4-3-3 formation with Wladimiro Falcone in goal, flanked by Christ-Owen Kouassi, Kialonda Gaspar, Tiago Gabriel, and Antonino Gallo in defense. The midfield consisted of Lassana Coulibaly, Ylber Ramadani, and Alex Sala, while the attacking trio featured Santiago Pierotti, Nikola Stulic, and Riccardo Sottil.
On the other hand, Cagliari’s Fabio Pisacane opted for a 4-5-1 formation with Elia Caprile guarding the net, supported by defenders Marco Palestra, Yerry Mina, Sebastiano Luperto, and Adam Obert. The midfield was composed of Michel Adopo, Matteo Prati, Michael Folorunsho, Alessandro Deiola, and Sebastiano Esposito, with Andrea Belotti leading the attack.
The match was officiated by referee Luca Zufferli.
Looking ahead, Lecce will host Bologna in their next match, while Cagliari will welcome Inter to the Sardegna Arena. Currently, Lecce finds themselves at the bottom of the table, earning just 1 point, while Cagliari climbs to 7 points, placing them fifth.
Substitutions for Lecce
45’ 2T – Alex Sala was replaced by Mohamed Kaba and Antonino Gallo by Corrie Ndaba
80’ 2T – Santiago Pierotti was substituted off for Konan NDri
Yellow Cards for Lecce:
19’ 1T Tiago Gabriel and 26’ 1T Lassana Coulibaly
Substitutions for Cagliari
59’ 2T – Sebastiano Esposito out for Gianluca Gaetano and Riccardo Sottil for Teté Morente
60’ 2T – Matteo Prati was replaced by Mattia Felici
71’ 2T – Andrea Belotti off for Semih Kilicsoy
72’ 2T – Michel Adopo out for Gabriele Zappa and Ylber Ramadani for Francesco Camarda
86’ 2T – Alessandro Deiola replaced by Luca Mazzitelli
Yellow Cards for Cagliari:
46’ 1T Sebastiano Esposito, 13’ 2T Matteo Prati, and 43’ 2T Adam Obert