Cagliari Under 20 suffered a home defeat against Fiorentina, losing 2-1 in a match in which the Rossobl\u00f9 went two goals down and then came close to equalizing with a powerful attack in the closing stages.<\/p>\n\n
The match opened with Fiorentina attacking from the start, taking control of the game from the outset and forcing Cagliari back into their own half. The first yellow card of the match arrived in the 12th minute, with Grandu penalized for a foul on Sturli while attempting to stop a counterattack. The Viola continued to press, and in the 18th minute, Braschi failed to capitalize on Kehayov’s uncertainty. The Rossoblu responded in the 19th minute with a sensational response: Trepy unleashed a powerful shot that hit the inside of the post with the keeper beaten. Having escaped the danger, Fiorentina resumed their play, and in the 29th minute, Kehayov took center stage again with a superb save on a long-range shot from Deli. The visitors took the lead in the 40th minute: Trapani found Montenegro in the box, who struck on the rebound and beat Kehayov, aided by a deflection that wrong-footed the Rossoblu keeper. After two minutes of injury time, the first half ended with the Viola ahead and in control of possession. Fiorentina came back strongly in the second half and almost doubled their lead in the 48th minute with Atzeni, who hit the post with a precise right-footed shot. Cagliari struggled to contain the visitors’ attacking efforts and made it 2-0 in the 66th minute: a perfect through ball freed Braschi, who made no mistake in front of Kehayov. <\/p>\n\n
Down two goals, the Rossoblu responded by increasing their focus and attempting to get back into the game. Malfitano and Sugamele had chances, but they lacked precision in front of goal. The match reignited in the 86th minute, when Mendy capitalized on a less-than-perfect exit from Fei to put the score at 2-1. Cagliari then laid siege to the final whistle, nearly equalizing at the last minute. In the 94th minute, Mendy rose to the top of the table with a header, but the goalkeeper excelled and lifted the ball over the crossbar, denying the Rossoblu a sensational comeback. At the final whistle, Fiorentina celebrated three crucial points, while Cagliari exited the match with disappointment for the missed opportunities and a finish that could have changed the outcome. <\/p>\n\n
Cagliari-Fiorentina 1-2