Cagliari and Genoa concluded their Friday night Serie A match with a 1-1 draw. Genoa’s Maxwell Cornet responded to Nicolas Viola’s goal in the first half, ensuring a point for his team.
Cagliari’s coach made three changes to the starting lineup for this game. Florinel Coman was given his first full start, and Viola and Alessandro Deiola replaced Zito Luvumbo, Michel Adopo, and Tommaso Augello.
Genoa’s manager, Patrick Vieira, opted for significant changes as well, replacing half of the outfield players following their previous 1-1 draw against Empoli in Serie A.
Roberto Piccoli initially thought he had given Cagliari the lead with his early attempt. He successfully placed the ball past Genoa goalkeeper Nicola Leali in a one-on-one situation, but a VAR review disallowed the goal due to a marginal offside in the buildup.
However, Piccoli played a crucial role in Cagliari’s actual opening goal ten minutes later. Displaying strength, he held onto the ball while waiting for support, then delivered a precise pass to Nicolas Viola at the edge of the box, who scored to make it 1-0.
Coman, who previously scored in his debut against Parma in February, nearly extended Cagliari’s lead but his low free-kick, cleverly aimed around the wall, hit the post. Unfortunately, Coman had to leave the field shortly after due to a collision.
Genoa quickly responded at the start of the second half, scoring an equalizer right after the restart. Fabio Miretti delivered an excellent pass into the space for Caleb Ekuban, who then set up Cornet in the center of the box. Cornet scored with his first touch, leveling the score.
Around the hour mark, Aaron Martin sent a perfect cross to Koni De Winter. De Winter’s header, though on target, was directed downwards and narrowly missed the post.
Late in the game, Piccoli appealed for a penalty when his shot inside the box appeared to hit Johan Vasquez’s arm. However, the VAR review determined that Vasquez had limited opportunity to avoid the ball, and no penalty was awarded.
In the final moments, Gianluca Gateano attempted to regain the lead for Cagliari with a header, but he couldn’t direct it on target, and it went over the bar.
With this draw, Cagliari remains in 15th place in Serie A, while Genoa is positioned at 12th, six points ahead. Genoa’s position is secure for the weekend, regardless of other match outcomes, but Cagliari could drop if Lecce or Parma secures a win.
Cagliari 1-1 Genoa
Viola 19’ (Cagliari), Cornet 47’ (Genoa).
Match Information
Cagliari
