Key Takeaways
- Bologna and Cagliari played out a 0-0 draw, making it three straight goalless matches in Serie A.
- Teenage goalkeeper Massimo Pessina made a crucial save for Bologna just before half-time.
- Cagliari missed a golden chance to win when Zé Pedro blazed over from close range late in the match.
Bologna FC 1909 and Cagliari Calcio failed to find the net during their Serie A clash at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on Sunday afternoon. This stalemate marked the third consecutive match in the Italian top flight to end 0-0, following two similar results on Saturday.
The home side began the day in ninth place, while Cagliari sat in 16th position and needed a victory to secure their survival with only three games left to play. Both managers faced selection problems. Vincenzo Italiano could not call upon first-choice keeper Lukasz Skorupski, plus outfield players Joao Mario, Nicolo Cambiaghi and Thijs Dallinga. The visitors also travelled without several squad members including Riyad Idrissi, Luca Mazzitelli, Mattia Felici, Leonardo Pavoletti and Gennaro Borrelli.
Young shot-stopper Massimo Pessina was tested just before the break. He reacted quickly to block Sebastiano Esposito’s effort from close range and keep the scores level. Ten minutes after the restart, Cagliari’s goalkeeper Caprile produced an excellent diving save to deny Nikola Moro’s dipping shot from the edge of the penalty area.
The best chance of the match fell to Cagliari substitute Zé Pedro with ten minutes remaining. Michael Folorunsho sent a dangerous cross into a crowded box, and Zé Pedro met the ball unmarked just six yards from goal. However, he blasted his first-time finish high over the crossbar.
Bologna also threatened when replacement Santiago Castro struck powerfully from a tight angle after 66 minutes, but Caprile positioned himself well at the near post to make the block. The final whistle confirmed Bologna’s fourth game without victory across all competitions. Meanwhile, Cagliari must wait longer to confirm their place in next season’s Serie A.