News Focus
- Cagliari confirm Serie A survival with comeback victory at home
- Yerry Mina bundles home the winner in first-half added time
- Sebastiano Esposito equalises just 60 seconds after conceding
- Emotional pitch-side farewell to retiring striker Leonardo Pavoletti
- Rafael Obrador scores spectacular long-range opener for Torino
Cagliari have guaranteed their place in next season’s Serie A after staging a remarkable comeback to defeat Torino 2-1 on the Sardinian island. The home side needed just a single point to ensure safety, but they collected all three in a tense clash.
The match began with an emotional tribute to home striker Leonardo Pavoletti, who is hanging up his boots after a distinguished career. The forward received a warm ovation from supporters on the pitch ahead of his final appearance.
Torino threatened early through Marco Palestra, who created several chances down the right flank. Giovanni Simeone also went close for the visitors, firing over from close range after a neat exchange with Nikola Vlasic. The Argentine then headed wide from a promising position before seeing a goal-bound effort blocked by a heroic last-ditch tackle from centre-back Yerry Mina.
However, the breakthrough arrived in the 38th minute. Rafael Obrador unleashed a spectacular long-range drive that flew into the top corner, giving Torino the lead with a powerful strike that left the goalkeeper with no chance.
The advantage lasted merely a minute. Sebastiano Esposito received the ball with his back to goal inside the penalty area, swivelled cleverly, and drilled a low shot into the far corner to level the scores.
Cagliari completed the turnaround during first-half stoppage time. Gabriele Zappa’s effort was parried by the Torino keeper, but Mina reacted quickest to bundle home the rebound from close range. This proved to be the winning goal.
After the interval, Torino pushed for an equaliser. Che Adams forced a brilliant reflex save from Elia Caprile, who used his feet to deny the Scottish striker at the back post. Paul Mendy also went close with a glancing header that flashed wide of the upright.
The final whistle confirmed Cagliari’s survival, sparking celebrations among the home faithful and ensuring they will remain in the Italian top flight next term.