Samp’s bad luck continues with an undeserved defeat against Cagliari

After losses at the hands of Roma, Milan and Bologna, it was Cagliari’s turn to pile on the misery for the Blucerchiati. On this occasion, it was an error from our trustworthy goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano which proved costly, marking a topsy-turvy end to proceedings at the Sant’Elia.

Coach Marco Giampaolo made a handful on changes following the game against Bologna. Dennis Praet took up a more withdrawn role, to join Karol Linetty and Luca Cigarini, with Ricky Alvarez positioned further forward.

It was Cagliari who made the more offensive start. In the first five minutes, Sau put a header wide while Murru tested Viviano with a left-footed shot. Samp made their way into the game shortly after that, a particular highlight being Cigarini’s thunderous drive after 25 minutes, stinging Storari’s palms.

Sampdoria could count themselves unlucky not to be awarded a penalty, after Alvarez went down in the box around the half hour mark, but the referee was unmoved and let play continue.

Seven minutes later, Cagliari took the lead. Padoin did well under pressure to break into the box from the left and his pull back was converted by Joao Pedro.

The Blucerchiati, unfortunate to find themselves trailing, reacted quickly as Praet’s left-footed shot was diverted wide by Bruno Alves.

In the second half, the match was deadlocked in the middle of the park, which favoured the hosts who remained a threat on the counter attack.

Substitutions from both sides turned out to be key in a frantic end to the contest. Bruno Fernandes, who came on for Praet, drew Sampdoria level after 86 minutes. The Portuguese midfielder found himself in space to the right of the Cagliari goal, receiving a pass from Linetty, and made absolutely no mistake with his finish.

Unfortunately for the Blucerchiati, they were level for only a matter of minutes. Viviano came out of his area but his failure to control the ball left Melchiorri with the easiest of finishes. The striker made the score 2-1 and despite Sampdoria’s efforts in the final stages, that’s how the score remained.

Cagliari 2 – 1 Sampdoria (HT : 1-0)

Scorers: Joao Pedro 37; Fernandes 86, Melchiorri 88.

Cagliari (4-3-1-2): Storari (Rafael 78); Pisacane, Ceppitelli, B. Alves, Murru; Isla, Tachtsidis, Padoin; Joao Pedro (Barella 83); Borriello, Sau (Melchiorri 74).
Subs not used: Colombo, Di Gennaro, Munari, Capuano, Bittante, Giannetti, Salamon.
Coach: Massimo Rastelli.

Sampdoria (4-3-1-2): Viviano; Pereira (Budimir 74), Silvestre, Skriniar, Regini; Linetty, Cigarini, Praet (Fernandes 80); Alvarez; Quagliarella, Muriel (Schick 55).
Subs not used: Puggioni, Krapikas, Amuzie, Dodô, Eramo, Krajnc, Palombo, Djuricic, Torreira.
Coach: Marco Giampaolo.

Referee: Gavillucci di Latina.
Assistants: Fiorito di Salerno e Gava di Conegliano.
Fourth official: Pegorin di Latina.
Additional assistants: Pairetto di Nichelino e Pinzani di Empoli.

Yellow cards: Muriel 19, Skriniar 49, Cigarini 65, Isla 69.
Added time: 4 + 5 mins.
Additional information: Rastelli sent off.