After an intense 90 minutes in the rain at the Unipol Domus, Milan emerge victorious with their third 1-0 win on the bounce, thanks to Bennacer’s hammered volley after 59 minutes. The league leaders looked much improved in the second half, dominating possession and creating a number of chances via different avenues. The visitors could have been ahead by even more after Calabria failed to finish a one-on-one opportunity with Cragno, but Mazzarri could equally feel his side could have taken a point after Pavoletti’s stooping header struck the crossbar in injury time. Cagliari’s third defeat in a row without scoring leaves them three points above the drop, while Milan extend their lead at the top to three points.
Cagliari are in action again after the international break on April 2 when they travel to face Udinese. Milan return home on the same day to host Bologna.
That concludes our commentary of the Serie A fixture between Cagliari and Milan! We hope you’ve enjoyed it!
Cronaca
Formazioni
Statistiche
90'+5'
FULL-TIME: CAGLIARI 0-1 MILAN.22:36
90'+3'
The fourth official indicates four minutes will be added to the end of the 90 for stoppages.22:33
90'+1'
OFF THE CROSSBAR! CAGLIARI COME SO CLOSE! Zappa’s cross is met by a diving Pavoletti, who directs his header down into the ground before bouncing up and striking the crossbar! The ball just evades the hand of Maignan but the goalkeeper’s best friend once again proves decisive.22:33
89'
Ibrahimovic has scored in all his last seven Serie A games against Cagliari (eight goals) - the last player to score in eight consecutive appearances against a single opponent in the top-flight was Christian Vieri, against Perugia between February 1999 and December 2003 (12 goals).22:29
87'
Ibrahimovic comes on for Giroud as Pioli will rely on the veteran forward to see out the remainder of the game.22:29
86'
CLOSE AGAIN! Calabria’s corner-kick is headed back by Kessie to the far post for Rebic, who hits a side-footed volley towards goal that’s cleared behind by Lovato.22:28
84'
CALABRIA CAN’T FINISH! The right-back starts a blistering counter-attack following a repelled Cagliari free-kick, but he can't beat Cragno from five yards out after getting into a good position thanks to Rebic’s incisive pass! It really should be 2-0!22:27
82'
Grassi comes off for Keita in an attacking change for Cagliari.22:24
81'
Bellanova is withdrawn after his earlier booking, with Pereiro his replacement.03:26
80'
This match is nowhere near over as we enter the final 10 minutes, with Milan’s lead anything but assured. Cagliari have offered precious little in the second half but with the quality of Joao Pedro and the stature of Pavoletti on the pitch it will take another goal from the Rossoneri to seal the result.22:23
78'
Winning the free-kick was Messias' last action of the match as he's replaced by Saelemaekers.22:19
77'
The first yellow card of the match goes to Bellanova for crashing through the back of Messias right in front of the technical area.22:19
76'
WHAT A CHANCE! Deiola hits a low strike from 25 yards out which is met inside the penalty area by Joao Pedro. The captain pops the ball up into the air and hits an off-balance volley from close range which is deflected wide of the goal by a crucial Tomori intervention!22:18
75'
Zappa replaces Dalbert, who is on-loan at Cagliari from Milan's rivals Inter.22:17
74'
Bennacer takes a free-kick short down the right wing for Calabria but he’s unable to get on the end of his one-two pass with Kessie after sliding on the wet surface.22:16
72'
Krunic is also introduced with Diaz making way.22:13
71'
Rebic gets 18 minutes to make an impact as Leao is withdrawn.03:26
70'
Grassi takes a shot from a long way out which Joao Pedro looks to redirect inside the penalty area with a sliding poke but it’s put harmlessly into the path of the oncoming Maignan.22:12
68'
Deiola is on for Lykogiannis with just over 20 minutes remaining.22:10
67'
It appears as though a first substitution of the match is in the offing, as Mazzarri feels as though a change is needed to turn the tide for his side.22:11
65'
Milan have definitely looked better in the second half, with the Rossoneri keeping possession of the ball even more after the restart while nearly managing as many opportunities on goal as in the first period with 25 minutes still to play. The goal will help the visitors settle down though a second is still necessary for Pioli to feel relatively certain of the result.22:08
63'
Lovato whacks the ball forward for the run of Joao Pedro looking to catch the Milan defence too high up the pitch but the centre-back puts too much power behind his pass and puts it out for a throw-in.22:05
61'
Cagliari have conceded goals in each of their last 11 home games against Milan in Serie A; the Rossoblu only have a longer ongoing streak only against Roma in the competition (15).22:04
59'
Giroud's involvement is again instrumental as the striker picks up an assist for his lay-off to Bennacer.22:03
59'
WHAT A HIT TO BREAK THE DEADLOCK! 1-0 MILAN! Diaz’s low pass into the penalty area from the right finds Giroud, who pops the ball up to the edge of the 18-yard box with his back to goal. It’s met by a vicious left-footed volley from Bennacer, who beats an outstretched Cragno!
Bennacer launches a long pass over the top for the run of Leao but he’s unable to find the winger as it rolls beyond Giroud and behind for a goal-kick. It appears as though the visitors are running out of ideas with just over 30 minutes left.22:01
56'
Play is stopped temporarily for Calabria, who went down immediately after a knee-on-knee collision with Bellanova. The captain has been given some magic spray and will limp off temporarily; hopefully he will be able to continue.21:58
54'
Kessie bundles Joao Pedro over on the edge of the penalty area giving Cagliari a free-kick in a dangerous position but Marin’s ensuing set-piece is sent directly into the wall.21:57
52'
GREAT SAVE! Hernandez lets fly from 35 yards looking for the top corner, forcing Cragno into a leaping save to turn the ball behind for a corner.21:54
50'
The skies have opened up over the Unipol Domus as rain is pouring down in Sardinia. No doubt it’ll make the match that much more scrappy with first touches letting players down in the conditions.21:52
48'
Leao looks to bend one into the top corner from the left edge of the 18-yard box but the winger gets his angles wrong and sends the effort wide.21:49
46'
Milan get the match restarted from the kick-off!21:47
As Milan still need to take the lead in order to put as much distance between themselves and the rest of the pack as possible, attacking changes early after the restart is likely. Messias had a poor 45 minutes and will likely be replaced by either Saelemaekers or the more direct Rebic, with Tonali also available from the bench to inject some legs into the midfield. For Mazzarri and Cagliari, Pereiro has scored some very important goals for the Sardinians recently and should be introduced at some point.21:36
Cagliari and Milan enter the half-time interval level at 0-0 after a tight and cagey first 45 minutes at the Unipol Domus. The close score isn’t for a lack of trying as both sides had their chances to open the scoring, with Giroud’s volley skewed wide after just seven minutes the pick of the bunch. A physical and aggressive affair which is aided by the referee’s tendency to allow play to continue, Hernandez was denied set-pieces on numerous opportunities - increasing the frustration of the fiery France international. Cagliari looked very positive in the build-up but a lack of incision and inability to get behind the duo of Tomori and Kalulu has hampered the hosts, who need all the points they can get.21:34
45'+1'
HALF-TIME: CAGLIARI 0-0 MILAN.21:32
44'
Marin’s corner is met by the head of Tomori, who smashes it away from his penalty area with a powerful header.21:30
42'
Milan have scored in all 14 away Serie A games this season - only in 1967/68 have they managed to score in 15 away games in a row in the topflight (a run of 15).21:29
40'
Play is stopped temporarily for Dalbert, who received a push to the back of the head during an aerial duel with Bennacer, before the ball hit the midfielder in the face - adding to the pain.21:27
38'
A Milan attack comes to an end as a foul is called on Messias for catching the top of Lykogiannis’ foot with his studs. It’s a painful one but it’ll allow the hosts to clear their half.21:25
36'
A host of challenges have come in which have prompted both Dalbert and Giroud to have a word with the match official, who remains happy to let play continue after any 50-50 challenge or shoulder push. It’s been a physical and cagey match which has added to the drama - aided by the referee.21:23
34'
Calabria delivers a sensational ball that hits Diaz in the midriff inside the penalty area but the forward has a difficult time dealing with the pass while moving backwards, allowing Cagliari to clear the danger.21:20
33'
Hernandez sweeps a Milan corner into the penalty area where it’s nodded away, but only as far as Calabria. The right-back keeps the pressure on the hosts by immediately pushing it out to the right wing for Messias, whose ensuing shot flies wide.21:19
31'
Messias gets into position on the right edge of the penalty area and curls a shaped cross to the far post but Bellanova beats Kessie in the air and puts it out for a throw-in.21:17
29'
Joao Pedro has scored three goals in 10 matches against Milan in the top-flight, all between 2017 and 2018; however, he has failed to score in his last five games against the Rossoneri - the Brazilian has been involved in 50% of his sides goals this season (14 - 10 goals, 4 assists), the highest ratio for a player this term.21:15
27'
Marin’s corner finds Pavoletti, who can only help the set-piece on its way to the back post and behind for a goal-kick.21:13
25'
Milan’s counter-attack after a short Cagliari corner leads to a long-range shot from the left foot of Bennacer, who sends the effort high over the crossbar.21:12
23'
Hernandez goes down inside the penalty area after Leao’s prodded pass forward but Bellanova immediately protests his innocence and it doesn’t appear as though the Milan left-back is looking for it either. Despite Joao Pedro’s claims for a yellow card it’s nothing more than a goal-kick.21:10
21'
The training-ground routine doesn’t work for Milan as Hernandez rolls the free-kick to the edge of the 18-yard box presumably looking for Diaz but it’s whacked away immediately by a Cagliari defender.21:06
19'
Giroud is fouled by Goldaniga, who slid into a tackle after a poor first touch took the ball away from the defender. It’s a free-kick in a dangerous position for Milan, who continue to pile the pressure on Cragno.21:05
17'
Diaz wins the ball fairly from Joao Pedro and sparks a counter-attack which sends Messias on a long run through midfield and onto the left wing. He looks to put a late cross to the far post before taking possession over the byline but a Bellanova slide blocks the effort and puts it out for a throw.21:04
15'
Dalbert takes a Cagliari corner looking to find Pavoletti but it sails over the head of the striker and out for a goal-kick, despite half-hearted appeals from the Sardinians for another corner.21:02
13'
OFF THE POST! A long Milan spell of attack nearly ends in a goal as Kessie’s strike from distance evades the hand of Cragno and clatters off the base of the post and rolls behind for a goal-kick.21:00
11'
Despite bringing the defenders forward for the free-kick, Cagliari opt to play it short. It’s an interesting decision and one that leads to nothing as Bellanova’s cross on the opposite wing is gathered easily by Maignan.20:57
9'
Bennacer bundles Dalbert over on the left wing, giving Cagliari a free-kick deep on the flank.20:57
7'
CHANCE! Hernandez puts a dangerous cross to the far post for Messias, who knocks it down with his head for Giroud. The France international whacks a volley at the delivery but he scuffs the effort wide from close range!20:54
5'
Hernandez makes a run through the middle of the pitch but Milan turn over possession, forcing Leao to cover the flank. The Portugal international puts in a wonderful slide tackle, getting to the ball despite being behind Bellanova - winning it back for his side.20:51
3'
Cagliari have started the match very brightly, getting into Milan’s half as early and as often as possible. They’re a direct team that rely on aggression and tempo coupled with the talents of captain Joao Pedro.20:49
1'
Cagliari get the match underway from the kick-off!20:46
Milan make two changes from the side that beat Empoli 1-0 last weekend. Hernandez returns from suspension to reprise his role at left-back ahead of Florenzi, while a rest for Tonali sees Diaz play the role of attacking midfielder, which drops Kessie alongside Bennacer.20:37
Cagliari make two changes to the XI that lost 2-0 to Spezia last time out. Daniele Baselli is unavailable which allows Lykogiannis to start, - pushing out to the left flank with Dalbert coming inside. The second alteration sees Marin replace Deiola in midfield.20:37
MILAN SUBS: Antonio Mirante, Fode Ballo-Toure, Tiemoue Bakayoko, Ciprian Tatarusanu, Sandro Tomali, Alessandro Florenzi, Matteo Gabbia, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Alexis Saelemaekers, Ante Rebic, Alessio Romagnoli, Rade Krunic. 20:32
MILAN XI (4-2-3-1): Mike Maignan; Davide Calabria, Pierre Kalulu, Fikayo Tomori, Theo Hernandez; Franck Kessie, Ismael Bennacer; Junior Messias, Brahim Diaz, Rafael Leao; Olivier Giroud.20:32
CAGLIARI SUBS: Adam Obert, Keita, Luca Ceppitelli, Andrea Carboni, Christos Kourfalidis, Gabriele Zappa, Damir Ceter, Alessandro Deiola, Simone Aresti, Boris Radunovic, Gaston Pereiro.20:31
CAGLIARI XI (3-5-2): Alessio Cragno; Giorgio Altare, Matteo Lovato, Edoardo Goldaniga; Charalampos Lykogiannis, Dalbert, Alberto Grassi, Razvan Marin, Raoul Bellanova; Joao Pedro, Leonardo Pavoletti.20:31
With 15 minutes to go before kick-off, let's take a look at how the two sides will be lining up - starting with our hosts!20:31
The pressure has also been ramped up on Milan, who are aiming to respond after Napoli’s earlier 2-1 win over Udinese put the Partenopei level with the Rossoneri at the top of the table. With cross-town rivals Inter just three points back with a game in hand, Stefano Pioli’s side can’t afford to drop any more points with nine matches remaining if they wish to win their first Scudetto in over a decade.20:19
Sitting a perilous three points above the drop zone, Cagliari need to respond after back-to-back defeats without scoring a goal, including a 2-0 loss to fellow strugglers Spezia. Genoa’s win yesterday put added pressure on the Sardinians, who are within reach of both the aforementioned Rossblu and Venezia. Walter Mazzarri’s side has failed to beat Milan in their last nine meetings - since a 2-1 win in 2017 thanks to a 93rd minute Fabio Pisacane goal.20:19
Hello and welcome to our LIVE commentary of the Serie A fixture between Cagliari and Milan!20:17
Dove si gioca la partita:
Stadio: Unipol Domus Città: Cagliari Capienza: 16233 spettatori20:17
Cagliari - Milan is a match of 30 day of the season Serie A 2021/2022. The match will be 19 march at 15:00 in the stadium Unipol Domus in Cagliari. Referee of Cagliari - Milan will be Marco Di Bello with the help of Giorgio Peretti e Stefano Del Giovane. At VAR there will be Michael Fabbri.
Currently Cagliari is 17° in the standings with 25 points (thanks of 5 wins, 10 draws and 15 defeats); while Milan is 1° in the standings with 66 points (thanks of 20 wins, 6 pareggi and 4 sconfitte). Cagliari scored 28 goals and conceded 54; Milan scored 56 goals and conceded 29. The first leg Milan - Cagliari was played on 29 august 2021 and it ended on a 4-1 score.
At home Cagliari scored 12 points (2 wins, 6 draws and 7 losses). Away Milan scored 33 points (10 wins, 3 draws and 1 loss). Cagliari in the last three matches of the season challenged Lazio, Spezia and Mil obtaining 0 points. Milan in the last three matches of the season challenged Udinese, Napoli and Empoli obtaining 7 points thanks to 2 wins, 1 draw and 0 losses. In the last match Cagliari was against Milan losing 0-1 while Milan was against Empoli winning 1-0. The best scorer of the team coached by Walter Mazzarri is João Pedro Geraldino dos Santos Galvão with 10 goals while the best scorer of the team coached by Stefano Pioli is Olivier Giroud with 8 goals.
Cagliari and Milan competed 79 times in the league. In the previous matches Cagliari won 8 times, Milan won 44 times while the number of draw was 27.
These are the statistics of the two teams in the matches played in the season:
Where to see Cagliari-Milan You can see the live match Cagliari-Milan here on Virgilio Sport starting 15:00 CET of 19 march. Discover who will broadcast live Cagliari - Milan between Sky and Dazn.
