Two headers decide the match at the Unipol Domus: the first by Mandragora, the second by the Sardinian captain in the final minutes of the game

It ends 1-1 at the Unipol Domus between Cagliari and Fiorentina. A proud performance from Fabio Pisacane’s Sardinian side, who celebrates his Serie A debut on the bench. Although the equalizer came in stoppage time, in the 4th minute with a header from Luperto, who was left unmarked by Pablo Marì. But it was a bit unfair for the Sardinian team, who were hit in the 23rd minute of the second half by the newly entered Mandragora, who, again with a header, this time thanks to Mina, took advantage of a cross from an inspired Gudmundsson, who was on fire for just one moment and then practically invisible. Because they played much better and gave much more. Fiorentina suffered from Cagliari’s high pressure, which disrupted all of the Viola’s play with intensity and hunger. That’s what Pisacane demands. They played more defensively than proactively. Perhaps they paid for Thursday’s cup fatigue and the intense heat. But it’s certainly not a good start.

It’s very hot at the Unipol Domus. Thirty degrees. In the stands is League president Ezio Simonelli, who chose Cagliari for the first game of the season. On the pitch, Pioli confirms the 11 starters from Presov in the Conference. Pisacane springs a surprise by lining up with a four-man defense as announced, but up front is Gennaro Borrelli, the striker picked up on a free transfer after Brescia went bankrupt. Behind him are Sebastiano Esposito, who uses all his skill, and Folorunsho, who often drifts wide to the left in an attempt to catch his former teammates off guard. Fiorentina started better, but it didn’t last long, because the web set up by Pisacane with the help of his deputy Morelli, Pioli’s former long-time collaborator, was tight. There was a lot of pressure and intensity to disrupt the Viola’s play. In the 13th minute, the minute usually dedicated to the memory of Davide Astori, a former player of both teams, Esposito fed Deiola, who crossed, and Ranieri cleared for a corner. But from the corner, Folorunsho manages to get a shot off and Gosens saves on the line with De Gea, who had touched the ball, beaten. Fiorentina hold firm at the back but fail to impose themselves except for a few plays by Dodô, who is certainly the most active. Gud plays between the lines but never manages to break free. The North Stand goes on strike for 20 minutes, then comes back in and makes itself heard. The Viola fans, who live in Tuscany, are banned from traveling to away games. Cagliari picks up two avoidable yellow cards, Obert and Borrelli, after Sohm almost loses a dangerous ball. Then nothing else happens.

second half—  Ranieri and Ndour did not return from the locker room, replaced by Viti and Mandragora, who made his official debut this season. But the script remained the same, with Cagliari always trying to create more danger and Fiorentina waiting. In the 11th minute, Borrelli kicked wide from two yards out with De Gea in control. Prati complained of knee discomfort. But he holds on. Until the 16th minute, when Pisacane makes his first changes, bringing on Mazzitelli for the Ravenna playmaker and Luvumbo to give some energy to an exhausted Esposito, who has run a lot. Pioli also changes another defender, Comuzzo, bringing on Pablo Marì. Borrelli tries again to create space and win fouls, but it is Luvumbo who has the chance to shoot. He tries, but it’s easy for De Gea. But in the 23rd minute, Fiorentina takes the lead. As in Presov, suffering brings excitement. Never give the Viola an inch. Gud, perhaps the worst player in the first half, sends in a great ball that Mandragora heads past Yerry Mina. Thus begins the new season for Rolly, who scored nine goals last season. Now it will be easier to discuss his contract renewal. Cagliari is tired. Pisacane tries two more substitutions: Gaetano and Idrissi. But in the 31st minute, the Viola fails to double their lead, with Kean, who is certainly not having his best night. Fazzini takes a corner, Sohm flicks it on, and the Azzurri striker sends it wide from a very favorable position. In the 35th minute, Luvumbo forced Marì into a foul just outside the area, earning himself a yellow card. It was a free kick that could have been lethal, but Gaetano kicked it into the wall. Cagliari did not give up, and Gaetano redeemed himself with a great shot that forced De Gea into an extraordinary save. Then Luvumbo tried again but missed. Pisacane also plays the Turkish card, bringing on Kilicsoy, who proves useful in the six minutes of added time granted by Sozza. And Cagliari turns the extra time into gold. In the 49th minute, Gaetano’s splendid free kick finds the head of Sebastiano Luperto, left completely unmarked by Marì and Kean, who beats a less than flawless De Gea. Cagliari can celebrate. A precious point.