Deiola Penalty Enough as Cagliari Edges Past Arezzo
Cagliari made the worst possible start when defender Fabio Pisacane was sent off after just five minutes, leaving the hosts a man down before the match had properly begun. The red card should have handed Arezzo a significant advantage, but instead it was the visitors who found themselves under pressure as the first half progressed. Cagliari's numerical disadvantage did not deter them, and they seized their opportunity when Alessio Deiola converted a penalty in the 23rd minute to give the home side a crucial lead.
The goal settled the contest, despite Cagliari operating with ten men for the remainder of the 90 minutes. Arezzo pressed for an equaliser but struggled to create clear-cut chances against a disciplined defensive unit. Stefano Righetti was cautioned for Arezzo in the 16th minute, an early warning that tempers would need managing throughout the afternoon.
The second half saw Arezzo grow into the contest, with the away side sensing an opportunity to exploit Cagliari's disadvantage. However, the hosts defended resolutely and gradually stamped their authority on proceedings. Gianluca Iaccarino picked up a yellow card for Arezzo, while Matteo Prati and Davide Maldini were cautioned for Cagliari as the match became increasingly scrappy in its closing stages.
Cagliari's victory represented a significant achievement given the circumstances, progressing to the next round thanks to their composure after going down to ten men so early. The penalty conversion from Deiola proved decisive, and despite facing 85 minutes with a numerical disadvantage, the hosts managed the game efficiently to book their place in the next stage of the competition.
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