Daniel Maldini scores again and propels Cagliari into second place

Another away goal by Daniel Maldini for Cagliari, who pulled off a 2-1 victory in Bergamo against an Atalanta side suffering its second straight loss following the defeat to Roma.

The home team, coached by Maurizio Sarri, took control of the match right away, but in the 19th minute, it was the Sardinians who took the lead: Adopo played a pass to Mendy, who beat Carnesecchi with his left foot to give Pisacane’s men the lead. The goal didn’t knock the Nerazzurri off their stride; they tried to fight back and, just a few minutes before halftime, tied the score: De Ketelaere set up Gianluca Scamacca, who broke his scoring drought in the 41st minute to make it 1-1.

In the second half, the pattern remained the same, with Sarri’s men stepping on the gas to take control of the game, but it was the Rossoblù who scored again: first, Mendy’s potential second goal was disallowed, while in the 61st minute, Maldini again put the team up 2-1 on a penalty kick—his second consecutive goal in two matches following his crucial strike against Lecce. In the final half-hour, the home team tried everything to tie the game again, but to no avail.

This marks the second consecutive victory—and the third in their first four games this season—for Cagliari, who now sit in second place in the standings, tied with Roma and Inter pending the results of Sunday’s and Monday’s other matches, and just one point behind league-leading Lazio, which was held to a draw by Milan in Saturday’s big match.