Cagliari ended the first half with a 1-0 lead in Cosenza, thanks to the usual goal by Lapadula. An advantage which, given the results of Sudtirol (down 2-0 in Modena) and Parma (1-1 with Venice) gives the rossoblù fourth place 45' from the end.
As announced in the previous day's conference, Ranieri takes the four cautioned players (Goldaniga, Makoumbou, Nandez and Luvumbo) to the bench, relaunching Altare in defense, entrusting the midfield to Kourfalidis, Deiola and Rog and with the confirmation of the Pavoletti-Lapadula couple up front . It's an immediate battle, with Zilli's left foot just wide (1') and Pavoletti's reply, who engages Micai from close range.
Cagliari takes possession of the match and goes close to scoring in the 18th minute: Azzi exchanges with Lapadula and then tries a right-footed volley, which ends just over. But in the 24th minute the goal arrives: Mancosu's cross from the right, on Pavoletti's aerial attempt half a miracle by Micai, but the ball ends up on Lapadula's head, who just needs to land on the net. Ranieri's team nearly scored in the 35th minute, with Lapadula who, from close range, headed in to serve Pavoletti instead of going on target, but the ball was long.
Thus the first half ended 1-0 for Cagliari.
