Cagliari 0-2 Empoli: Visitors fire five-goal salvo to stun hosts

Serie A: Esposito breaks five-year duck

Hosts unable to capitalize on dominance

CAGLIARI, ITALY - Empoli stunned hosts Cagliari 0-2 in Serie A on Sunday, firing five goals past their opponents to move up to third place in the Serie A standings. Despite dominating the match statistically, Cagliari was unable to find the back of the net, while Empoli capitalized on its chances to secure a famous victory.

Esposito ends goal drought

Sebastiano Esposito broke his five-year Serie A goal drought with a clinical finish in the 32nd minute, giving Empoli a vital lead. The 20-year-old forward, on loan from Inter Milan, had not scored in the Italian top flight since April 2018. His goal proved to be the catalyst for Empoli's impressive performance, and he was a constant threat to the Cagliari defense throughout the match.

Cagliari rue missed chances

Cagliari controlled possession for much of the match and created numerous scoring opportunities, but they were unable to find the necessary finishing touch. Joao Pedro, the hosts' leading goalscorer this season, missed a golden chance to equalize in the second half, while Gaston Pereiro and Razvan Marin also failed to convert promising chances. Cagliari's lack of clinical edge ultimately proved costly, and they were made to pay for their profligacy in front of goal.

Empoli clinical in front of goal

In contrast to Cagliari's struggles in front of goal, Empoli were clinical in their attacking play. Liam Henderson doubled their lead in the 58th minute with a well-taken finish, and Patrick Cutrone added a third in the 89th minute to seal the victory. Empoli's attacking players were a constant threat to the Cagliari defense, and they fully deserved their victory.

Cagliari's unbeaten run ends

Cagliari's unbeaten run of five matches in all competitions came to an end with this defeat. The Sardinian club had not lost since a 3-0 defeat to Lazio in early October, but they were outplayed by a determined Empoli side. This defeat will come as a major disappointment to Cagliari, who had hoped to continue their recent good form and push for a place in the top half of the Serie A table.

Empoli in the ascendancy

Empoli's victory sees them move up to third place in the Serie A standings, above Udinese on goal difference. The Tuscan club has been in impressive form in recent weeks, winning four of their last five matches. Empoli will be hoping to continue their good form when they host Juventus next weekend.