By Anna Italia

CAGLIARI  2 - 0 EMPOLI 
 10' Robert Acquafresca
 64' M. Fini

What a great way for CAGLIARI to celebrate at the Sant'Elia stadium with a superb victory over Empoli. 

In my  Serie A Week 34 Preview, I said that goalkeeper Marco Storari and striker Robert Acquafresca were going to make the difference. THEY DID!

Click the image to watch the highlights of Cagliari 2 - 0 Empoli.

I watched the commentaries on La Domenica Sportiva and felt so proud for Cagliari. 

Storari was the one to believe in the team when almost everybody thought they were going to remain in the last position!  



In the 9th minute, Cagliari midfielder Alessandro Agostini sends an assist to striker Robert Acquafresca who scored the first goal shooting from the center of the box to the center blasting Empoli goalkeeper Balli.  The ball passed through his hands where he could only observed.

                       

  It was party time at the Sant'Elia!   Robert Acquafresca celebrates his goal. 



Pasquale Foggia and Jeda run to congratulate ACQUAFRESCA for his goal. 



Bad thing was that Cagliari got 2 red cards!!! Remaining with 9 players.

In the 64th minute, Cagliari midfielder Michele Fini marked the second goal when shooting from outside the box to the top right corner after getting a head pass by midfielder Alessandro Matri.

                                        

What an irony!  After scoring the goal and for celebrating too much, Referee Massimiliano Saccani gives Fini the second yellow card and there it was the first RED CARD for Cagliari.  Scoring and then leaving the team in 10? Ooops.

                            

In the 78th minute, Referee Massimiliano Saccani gives a second yellow card to Cagliari defender Francesco Pisano after too much arguing with Empoli striker Luca Saudati.  So, there was a red card.

                         
 Here you see PISANO leaving the field with a sad face.  Oh well, next time, he should think twice before arguing.  Cagliari remained with 9 players.  Can you believe what would have happened with another expulsion? Wow!

Good thing is that Cagliari despite being their adversities managed to CELEBRATE this victory! After all, Cagliari with this victory was moving away from the relegation zone and seeing their divine salvation.  That's good reason to celebrate, right?

                 


Cagliari is now in the 15th position with 35 points while the last position of the Serie A Standings belong to Reggina with 30 points.

Thumbs up for the entire team, especially for goalkeeper Marco Storari who kept a clean sheet. 

Hey, Cagliari managed to keep their victory and not allow any goals after playing with 9 men!  Well done guys!

Challenge is for next week to beat INTER at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium! 

LINEUPS:

Week 34 Italian Serie A Tim 2007 - 2008  Thirty Fourth Round Matchday 34 Sunday, April 20,  2008  Cagliari 2 - 0 Empoli Sant'Elia Stadium  Referee: Massimiliano Saccani (Mantua) Assistants: Giordano, D'Agostini Fourth Official: Valeri Italian Soccer Serie A Commentary by Anna Italia
CAGLIARI		EMPOLI
2	Goals		0
12(3)	Shots (on Goal)		16(6)
20	Fouls		28
2	Corner Kicks		4
3	Offsides		4
38%	Ball Possession		62%
1	Yellow Cards		5
2	Red Cards		0
6	Saves		1

   
CAGLIARI

Goalkeeper: MarcoStorari;
Defenders: Marco Pisano, Lopez, Bianco, Agostini;
Midfielders: Biondini, Conti, Fini; Foggia (Matri 54) (Larrivey 93);
Forwards: Jeda, Robert Acquafresca (Ferri 80)

EMPOLI

Goalkeeper: Balli;
Defenders: Raggi, Marzoratti (Abate 56), Vanigli (Giovinco 46), Tosto;
Midfielders: Giacomazzi (Volpato 64), Marchisio, Budel, Antonini;
Forwards: Vannucchi, Luca Saudati

Related Story:

We Are Not Giving Up, Cagliari Goalkeeper Marco Storari