Cagliari routed 10-man Hellas Verona 4-0, highlighted by Semih Kilicsoy’s spectacular scissor-kick and a late collapse from Verona after Amin Sarr’s dismissal. Betting takeaway: Cagliari’s attacking confidence and a clean sheet make them attractive to back for a win and over 1.5 team goals in upcoming fixtures, or as a -1 handicap versus lower-table opponents.
Cagliari Cruise to 4-0 Victory as Verona Collapse
Cagliari moved comfortably into mid-table with a clinical 4-0 victory over relegation-threatened Hellas Verona. The Sardinians combined slick wing play, set-piece threat and a decisive VAR-allowed strike to punish a struggling Verona side reduced to 10 men.
Match Overview
Luca Mazzitelli opened the scoring shortly before halftime after Marco Palestra’s strong run created space on the right and Adam Obert’s clever flick set up the finish. Semih Kilicsoy then produced a highlight-reel scissor-kick from Sebastiano Esposito’s delivery; the goal initially stood offside but was awarded after a VAR review. Amin Sarr picked up a second yellow early in the second half, leaving Verona down to 10 and vulnerable.
Key Moments
- 36' Luca Mazzitelli 1-0 (assist: Adam Obert)
- 45+3' Semih Kilicsoy 2-0 (assist: Sebastiano Esposito, VAR confirmed)
- 51' Amin Sarr sent off (second yellow)
- 84' Ibrahim Sulemana 3-0 (follow-up after goalkeeper parried header)
- 90+1' Riyad Idrissi 4-0 (assist: Gabriele Zappa)
Tactical Notes
Cagliari exploited width and quick transitions, with Marco Palestra and Gabriele Zappa causing problems down the flanks. Verona’s midfield struggled to keep possession and protect the backline; once reduced to 10 men, their shape broke down, and they were unable to contain second-phase chances from set plays and crosses.
Goalkeeper and Defensive Action
Verona’s goalkeeper produced a couple of strong reactions, including a fingertip save from Daniel Mosquera’s effort and a sprawling stop from Michel Adopo’s header.
However, Cagliari’s persistence from corners and crosses led to the decisive follow-up finish by Ibrahim Sulemana and a late headed finish for the fourth.
Injuries and Substitutions
Both sides made changes that influenced the game’s rhythm. A recently-completed transfer made his debut during the match but was substituted shortly after with a minor issue. Cagliari also introduced fresh legs late on to press the tiring Verona defence.
Betting Takeaway
Cagliari’s dominant attacking display and clean sheet are strong signals for punters: consider backing Cagliari to win in matches against lower-half opponents, team goals over 1.5 for Cagliari, or Cagliari -1 handicap in similar fixtures. Verona’s disciplinary fragility also increases the appeal of markets tied to cards and match events when they face teams that press aggressively.
Bottom Line
A comprehensive home wins for Cagliari showcased finishing quality, set-piece potency and resilience. Verona’s confidence appears fragile after this heavy defeat and the dismissal, while Cagliari will look to build momentum up the table.
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Cagliari put themselves comfortably mid-table with a spectacular Semih Kilicsoy scissor-kick volley the highlight of...
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