Atalanta 2-1 Cagliari: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Bwin’s post-match review of Atalanta 2-1 Cagliari in the Serie A on Saturday, 13 December 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Atalanta secured a 2-1 victory over Cagliari in Serie A. The hosts took an early lead when Gianluca Scamacca scored in the 11th minute, assisted by Davide Zappacosta, setting a dominant tone that aligned with their recent home win against Fiorentina. Cagliari, coming off a mixed run including a win over Roma but draws and losses elsewhere, struggled to respond in the first half, with Atalanta maintaining control until Lorenzo Bernasconi picked up a yellow card in the 33rd minute.

The second half saw substitutions for both sides, with Atalanta making changes around the 55th and 66th minutes, while Cagliari brought on players like Matteo Prati and Gianluca Gaetano shortly after. Cagliari equalised through Gianluca Gaetano in the 75th minute, assisted by Sebastiano Esposito, briefly shifting momentum after their recent draws showed resilience. However, Atalanta regained the lead with Gianluca Scamacca’s second goal in the 81st minute, capitalising on their form despite recent away losses to teams like Hellas Verona and Napoli, and held on for the win despite late Cagliari substitutions.

Atalanta’s 59% possession underlined their control of the game, allowing them to dictate the pace and create more opportunities, while Cagliari’s 41% reflected a more defensive approach that relied on counter-attacks. The hosts edged corners 5-4 and successful dribbles 35-31, pointing to greater attacking intent, though both teams used all five substitutions effectively to refresh their line-ups amid the intensity. Cards were minimal, with Atalanta receiving one yellow and Cagliari two, suggesting a competitive but disciplined encounter, and each side recorded one assist, highlighting the key creative moments that decided the match.

Substitutions played a role in shifting dynamics, such as Atalanta’s double change at 79 minutes when Lazar Samardžić replaced Davide Zappacosta and Mario Pasalić came on for Odilon Kossounou, just before their winning goal. Cagliari’s introductions, like Gianluca Gaetano replacing Gennaro Borrelli at 58 minutes, brought energy that led to their equaliser, but neither team scored from penalties or in injury time, keeping the focus on open-play efficiency.

The match’s opening goal came in the 11th minute when Gianluca Scamacca finished off a move assisted by Davide Zappacosta, giving Atalanta an early edge. A yellow card to Lorenzo Bernasconi in the 33rd minute added caution to the hosts’ play, but they managed substitutions effectively, with Honest Ahanor replacing Berat Djimsiti at 55 minutes to maintain defensive solidity. Cagliari’s yellow card to Juan Rodríguez at 57 minutes preceded their substitutions, including Matteo Prati coming on for Gabriele Zappa at 58 minutes, which helped build pressure.

Cagliari drew level in the 75th minute through Gianluca Gaetano, assisted by Sebastiano Esposito, only for him to receive a yellow card a minute later. Atalanta responded decisively with Gianluca Scamacca’s second goal in the 81st minute, following their substitutions at 79 minutes where Lazar Samardžić replaced Davide Zappacosta and Mario Pasalić came on for Odilon Kossounou. Late changes for Cagliari, such as Zito Luvumbo replacing Michel Adopo at 87 minutes, could not force another breakthrough.

Atalanta lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, which allowed them to balance defensive resilience with attacking flair, particularly through partnerships like Davide Zappacosta assisting Gianluca Scamacca. Players such as Éderson and Lorenzo Bernasconi contributed in midfield before being replaced by Yunus Musah and Nicola Zalewski at 66 minutes, while Odilon Kossounou’s role in defence was key until Mario Pasalić came on late. This setup supported Scamacca’s goalscoring threat effectively.

Cagliari deployed a 3-5-2 shape, emphasising width and midfield numbers to counter Atalanta’s possession, with players like Gabriele Zappa and Gennaro Borrelli starting before Matteo Prati and Gianluca Gaetano replaced them at 58 minutes. The formation enabled moments of threat, such as Sebastiano Esposito’s assist for Gaetano’s goal, while Juan Rodríguez’s involvement ended with Riyad Idrissi coming on at 66 minutes. Late substitutions like Leonardo Pavoletti for Sebastiano Luperto at 87 minutes aimed to push for an equaliser.

Gianluca Scamacca earned Bwin’s Man of the Match award for his decisive performance, scoring both of Atalanta’s goals in the 11th and 81st minutes. While he provided no assists or big chances created, his two key passes highlighted his involvement in build-up play. This display stood out in a match where individual moments turned the tide.

Recent Serie A matches:

• Win: 2-1 vs Cagliari (H)
• Loss: 1-3 vs Hellas Verona (A)
• Win: 2-0 vs Fiorentina (H)
• Loss: 1-3 vs Napoli (A)
• Loss: 0-3 vs Sassuolo (H)

Recent Serie A matches:

• Loss: 1-2 vs Atalanta (A)
• Win: 1-0 vs Roma (H)
• Loss: 1-2 vs Juventus (A)
• Draw: 3-3 vs Genoa (H)
• Draw: 0-0 vs Como (A)

Atalanta have just secured a 2-1 win over Cagliari, moving them to 12th place on 19 points after a patchy run that includes a recent home victory against Fiorentina but away losses to Hellas Verona and Napoli. Their next fixture is against Genoa on 21 December 2025 at 19:45, with the opponents currently 16th on 14 points. This match offers Atalanta a chance to build momentum and climb towards European spots, especially against a side below them in the table.

Cagliari have just suffered a 2-1 defeat to Atalanta, leaving them 15th on 14 points following a form guide that features a home win over Roma but recent losses to Juventus and this away setback. Their next game is against Pisa on 21 December 2025 at 11:30, with the opposition sitting 19th on 10 points. Facing a struggling team, Cagliari will aim to secure points to distance themselves from the relegation zone.

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