Of Sergio Demuru
A rediscovered harmony. This is one of the fundamental ingredients that allowed such a sudden change of gear in this season finale, which will establish the definitive verdicts. Cagliari who also raised their voice against the “big” teams, without fear and above all without those hesitations which had not produced results at the beginning of the season.
The terrible triptych, marked by comparisons with Atalanta, Inter and Juventus in that order, highlighted the countertrend hoped for by Mister Ranieri himself when starting what can be defined as the final sprint to be able to maintain the category. Even in the first half against the ex-Allegri’s Juventus team we saw a bold, even brazen team in proposing an unexpected supremacy. She produced play, coming close to a victory that was unexpected considering the value of the opponent.
In the first 45 minutes, Cagliari stunned Juventus with tactical order and dynamism, obtaining two penalties and a two-goal lead. Then in the second part of the match the rossoblù, thanks to tiredness due to too much energy expended, dropped too low to the point of giving up the field and were caught again. But the postcard of that first half against a Juventus team remains, still fighting for the Champions League and currently with 64 points in the standings, visibly floundering.
It is something that we will have to carry with us in these last five days that remain until the end of a chiaroscuro season. Especially when they have to face direct clashes with Lecce (at the “Unipol Domus”) and at home to Sassuolo (of the ex-Davide Ballardini). Cagliari has now reached its own dimension, self-esteem has risen and now no one is afraid of anyone anymore. The rossoblù can play with anyone. Also against Milan (at the Meazza) and at the “Unipol Domus” against Fiorentina.
Regardless of whether they both have European ambitions or not. The calculations will be made in the end, but the “trend” appears favorable and four consecutive matches without defeat testify to a newfound serenity. The next round at home against Genoa is treacherous, but it should be counted among those matches where nothing can be taken for granted. Without Luvumbo (disqualified), but against an already safe team that will not give anything away, but which will not have a competitive rate at the highest levels. Here, it will be the typical case in which the motivations could make the difference. And there is no doubt that Ranieri’s team has plenty to spare.
