The match kicked off with Fiorentina, fighting for a spot in the UEFA Conference League, aiming to secure European football for the next season. A tense atmosphere enveloped the arena as both teams fought fiercely from the start. The visitors had the early chances, with Andrea Belotti’s powerful header being spectacularly saved by Cagliari’s goalkeeper, Simone Scuffet.
Cagliari, driven by the desire to give Ranieri a fitting send-off, pushed forward relentlessly, coming close to breaking the deadlock multiple times in the first half.
However, it was Fiorentina who struck first as Giacomo Bonaventura showcased his skill and composure as he elegantly maneuvered through to deliver a stunning strike from inside the box. Simone Scuffet, the Cagliari goalkeeper, could only watch helplessly as the ball sailed into the top left corner putting Fiorentina ahead 1-0.
Despite the setback, Cagliari fought back bravely, and Alessandro Deiola’s equalizer was initially ruled out for offside but later given after a VAR review, reigniting their hopes. The stadium erupted when Kingstone Mutandwa curled in a delightful goal, seemingly securing a fairytale ending for Ranieri and his team. But within three minutes, Fiorentina had restored parity when Nicolás González got free of his marker and steered a set piece in from close range.
The game reached a climax in the 100th minute when a penalty was awarded to Fiorentina after a VAR review showed a foul in the box by Alessandro Di Pardo.
Arthur Melo converted the penalty to secure a dramatic win for Fiorentina and a spot in the UEFA Europa Conference League ahead of the final of the same competition with Olympiacos Piraeus next week. Meanwhile, Cagliari signed off with a first home defeat in seven matches.
