Davide Biondini Ends 40 Year Cagliari Drought

By: Jeremy | January 31st, 2009

Just when I think I have seen it all, something else happens to continue this amazing Cagliari run. Even I couldnt see us getting points today, but Juve simply fell flat and played a match not worthy of a team near the top of Serie A.

You know its going to be a good day when my man Biondini goes up for a half hearted attempt at goal and ends up heading the ball off the post and into the net. I have never seen a player so shocked he scored, but the defender had concrete in his feet. I think Biondinis teammates were even more shocked, not to mention what Juve fan must have been thinking. While it is a bad goal to give up, it is a just reward for the hardest working player in Serie A.

Biondini was simply man of the match. In a game with five goals, his opening goal and being all over the field to not only score but to create chances and stop the other sides chances was amazing. He was everywhere and gave it his all for 90 minutes. As happy as I am with a win, I am happy to see this guy get every bit of success he has. He deserves it and more.

Overall this was a great game to watch. It had some great moments, some not so great moments, lots of sloppy play and some bad refereeing that hurt both teams. Cagliari controlled play until Biondinis goal in minute 16. Juve then pressed and controlled the play for the rest of the half.

The Sissoko goal in minute 31 was a nice finish by him on a header from a corner kick, but Cagliari had to be upset that they were in that position as they failed to clear the ball in the build up to giving up a corner.

Maybe I am a biased Cagliari homer, but Nedveds goal in minute 38 after another failure by Cagliari to clear, seemed to me to be an obvious hand ball by him to control and set up his nice finish. With Marchetti not his usual self after coming back from a missed game, Cagliari was lucky to be only down 2-1 at half.

The second half was horrible if you were a Juve fan. Their tactics were horrible and while they conitinued their early second half control of the run of play, they decided to push forward at the wrong times and left Cagliari chances to finish on the counter attack. With the game opening up more as the second half progressed and Cagliari slowly controlling more of the midfield and the pace of the game, seeing Jedas goal to tie the game in minute 55 was not a shock. When you can finish your chances, you will beat teams that are more talented who assume they will get many more chances because of their superior talent. Jedas finish and Juves obvious mindset meant game on.

Acquafresca was not a factor in this game and seeing that he was tired, Allegri took him off for Matri in minute 60 and sure enough Matri fires home the game winner with about 20 minutes left. What was funny was there was more Cagliari fans in the stands then Juve fans. Juve fans did not come out to support their club today and it hurt them to have some early injuries forcing Ranieri to make subs earlier then he wanted. Juve, despite having many scoring chances, did not control the flow of the game. With all the posession Cagliari had, combined with being able to come back on the counter attack rather then against a packed in defense, the last two goals were waiting to happen. Despite these goals, Juve was never much of a threat to get the equalizer and the game seemed to end with Juve just saying oh well. They had no passion.

The result of this game came about because of Biondinis play, the confidence of an early goal, the contiuned maturity of the entire team as their passes all over the field were crisp, controlled, and the players showing no panic. The no name players won this game. With Marchetti and Acquafresca off their game slightly, Biondini, Jeda, Fini, Cossu, and Parola all stepped it up and Matri finished his chance despite his overall clutsy play. What also helped was playing a Juve team who never seemed to take Cagliari seriously and felt like they could score anytime which caused them to play tactically in ways they wouldnt otherwise, especially with a lead to protect in the second half.

This game not only was the first win in Turin against Juve by Cagliari in 40 years, but it tells the rest of Serie A that we want a European spot. Not only has Cagliari won games to turn its season completely around, but when it seems to have reached its limit, it gets to play a meaningful road match where a win means so much, and they come through.

With two games coming up against Lecce and Atalanta, we are positioned to move up in the standings and lock in a European place. Dont rule this out. It also might be vital if we are going to be able to keep bigger clubs from coming with serious offers in the summer for Jeda, Marchetti, and yes Biondini.

Everyone from Allegri on down needs to be congratulated and he looks like Serie A coach of the year. Who would have thought that after week five?
Lets keep it going as we cant let up after this great result.

Lets hear from you Cagliari fans out there. It has to me more then just me and Poindexter who root for this club.