Cagliari's Relegation Fears Deepen After Home Defeat

On the evening of October 30, 2025, the Sardegna Arena turned into a crucible of tension and disappointment for Cagliari Calcio. Hosting Sassuolo in a match that bore the weight of a relegation battle, Cagliari's aspirations were dashed with a 1-2 defeat. Armand Laurient delivered the first blow to the home side with a spectacular free kick in the 54th minute, a moment that seemed to freeze the hearts of Cagliari fans.

The drama intensified when Andrea Pinamonti doubled Sassuolo's lead in the 65th minute, leaving Cagliari scrambling for a response. With key players like Alessandro Deiola and Andrea Belotti missing from the lineup, the pressure was palpable. Yet, a glimmer of hope emerged when Sebastiano Esposito found the back of the net in the 73rd minute, breaking a personal goal drought that spanned 31 matches. His celebration was a mix of relief and determination, a momentary uplift in an otherwise grim evening.

Despite the rallying cry, Cagliari could not capitalize on their momentum. Gabriele Zappa's valiant effort rattled the crossbar, a near miss that encapsulated the night's frustrations. Sassuolo's defense, bolstered by key saves and blocks, stood resolute, ensuring their advance past Cagliari in the standings.

This loss has left Cagliari without a win in their last five matches, precariously placed 14th in Serie A, a mere four points above the relegation zone. The absence of star players compounded by the mounting pressure of their position in the league has led to what many are calling a crisis moment for the club. As Cagliari grapples with these challenges, the shadow of relegation looms ever larger, demanding an urgent turnaround in fortunes.