22 shots for Atalanta, three points for Cagliari

Cagliari convert fewer chances into a 2-1 win

Cagliari defeated Atalanta 2-1 at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo, taking the points after a match in which Atalanta held most of the ball and produced far more attempts. P. Mendy put the visitors ahead in the 19th minute, G. Scamacca equalised before half-time, and D. Maldini scored the winning penalty in the 61st minute.

Mendy and Scamacca trade first-half goals

Cagliari opened the scoring when Mendy finished an attack assisted by M. Adopo. Atalanta responded four minutes before the interval, with Scamacca converting C. De Ketelaere’s assist to make it 1-1 at half-time. The teams therefore reached the break level despite Cagliari’s early advantage.

The decisive goal arrived in the 61st minute, when Maldini converted from the penalty spot. Atalanta tried to change the game through its substitutions, sending on L. Bernasconi, N. Krstovic and G. Raspadori between the 68th and 77th minutes. Cagliari introduced A. Fadera, Y. Sugawara and Kevin during the second half. No cards or other disciplinary incidents were listed in the supplied match data.

Atalanta dominate the numbers but not the result

Atalanta controlled 61% of possession and completed 631 of 690 passes, compared with Cagliari’s 39% possession and 375 accurate passes from 439 attempts. The home side also recorded 22 total shots, including 13 from inside the box. Cagliari managed five attempts, with three coming from inside the area.

The shot profile showed why the final score differed from the overall balance of play. Atalanta had four shots on target, 10 off target and eight blocked. Cagliari placed five shots on target and had neither an off-target nor a blocked effort listed. Expected goals were relatively close, at 1.22 for Atalanta and 1.10 for Cagliari, while both goalkeepers made three saves.

Caprile leads Cagliari’s rated performers

Elia Caprile was the highest-rated player, receiving an 8.2 rating after 95 minutes and making three saves. Alessandro Deiola also played 95 minutes and made three tackles, while Harry Winks completed three tackles and earned a 7.3 rating. Atalanta’s best-rated player was Franck Kessié, who recorded a 7.7 rating, one shot on target, two key passes and five tackles.

Both teams remain level on six points

The result leaves Atalanta eighth in the supplied Serie A standings with six points from three games, while Cagliari are ninth with the same total. Both teams have two wins, no draws and one loss, and both have a goal difference of one. Atalanta’s latest defeat follows their pre-match win-win-loss sequence, while Cagliari add a victory to their pre-match win-loss-win form.