30 Shots, One Goal: Inter Edge Cagliari at Unipol Domus

Cagliari 0-1 Inter: Hakan Çalhanoğlu’s ninth-minute goal gave Inter victory at Unipol Domus, as Cristian Chivu’s side controlled most of the match without adding to its lead. Inter made it two wins from two in the supplied league record, while Cagliari’s listed record also remains one win from one game despite Sunday’s defeat.

Early goal sets the tone

Inter moved in front after nine minutes. Nicolò Barella provided the assist for Çalhanoğlu, who finished a normal goal to put the visitors ahead. The goal remained the decisive moment of the match, with Cagliari unable to find an equaliser before full time.

Inter’s advantage was clear in the attacking numbers. The visitors recorded 30 total shots to Cagliari’s 10, including 24 attempts from inside the box compared with five for the hosts. Inter also had seven shots on goal, while Cagliari finished with none. Their expected-goals figures told the same story, with Inter at 3.80 and Cagliari at 0.45.

Inter control despite narrow scoreline

The scoreline stayed close because Cagliari goalkeeper Elia Caprile made five saves. He was one of Cagliari’s highest-rated players, earning a 7.9 rating after 90 minutes. Inter’s attacking pressure was supported by 65% possession and 678 total passes, with 618 accurate, while Cagliari had 35% possession, 362 passes and 304 accurate deliveries.

The statistics therefore pointed to a more comfortable Inter performance than the one-goal margin suggested. Cagliari did win eight corners to Inter’s six, but the hosts could not turn those opportunities into a shot on target. Inter also had 17 shots off goal and six blocked attempts, while Cagliari registered eight off target and two blocked.

Cards and second-half changes

Inter defender M. Akanji was booked in the 14th minute. Cagliari’s A. Deiola received a yellow card in the 56th minute, and Kevin was cautioned in the 88th. Fabio Pisacane made a triple change in the 57th minute, sending on A. Fadera, R. Kofler and Kevin for J. Fazzini, H. Winks and P. Mendy.

Inter responded with three substitutions in the 65th minute: M. Thuram replaced F. Esposito, P. Zielinski came on for Çalhanoğlu, and C. Jones replaced P. Sucic. The changes helped preserve the lead as Inter completed a disciplined away win.

Bastoni leads the ratings

Alessandro Bastoni was the standout performer, receiving an 8.0 rating after 90 minutes. His four key passes and four tackles underlined his influence as Inter protected the advantage. Barella also rated highly at 7.9, contributing the assist and two shots on target.

Inter are listed sixth in Serie A with three points and a goal difference of plus three, while Cagliari are listed ninth with three points and a goal difference of plus one. The result leaves both teams with wins in their recent form records, with Inter taking the points from this meeting.