Cagliari vs Napoli: Victor Osimhen's late goal rescues a point for Luciano Spalletti's side

Victor Osimhen scored a late equaliser as Napoli were held to a 1-1 draw against Cagliari in the Serie A fixture at Sardegna Arena on Monday. Luciano Spalletti’s side found themselves 1-0 down after a second half goal from Gaston Pereiro, but they showed great fighting spirit and were eventually rewarded when Osimhen headed home from Mario Rui’s cross. The result helped Napoli to 54 points from 26 games, level on points with second-placed Inter Milan, who have a game in hand and two points adrift the leaders AC Milan. 

⏱ 90+5 | Full time #CagliariNapoli 1-1

? #ForzaNapoliSempre pic.twitter.com/u0kpCUINXo

— Official SSC Napoli (@en_sscnapoli) February 21, 2022

The Partenopei came into the match knowing a win would take them to the summit of the standings as both Milan and Inter had dropped points. Spalletti’s side started the match on the driving seat as Giovanni De Lorenzo’s effort from just inside the box was tipped over the crossbar by home goalkeeper Alessio Cragno.

However, as the game progressed, Cagliari settled into the match quicker, having the majority of early ball possession and creating opportunities. Joao Pedro dragged his effort wide before Mario Rui tested Cragno with a long-ranger. Despite the electric start, things remained goalless heading into the break. Both sides had taken four shots each in the opening half. 

Cagliari kicked-off the second half and kept up their momentum, keeping Napoli on the back foot. Their pressure continued and were finally rewarded in the 58th minute when Pereiro scored an incredible long-range goal. The Uruguayan striker cut inside from the right and unleashed a left-footed curler that bounced in front of goal and went into the bottom far corner. Napoli keeper David Ospina should have done better, looking devastated as the hosts celebrated. 

Osimhen’s winner

But the Colombian keeper made amends for his mistake as he produced a superb save to deny Cagliari the second. Alberto Grassi’s header from in front of goal was brilliantly saved by Ospina and the rebound was blasted over by Daniele Baselli. 

Cagliari were pushing hard for the second as Pedro fired his shot wide before substitute Razwan Marin made a darting run from the midfield and his left-foot strike was tipped over by Ospina. And then, Ospina made a goal-line save to keep out Marin’s corner-kick from going in. 

Three minutes from time, against the run of play, left-wing-back Mario Rui delivered a deep cross for substitute Osimhen to head home past Cragno, making the score 1-1.

The two teams jostled for a winner in the remaining minutes, but neither could find the winner, and the points were shared.