Analysis The numbers behind the result
Cagliari clinical despite Atalanta's dominance
The result slightly flatters Cagliari, who won 2-1 despite being comprehensively outplayed by Atalanta. The home side enjoyed 62% possession, fired off 22 shots (13 inside the box) to Cagliari's 5, and created a higher xG (1.26 vs 1.10). But it was Cagliari who were more clinical, converting two of their three shots on target — a 19th-minute opener from Paul Mendy and a 61st-minute penalty from Daniel Maldini — while Atalanta managed just one goal from Gianluca Scamacca in the 41st minute.
Atalanta's wasteful finishing was the decisive factor. Despite creating multiple openings — evidenced by their 10 shots off target and 8 blocked attempts — they struggled to test Cagliari goalkeeper Elia Caprile sufficiently. Scamacca's goal, assisted by Charles De Ketelaere, briefly suggested a comeback, but Maldini's penalty restored Cagliari's lead and proved insurmountable. The visitors defended resolutely, with their goalkeeper making 3 saves and their defence preventing 0.59 expected goals.
Cagliari's efficiency in front of goal was the key to their victory. They scored twice from just 1.10 xG, highlighting their clinical edge in a game where Atalanta's dominance in possession and shot volume failed to translate into a deserved result.