Cagliari vs. Chievo

The Sardinians had their now traditional awful start to the season before turning it around and dominated Parma 2-0 at the Tardini last week. Curiously, they seemed to have a far better record on their travels and were yet to celebrate victory at the Sant'Elia. Chievo came into this round unbeaten in four, but missing the injured Rigoni and Moro. Cagliari lost Pisano and the suspended Astori.

The home side had the first chance after 11 minutes when Andrea Cossu's cross-shot floated over everyone and ended its journey on the crossbar at far top corner.

Daniele Conti then wasted a free header and at the other end Mario Yepes had an effort smothered from a free kick.

Cagliari took a deserved lead through Alessandro Matri, whose whiplash header looped over Stefano Sorrentino and into the top corner. Davide Biondini had put in the cross from the left.

That lasted all of 120 seconds, as a ball was not cleared very well to the edge of the box and Michele Marcolini unleashed an absolute blockbuster from 20 metres that Marchetti got a hand to, but just couldn't keep out.

Chievo wanted a penalty for a Diego Lopez nudge on Sergio Pellissier, but the referee waved play on.

Pellissier and Daniele Dessena tested Sorrentino's reflexes, but it was Marcolini who hit the back of the net again. Once more, he was just too powerful for Marchetti. The first shot was beaten away with some difficulty, but Marcolini pounced on the rebound to bundle it over the line.