Maldini’s 54th-minute goal lifts Cagliari to fifth

Cagliari won 1-0 at Udinese through Daniel Maldini’s 54th-minute goal, extending their record to 9 points from four Serie A matches. Udinese remain 13th on 4 points, five behind Cagliari and eight adrift of leaders AS Roma.

How it happened

The match was goalless at half-time before Maldini broke the deadlock in the 54th minute. Udinese pressed for an equaliser at the Bluenergy Stadium, producing 26 total shots and 16 corners, but Cagliari held on without conceding.

The numbers

Udinese controlled 65% of possession and completed 546 of 602 passes, compared with Cagliari’s 35% and 281 accurate passes from 344. Their pressure also brought 17 shots inside the box, yet only five Udinese efforts were on target.

Cagliari created fewer chances, with five total shots and two on target, but their defensive work proved decisive. Elia Caprile made six saves, while Udinese goalkeeper recorded one; the hosts’ expected-goals figure was 1.92 against Cagliari’s 1.12.

Who decided it

Maldini supplied the only goal in 59 minutes on the pitch, adding one shot on target and one key pass for a 7.6 match rating. Behind him, Yerry Mina earned an 8.0 rating after 92 minutes and two tackles, while Caprile’s six saves produced a 7.9 rating.

Why it matters

Cagliari’s third win in four matches leaves them fifth with a 3W 0D 1L record and a three-point gap to AS Roma. Udinese’s second defeat in four leaves them 13th at 1W 1D 2L, with a minus-two goal difference and a home record of 0W 1D 1L.