Six-Goal Thriller Ends in Draw as Cagliari and Genoa Share Spoils
Cagliari, Italy — In a breathtaking display of attacking football, Cagliari and Genoa played to a thrilling 3-3 draw at Unipol Domus on Saturday, treating fans to six goals and multiple momentum shifts in a match that showcased both teams' fighting spirit.
The visitors struck first in the 18th minute when Vítinha found the center of the net with a right-footed shot from the box after Lorenzo Colombo provided the assist. Genoa's early advantage didn't last long, as Cagliari responded in the 33rd minute when Gennaro Borrelli equalized with a header from close range to the bottom left corner. Marco Palestra delivered a pinpoint cross following a corner, allowing Borrelli to showcase his aerial prowess and bring the home crowd to life.
The end-to-end action continued when Genoa reclaimed their lead just eight minutes later. Leo Østigård capitalized in the 41st minute with a left-footed shot from the center of the box that found the bottom right corner, assisted by Morten Thorsby's cross. The visitors' celebration was short-lived, however, as Cagliari responded almost immediately. Sebastiano Esposito leveled the score at 2-2 in the 43rd minute with a clinical right-footed finish to the top left corner after Alessandro Deiola set him up perfectly.
The match's intensity was reflected in the disciplinary record, with five yellow cards issued in the first half alone. Brooke Norton-Cuffy entered the referee's book in the ninth minute, while Alessandro Deiola was cautioned just before his assist. The physical nature continued after the break when Matteo Prati received a yellow card in the 46th minute, prompting his substitution for Michel Adopo in the 57th minute.
Cagliari completed their comeback in the 60th minute when Borrelli netted his second goal of the match, powering a header from close range to the top left corner after Gabriele Zappa delivered an excellent cross. The home supporters erupted as their team took the lead for the first time, seemingly on course for victory.
However, Genoa refused to leave empty-handed. With time running out, Aarón Martín produced a moment of brilliance in the 83rd minute, curling a left-footed free kick into the top left corner that gave the goalkeeper no chance. The stunning strike silenced the home crowd and ensured the points would be shared on a memorable evening of Serie A football. The dramatic finale was a fitting end to a contest that showcased the determination and resilience of both sides in an unforgettable six-goal spectacle.