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Pre-Match
Stefano Pioli had sprung a few surprises with Nikola Milenkovic and Vitor Hugo coming into the side. Pioli also decided to mix it up with the system and play a 3-5-2. Like Fiorentina, Cagliari also lined up with 3-5-2
First Half
Fiorentina were the better of the two sides, with Chiesa at the heart of the attacks but without creating a clear chance on goal. The likes of Veretout and Milan Badelj having a promising opening 45’s.
Second Half
When all hope of a goal looking lost, in the 82nd minute Fiorentina found that bit of quality. A beautiful ball in by Federico Chiesa which was begging to be finished and it was Khouma Babacar who duly obliged. The substitute, Babacar cleverly applied the finished to score his 4th substitute goal this season.
Check out this awesome video: Babacar K. Goal HD - Cagliari0-1Fiorentina 22.12.2017 https://t.co/2WTRRfaoHv
— soccer today (@fotball2022) December 22, 2017
Red Card
In injury time there was some senseless play by Joao Pedro who was sent off with a straight red card, despite being yellow carded earlier. The Brazilian needlessly stamped on Chiesa’s foot and with the help of VAR and the further officials the Referee sent off the Cagliari man
Chiesa/Joao Pedro incident, right in front of the referee and linesman #CagliariFiorentina pic.twitter.com/ol0YFtfUMN
— Scot Munroe (@scot_munroe) December 22, 2017
Full Time
Yellow Cards
Vitor Hugo (52) Federico Chiesa (94)
Joao Pedro (72) Nicolò Barella (91)
Red Cards
Joao Pedro (93)