With goals in the second half from Nicolas Viola, Gianluca Gaetano, and Zito Luvumbo, Cagliari defeated relegation-bound Monza 2-0 at home in Sunday's early kickoff slot, securing a six-point buffer between themselves and the Serie A relegation zone. Neither team made significant changes from their most recent lineups since the international break offered a chance to physically recharge. Alessandro Nesta replaced Kevin Zeroli with Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro in Monza's lone change, while Tommaso Augello and Mattia Felici replaced Adam Obert and Alessandro Deiola in the hosts' two alterations.
Cagliari’s Nicolas Viola, not to be confused with his opposition namesake, had the closest chance for the home side in the opening period, nodding just wide of Stefano Tuarti’s net from the centre of the area after an enticing ball in from Nadir Zortea on the right flank.