

After Pope Francis' death was announced on Monday, Cagliari played two days later than planned, yet it took them just seven minutes to score the first goal. When David de Gea failed to save an approaching cross, Rossoblu's top scorer took a touch and skilfully fired between the Spaniard's legs to give his team a crucial lead. Roberto Piccoli was in the right position at the right moment.
With momentum on their side, Nadir Zortea's attempt from just beyond the area cannoned back against the post less than five minutes later, bringing the score close to 2-0. Following an action-packed opening quarter-hour, Fiorentina were nearly level when Rolando Mandragora’s free-kick beat Elia Caprile but not the woodwork. Without 17-goal striker Moise Kean due to personal reasons, Fiorentina were forced to wait until shortly before the half-hour for their first shot on target as Albert Gudmundsson’s solo effort was brilliantly kept out by Caprile.