Cagliari ended a 10-game winless streak against fellow strugglers Fiorentina with a 2-1 triumph at Stadio Artemio Franchi, halting La Viola’s four-match unbeaten run in the process.

Fiorentina, aiming to build on last week’s 2-1 win over Bologna that lifted them out of the relegation zone, started strongly and looked to settle the nerves early. Albert Gudmundsson’s long-range effort skimmed wide inside the opening minute, and Marco Palestra’s attempt from inside the area was blocked, giving the hosts an early scare.

Cagliari, having battled to stay in the contest, struck first just after the half-hour mark with their first shot on target. Palestra’s cross from the right found Semih Kilicsoy, whose header deflected off Pietro Comuzzo, leaving David de Gea helpless and giving the Isolani the lead at the break.

Cagliari Double Their Advantage Early in Second Half

Fiorentina began the second half knowing the game was still very much alive. However, just two minutes after the restart, Cagliari doubled their lead. A ball allowed to roll through to Palestra, the right-back controlled it before firing low into the bottom-left corner to score his first senior goal.

The home side kept pushing, and the match remained open. Fiorentina reduced the deficit with just over 15 minutes remaining when Marco Brescianini tapped in a cross from close range, continuing the trend of both teams scoring in five of their last seven home fixtures.

Despite intense pressure in the closing stages, Cagliari defended resolutely to secure all three points. The win lifts them four places to 11th in the Serie A table, eight points clear of Fiorentina, who drop back into the relegation zone following their first league defeat in nearly a month.