In an exhilarating Serie A encounter on November 22, 2025, Cagliari and Genoa delivered a thrilling 3-3 draw that kept fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The match, played at Stadio Sant’Elia in Cagliari, was notable not just for the flurry of goals but also for the dramatic twists and turns that underscored the contest between two teams eager to break their respective winless streaks and climb the league table.
Genoa entered this fixture under the fresh management of Daniele De Rossi, who was making his on-field debut as head coach after serving a touchline ban during the previous 2-2 draw against Fiorentina. The new coach had to cope with several absences, as key players Maxwel Cornet, Junior Messias, Jean Onana, and Hugo Cuenca were all sidelined. However, there was a boost for Genoa with the return of Ruslan Malinovskyi from suspension. On the other side, Cagliari were grappling with their own challenges, having gone seven rounds without a win and missing influential forwards Ze Pedro and Andrea Belotti, both sidelined by knee surgeries.
The game kicked off with high intensity and a palpable sense of urgency. Early attempts showed the attacking intent of both sides, with Alessandro Deiola’s volley from a corner for Cagliari going straight into the goalkeeper’s hands. Genoa, meanwhile, came close to taking the lead within the first 10 minutes in a remarkable sequence of chances. Vitinha, showing quick feet and creativity, maneuvered through a crowded penalty area to force a one-handed save from Cagliari’s keeper Elia Caprile. The rebound fell to Brooke Norton-Cuffy, whose effort was heroically cleared off the line by Sebastiano Luperto, preserving the deadlock.
Genoa eventually broke the deadlock thanks to a well-crafted move involving Lorenzo Colombo and Vitinha. Colombo threaded a precise pass through Cagliari’s defense, enabling Vitinha to control the ball expertly while holding off defender Gabriele Zappa, before curling a shot into the bottom corner from 12 yards out. This goal was a testament to Genoa’s attacking fluidity and Vitinha’s individual quality, putting the visitors ahead 1-0.
Despite this, Genoa failed to extend their lead immediately after when Colombo wasted a chance, prodding a weak finish directly at Caprile. Cagliari seized on this missed opportunity and drew level through a set-piece routine. After a short corner, Marco Palestra delivered a teasing cross that caught the Genoa keeper Nicola Leali off guard. Gennaro Borrelli rose to head the ball, which despite Leali’s desperate attempt, crossed the goal line to make it 1-1. The goal reignited Cagliari’s hopes and set the tone for a frenetic contest.
The momentum swung back in Genoa’s favor before halftime. A free kick taken by Malinovskyi was not properly cleared by Cagliari, allowing Morten Thorsby to volley the ball into the box. There, Leo Ostigard was perfectly positioned to capitalize, scoring his third goal in three consecutive games and restoring Genoa’s lead at 2-1. The game continued at a breathless pace, with Cagliari responding immediately from the restart. Almost straight from the kick-off, Borrelli flicked a pass to Prati, who delivered a beautifully weighted cross to Sebastiano Esposito. Esposito made no mistake, firing a precise shot with the outside of his boot to level the score again at 2-2 just before the break.
The second half resumed with both teams pushing for dominance. Cagliari took the lead for the first time in the match midway through the period. Zappa curled in a perfect cross to the back post, where Borrelli was waiting. Showing great composure, he headed the ball home without needing to jump, securing his second goal of the match and putting the hosts ahead 3-2. This goal highlighted Borrelli’s growing influence and clinical finishing ability, further energizing the home crowd.
Genoa responded with urgency as the clock ticked down. Lorenzo Colombo produced a stunning moment when he controlled a difficult ball and unleashed a half-volley that cannoned off the underside of the crossbar. Unfortunately for Genoa,