CAGLIARI, ITALY — Stefano Moreo's dramatic 89th-minute equalizer snatched a crucial point for struggling Pisa as they fought back to secure a 2-2 draw against 15th-placed Cagliari at the Unipol Domus. The substitute's right-footed finish from the centre of the box, set up by Mehdi Léris's cross following a devastating fast break, denied the hosts what seemed a certain victory and left the home supporters stunned in the dying moments.
The match burst into life on the stroke of half-time when Mattéo Tramoni converted a penalty with a composed right-footed shot to the centre of the goal, giving 19th-placed Pisa a surprise lead. Michael Folorunsho drew Cagliari level in the 59th minute, powering a header from very close range into the centre of the goal after Gabriele Zappa delivered a dangerous cross from the right flank. The Nigerian midfielder's close-range finish ignited the home crowd and shifted momentum decisively. Semih Kılıçsoy appeared to have secured all three points in the 71st minute, rifling a right-footed shot from the centre of the box to the top right corner after brilliant work from Gianluca Gaetano, who threaded the perfect assist through Pisa's backline.
Cagliari dominated the ball with 59% possession, pinning Pisa back for long stretches and creating numerous opportunities through Gianluca Gaetano's creativity in midfield. Yerry Mina marshalled the home defence with authority, winning crucial aerial duels and organizing the backline throughout. Alessandro Deiola worked tirelessly in central midfield, breaking up Pisa's attacks and launching Cagliari's forward moves. For the visitors, goalkeeper Adrian Semper produced three crucial saves to keep his side in contention, while Antonio Caracciolo and Giovanni Bonfanti battled valiantly against Sebastiano Esposito and Kılıçsoy's movement. The match turned physical as the stakes rose, with 20 fouls committed by Pisa and 15 by Cagliari, resulting in five yellow cards including bookings for Giovanni Bonfanti and Arturo Calabresi.
The statistics told the story of Cagliari's dominance but also their wastefulness. Despite controlling possession and registering 14 shots with five on target, they couldn't kill off their opponents. Pisa, meanwhile, proved clinical when it mattered most—despite 15 attempts yielding just three efforts troubling Elia Caprile, Moreo's late intervention earned a precious point in their battle against relegation.
The turning point arrived in the 74th minute when Pisa manager introduced fresh legs, bringing on Stefano Moreo, Arturo Calabresi, and Isak Vural in a triple substitution. The tactical gamble paid immediate dividends as Moreo's energy and movement stretched Cagliari's tiring defence. With Cagliari pushing for a third goal to seal the victory, they left themselves exposed to the counter-attack that ultimately undid their hard work—a lesson learned painfully in the final minute of regulation time.
Looking ahead, Cagliari will travel to face Torino on December 27, while Pisa travel to face Juventus on December 27.