On 23 December, one of the matches of the 17th round of the Italian football championship took place. Verona (Italy) and Cagliari (Italy) met.
Italian Championship, 17th round
Verona (Italy) - Cagliari (Italy) - 2:0 (0:0)
Goals: K. Ngonge (53), Djuric (90)
Warnings: A. Makoumbou (12), Duda (45), A. Makoumbou (52), T. Suslov (57), N. Viola (57), K. Ngonge (69), Ibrahim Sulemana (90+3)
Verona defeated Cagliari 2-0 in a Serie A match Verona and Cagliari met in a thrilling Serie A match at the Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi. Both teams were keen to get a much-needed win and the game promised to be exciting. Despite a goalless first half, Verona managed to find their rhythm in the second half and emerged victorious, leaving the visitors stunned. The match started with both teams demonstrating their defensive prowess, constantly thwarting their opponents' attempts to attack. In the 12th minute, Verona's A. Makumbu received a yellow card, which added drama to the game. In the course of the first half, Verona's O. Duda was cautioned with a yellow card in the 45th minute. The score 0-0 at half-time did not reflect the intensity of the match. However, Verona took the lead in the second half with two substitutions immediately after the break. F. Terracciano replaced J. Doig, and T. Henry came on the pitch in place of M. Djuric. Cagliari's problems were compounded when Makumbu received his second yellow card of the match just seven minutes into the second half, resulting in a suspension. Verona were quick to capitalise on their numerical advantage and opened the scoring in the 53rd minute. K. Ngonge found the ball in the net, giving his team a deserved lead.
The match continued to be tense, with both teams receiving several yellow cards. In the 57th minute Verona's player T. Suslov and Caliari's player K. Ngonge received warnings. Suslov and Cagliari player N. Viola. In the 59th minute Cagliari made two substitutions: T. Augello and I. Sulemana instead of Z. Luvumbo and N. Viola respectively. In the 68th minute Verona decided to freshen up their attacking options, releasing R. Saponara instead of D. Lazola. Saponara instead of D. Lazovic. Moments later, Ngonge received a yellow card, which further emphasised the competitive nature of the match. With time running out, Verona made their final substitutions. J. Mbula replaced Ngonje, while Cagliari brought on G. Oristanio and P. Hatzidiakos instead of G. Zappa and P. Azzi in the 77th minute. In the end of the match E. Goldaniga was introduced in the Cagliari squad instead of G. Lapadula. In the final minutes of the match Verona consolidated their victory thanks to M. Djuric's goal in the 90th minute. The Serbian striker's clinical strike secured a 2-0 win for his team. Cagliari's disappointment was obvious, as shortly after the goal I. Sulemana received a yellow card. Overall the match was tense, characterised by competitive battles, numerous yellow cards and strategic substitutions. Verona showed their resilience and determination with a well-deserved victory over Cagliari, who struggled to find their footing throughout the game.
In the next round the following matches await the rivals: Verona vs Salernitana, Cagliari vs Empoli.
| Verona | Cagliari | |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Kicks to the goal | 2 |
| 13 | Kicks | 9 |
| 1 | Blocked shots | 1 |
| 8 | Penalty kicks | 6 |
| 5 | Penalty kicks | 3 |
| 9 | Offences | 19 |
| 11 | Corner | 6 |
| 1 | Offsides | 1 |
| 59% | Ball possession | 41% |
| 3 | Yellow cards | 4 |
| 0 | Red cards | 1 |
| 2 | Keeper saves | 3 |
| 466 | Total assists | 325 |
| 389 | Accurate assists | 250 |
| 83% | Accuracy of passes | 77% |