Cagliari and Atalanta played out an entertaining 1-1 draw in their Serie A encounter on Sunday evening.
Atalanta were off the blocks the quicker of the two sides, as Federico Peluso had his long-range shot saved by Cagliari goalkeeper Michael Agazzi.
Victor Ibarbo and Thiago Ribeiro then came close for the hosts before Atalanta conceded a penalty on 20 minutes when Thomas Manfredini handled the ball inside the area.
However, Andrea Consigli saved Joaquin Larrivey's spot kick.
Seven minutes later Federico Peluso was sent off for committing a foul on Ibarbo inside the Atalanta box, but Daniele Conti failed from the spot for Cagliari as he saw his kick saved.
The home side created chances to break the deadlock thereafter in the first half, with Ribeiro and Ibarbo testing the Atalanta defence but without success.
Both sides crafted chances in the second period, with German Denis watching his shot saved in the 52nd minute and Ribeiro's header missing the target on 61 minutes.
Denis finally made the breakthrough on 81 minutes when he scored from close range after being released by Thomas Manfredini.
However, Albin Ekdal equalised for Cagliari in injury time, as the game finished in a 1-1 draw.
Subhankar Mondal
