Fiorentina Win European Football with Last-Minute Win Over Cagliari

In Claudio Ranieri’s final match as manager, his Cagliari side suffered a heart-wrenching defeat, conceding a last-gasp goal to ACF Fiorentina, who secured European football for the next season in a thrilling 3-2 win.

Ahead of kick-off, Sardegna Arena paid tribute to Ranieri with a standing ovation, but Fiorentina aimed to spoil the send-off by securing at least a UEFA Conference League place.

The visitors seized the first significant opportunity of the match in the 20th minute, with Andrea Belotti’s header brilliantly saved by Simone Scuffet. However, Cagliari responded with multiple near misses, including efforts from Zito Luvembo and Alessandro Deiola.

Giacomo Bonaventura broke the deadlock for Fiorentina just before halftime, capitalizing on space at the edge of the box. Despite Scuffet’s heroics, Gaetano Castrovilli’s strike, and a disallowed goal for offside, Cagliari rallied in the second half.

A VAR review overturned an offside decision, allowing Deiola to equalize from Matteo Prati’s cross. The home crowd erupted when Kingstone Mutandwa curled in a stunning goal, seemingly securing victory for Cagliari.

However, Fiorentina leveled the score within minutes through Nicolás González’s close-range finish. In stoppage time, a VAR-awarded penalty for a foul by Alessandro Di Pardo led to Arthur Melo’s decisive goal, securing European football for Fiorentina.

The defeat marks Cagliari’s first home loss in seven matches.

Man of the Match: Alessandro Deiola (Cagliari)