Serie A: Atalanta's Title Hopes Take Hit with Goalless Draw Against Cagliari

Atalanta's winless run extended to five games in all competitions as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Cagliari in Serie A.

Atalanta's Serie A title aspirations suffered a setback as they were held to a disappointing 0-0 draw by Cagliari at home. This stalemate marked the first time these two teams had shared the points since January 2013.

The match began at a sluggish pace, with Atalanta's heavily rotated lineup struggling to break down Cagliari's resolute defense. Despite moving the ball effectively, Gian Piero Gasperini's side found it challenging to create clear-cut opportunities.

Atalanta's defense, however, was solid, with Matteo Ruggeri and Stefan Posch intervening to prevent Roberto Piccoli, their loanee striker, from posing a threat. Goalkeeper Elia Caprile was also called into action, dealing with an awkward backpass before facing the game's first shot, which was deflected wide by Mateo Retegui.

As the half-hour mark approached, Cagliari began to gain momentum, with Lazar Samardzic unleashing the game's first shot on target. Atalanta's attacking threat intensified as halftime loomed, with Rafael Toloi curling a shot over the crossbar, but the teams remained deadlocked at the break.

Cagliari emerged from the halftime break with renewed purpose, and despite Gian Piero Gasperini's tactical adjustments, which included a double substitution, the visitors continued to press. Alessandro Deiola unleashed a driven strike that veered off-target, but Cagliari's intent remained clear.

Atalanta thought they had taken the lead when Marco Brescianini tapped the ball in, but the goal was disallowed due to a foul by Stefan Posch on Elia Caprile. Cagliari continued to deliver enticing crosses into the box, although they failed to find a target. Florinel Coman and Nadir Zortea did manage to get shots away, but they were blocked by the Atalanta defense.

#AtalantaCagliari ends level ⚖️ pic.twitter.com/4SnXIwXz7Q

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) February 15, 2025

In the closing stages, Atalanta launched a desperate bid for victory. However, Yerry Mina deflected Charles De Ketelaere's attempt narrowly wide, while Vanja Vlahovic's shot was superbly saved. Mario Pasalic's late effort also fizzled past the post, ensuring the match ended in a frustrating stalemate for the hosts.

The draw extends Atalanta's winless run to five games in all competitions, ahead of their crucial Champions League clash with Club Brugge on Tuesday. The dropped points may also see them fall further behind Napoli and Inter Milan in the Serie A title race. Meanwhile, Cagliari's draw ensures they remain five points clear of the relegation zone, having avoided defeat in three of their last four away matches.