Leonardo Pavoletti staged an incredible late-game comeback, scoring twice in stoppage time to lead Cagliari to their first Serie A victory of the season, stunningly defeating Frosinone 4-3 from a three-goal deficit.
In the 94th minute, the seasoned forward Pavoletti headed in a goal, and just two minutes later, he tapped in another, marking his first goal of the season and sealing a remarkable win for Cagliari in Sardinia.
Despite the win, Claudio Ranieri's team remains in the bottom three of the Serie A table. They had also missed a penalty and struck the woodwork during the game. However, they are only a point behind Empoli, who are just above the relegation zone with seven points.
Pavoletti, reflecting on the victory, said, "It's wonderful, a win that we really fought for. And with a brace from me, which I probably haven't done for 20 years!"
"From now on, it will be a different Cagliari you're going to see. We'll still have problems, but we know what we need to do."
Cagliari appeared to be in dire straits in the 49th minute when Marco Brescianini scored the third goal for Serie B champions Frosinone after Matias Soule's brilliant brace in the first half. However, quick goals from Gaetano Oristanio and Antoine Makoumbou brought the hosts within one goal with 14 minutes left.
After strong penalty appeals were dismissed following a VAR check, Cagliari might have thought their chances were over, but Pavoletti, at the age of 34, stepped up to secure a memorable victory for his team.
In other matches on Sunday, Romelu Lukaku made his return to Inter Milan as his current club, Roma, faced the eighth-placed team for the first time since his controversial departure over the summer. Meanwhile, champions Napoli hosted AC Milan in a highly anticipated late match featuring title contenders.
