Cagliari beat Atalanta 2-1 at the New Balance Arena.

The Serie A encounter between Atalanta and Cagliari unfolded on 12 September 2026 at Bergamo’s New Balance Arena. Both sides entered the match looking to add three points, and the stadium provided a fitting backdrop for a tightly contested game that would be decided within the regular 90 minutes.

How it unfolded

The first decisive moment arrived in the 19th minute when Cagliari’s Paul Mendy opened the scoring. Operating from the centre of the box, Mendy struck a left-footed shot that curled into the bottom left corner, completing a well-timed move that had been set up by Michel Adopo’s assist. The early lead gave Cagliari the momentum and forced Atalanta to respond.

Atalanta’s reply came just before the interval. In the 41st minute, Gianluca Scamacca found the net to level the scores. The goal followed a set-piece situation, with Charles De Ketelaere providing the decisive pass. Scamacca’s right-footed effort from the right side of the box finished low to the bottom left corner, restoring parity and setting up an intriguing second half.

The decisive blow was delivered three minutes into the second half. In the 61st minute, Cagliari were awarded a penalty, which Daniel Maldini converted with a right-footed shot to the bottom left corner. The successful spot-kick put Cagliari back in front and proved to be the match-winning goal, as no further goals were recorded for the remainder of the game.

Standout performers

  • Paul Mendy – Scored the opening goal for Cagliari in the 19th minute, showcasing composure from close range.
  • Michel Adopo – Delivered the assist that set up Mendy’s early strike, contributing to Cagliari’s initial advantage.
  • Gianluca Scamacca – Equalised for Atalanta in the 41st minute, demonstrating his ability to finish from set-piece situations.
  • Charles De Ketelaere – Provided the assist for Scamacca’s goal, linking play effectively from the midfield.
  • Daniel Maldini – Converted the penalty in the 61st minute, securing the win for Cagliari with a cool finish from the spot.

Match facts

  • Final score: Atalanta 1-2 Cagliari
  • Scorers: Paul Mendy (19'), Gianluca Scamacca (41'), Daniel Maldini (61' pen)
  • Assists: Michel Adopo (Mendy), Charles De Ketelaere (Scamacca)
  • Bookings: None
  • Venue: New Balance Arena, Bergamo

What it means

Cagliari’s 2-1 victory adds three points to their Serie A tally, while Atalanta return home with a defeat, leaving both clubs to regroup as the league campaign continues.