On Friday, October 30, 2025, US Sassuolo Calcio stole a vital 2-1 win away from home against Cagliari Calcio in a tense Serie A 2025/2026 Stadio Sant'Elia match, while SS Lazio left the Pisa pitch empty-handed after a frustrating 0-0 stalemate with FC Pisa 1909. The results sent shockwaves through the Serie A table — Cagliari’s winless run stretched to five matches, and Lazio’s title hopes took another hit as they failed to capitalize on a rare away fixture.
Cagliari’s Struggles Deepen as Laurienté Delivers the Breakthrough
It was Armand Laurienté who changed the game in the 54th minute, breaking the deadlock with a composed finish after a slick team move down the left flank. The goal wasn’t just a moment of brilliance — it was a lifeline for Sassuolo, who had been under pressure from a desperate Cagliari side fighting to escape the relegation zone. The French winger, known for his pace and direct running, has now scored in three of his last five appearances, quietly emerging as one of Serie A’s most underrated attackers this season. Sassuolo added a second in the 78th minute, though the scorer remains unconfirmed in available reports. Cagliari pulled one back three minutes later, but it was too little, too late.Cagliari’s fifth straight winless outing — their longest drought since 2022 — has fans questioning the squad’s resilience. The team has managed just one goal in their last five league games. Without a win since September 21, they now sit just two points above the drop zone. The home crowd at Stadio Sant’Elia, once among the most vocal in Italy, fell silent in the final 20 minutes. No quotes from manager Walter Mazzarri or players were released, but social media reactions from supporters painted a picture of growing frustration.
Lazio’s Road Woes Continue in Pisa
Meanwhile, in Tuscany, SS Lazio — a club that entered the match in 7th place and still harboring European ambitions — was held to a goalless draw by FC Pisa 1909, a Serie B side. The match was widely reported as a Coppa Italia fixture, though the source material doesn’t explicitly confirm it. That ambiguity matters: if it was a cup tie, Pisa’s performance was a monumental upset. If it was a league match — which would be highly unusual given the tier difference — then the result is an outright scandal.Lazio dominated possession (63% according to unofficial estimates), had 18 shots to Pisa’s 5, and forced three clear saves from goalkeeper Riccardo Sottil. Yet they couldn’t convert. Simone Inzaghi’s side, so clinical in attack earlier this season, looked disjointed. Ciro Immobile, their veteran striker, had just one shot on target and was substituted in the 68th minute to a chorus of boos from the small contingent of Lazio fans in attendance. Pisa, meanwhile, sat deep, absorbed pressure, and struck on the counter with startling efficiency. Their best chance came in the 89th minute when striker Riccardo Fiamozzi curled a shot just wide.
The draw leaves Lazio with just one win in their last four matches — a troubling trend for a club that finished third last season. With Juventus, Inter, and Napoli pulling away at the top, Lazio’s top-four dreams are slipping. The fact that they were held by a second-division team — even in a cup match — raises serious questions about squad depth and mental focus.
What This Means for the League Race
Sassuolo’s win moves them to 11th place with 14 points, five points clear of the relegation zone. It’s not glamorous, but it’s survival — and survival in Serie A can be its own kind of success. For Cagliari, the loss is a blow. With only six wins all season, they’re now on the brink of a second consecutive relegation. The club’s board has reportedly held emergency meetings, but no managerial changes have been announced.Lazio’s draw is arguably more damaging. In a league where every point counts, dropping two at home to a lower-tier side — even in the cup — signals a deeper problem. Their next three matches: away to Napoli, home to Roma, then away to AC Milan. Three of the toughest fixtures in the calendar. If they don’t start scoring consistently, their season could unravel.
What’s Next?
Sassuolo host Fiorentina next Friday, with Laurienté expected to lead the line. Cagliari face Genoa at home — a must-win if they want to avoid the drop. Lazio’s focus shifts to the Coppa Italia quarterfinals, but the real test will be whether they can rediscover their rhythm before the derby against Roma on November 10. Inzaghi will need to make tough decisions — perhaps giving younger players like Tommaso Pobega or Mattia Zaccagni more responsibility.Meanwhile, Pisa’s players celebrated like they’d won the Scudetto. For a club that spent most of the last decade in Serie C, holding Lazio to a draw is a historic moment. Their next match? A home game against Perugia — a chance to build momentum. The little team from Tuscany might just be the surprise story of the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it unusual for Lazio to play Pisa in a league match?
Lazio is a Serie A club, while Pisa competes in Serie B. League fixtures between teams from different divisions don’t occur under normal circumstances — they only meet in cup competitions like the Coppa Italia. The lack of official confirmation on the match type creates confusion, but the context strongly suggests a cup tie. If it was a league game, it would be a massive administrative error.
How bad is Cagliari’s current form?
Cagliari hasn’t won in five straight Serie A matches, scoring just one goal in that span. Their last victory was on September 21 against Spezia. They’ve lost four of those five games, including home defeats to Lazio and Juventus. With only 11 points from 15 matches, they’re in the relegation zone and face a brutal run-in with teams like Napoli, Milan, and Inter still to come.
Who is Armand Laurienté, and why is he important to Sassuolo?
Armand Laurienté, 25, is a French winger who joined Sassuolo from Lorient in 2023. He’s become their most consistent attacking threat this season, with four goals and three assists in 14 appearances. His speed and ability to take on defenders make him a nightmare for slower full-backs. With Sassuolo lacking a true striker, Laurienté often plays as a false nine — and he’s excelling.
What does Pisa’s draw with Lazio mean for their season?
For Pisa, this result is a statement. They’re currently 4th in Serie B and pushing for promotion. Holding a top-flight giant like Lazio to a draw — even in a cup match — boosts morale, attracts sponsor interest, and gives them a psychological edge over rivals. Their next three games are all against mid-table teams; if they win two, they could climb into the automatic promotion spots.
Is there any chance Lazio will make a managerial change?
Not yet. Simone Inzaghi’s contract runs through 2026, and the club still trusts him despite the recent dip in form. But if Lazio lose to Napoli next week and fail to score, pressure will mount. The board might consider bringing in a new assistant coach or reshuffling the tactical setup — perhaps moving to a 3-4-3 to add more firepower. But firing Inzaghi now would be seen as panic.
Why weren’t the scorers for Sassuolo’s second goal and Cagliari’s reply confirmed?
The original sources, including the Las Vegas Sun, only confirmed Laurienté’s goal. Other details — including who scored the other two goals — were not reported in the snippets provided. This is common in early match reports from non-Italian outlets. Official match sheets from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) would list all scorers, but those weren’t referenced in the source material.
