Lazio achieved a 2-1 victory against Cagliari, returning the team to the top of the championship after 16 years. The decisive goal, scored by Pinamonti in the final minutes, ended the match in spectacular fashion, putting the Biancocelesti at +3 compared to Inter and +4 compared to Roma. The solitary summit, not seen since 2006 under the guidance of Edy Reja, was reached thanks to an accelerated comeback that surprised even coach Gattuso.
The match started in a balanced way, with Lazio showing prudent ball management but without finding decisive spaces. Cagliari, however, took advantage of the counterattacks to open the score: Fadera capitalized on a weak defense by Belahyane, passing the ball to Nzola who hit the target from the heart of the area. The first goal came in the 20th minute, but Lazio equalized immediately afterwards thanks to a shot from Isaksen which canceled out the difference.
The second half was characterized by an intense battle for possession. Gattuso introduced Pinamonti, Dele-Bashiru and Pedraza, maintaining the same formation, while Lazio continued to look for the net. After an intervention by Zaccagni for a thigh injury, the team found the way to the goal: a cross from Isaksen served Pedraza, who slipped onto the pitch and handed the ball to Pinamonti, who ended up in the net with a header. The goal confirmed the victory and closed the match with a 2-1 in favor of Lazio.
Cagliari contested the final action, claiming that a Deiola player had received a ball in the face. However, the referee did not stop the action and the VAR was unable to intervene. Afterwards, Obert was booked for a foul on Isaksen and received a second yellow, which led to his sending off.
After the match, Gattuso expressed surprise and satisfaction with the team's performance. In the press conference he declared: "The truth is that today the team surprised me too. Honestly, I would have taken home a point and I would have been happy. They wanted to win it at all costs, the changes gave us more energy and desire." He also underlined the importance of the mental work and mentality of the players, defining them as leaders for their commitment and dedication. With the victory, Lazio moves closer to the top of the table, but Gattuso reiterated that the main objective remains the search for perfection and preparation for the next challenges.