Juventus were held to a surprise 1-1 home draw by Cagliari on Sunday after a late penalty which led to the Turin giants conceding second place in Serie A to Inter Milan.

Razvan Marin lashed home the 88th-minute equaliser to give Cagliari a point at the Allianz Stadium after Roberto Piccoli was clumsily brought down by Douglas Luiz, who also gave a penalty away in Wednesday's thrilling Champions League win at Leipzig.

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Romania midfielder Marin's arrowed penalty levelled Dusan Vlahovic's 15th-minute spot-kick and moved Cagliari a point above the relegation zone.

It was the first goal conceded by Juve in Serie A this season and left Thiago Motta's third-placed side three points behind league leaders Napoli after seven fixtures.

"We took out foot off the pedal after our goal, and we can't do that. We need to keep attacking, and attack well," said Motta.

"We created a few opportunities but there was always the feeling that Cagliari could get back into the game. What happened today is all our own fault."

Cagliari could have even snatched a last-gasp win as Adam Obert thumped the post in the fifth minute of stoppage time, with Juve down to 10 men following Francisco Conceicao's sending off almost immediately after Marin's equaliser.

Conceicao picked up a second booking after trying to win Juve's second penalty of the game in a frantic finish to a match which had largely been a drab affair before Luiz was penalised for his challenge following a VAR check.

"I'm pleased to get a point at Juve, it was hard because I had the whole stadium whistling me but I managed to keep my concentration," said Marin.&nbsp;

<h2>Penalty controversy</h2>

Juventus, who were missing Nico Gonzalez, Arkadiusz Milik, Timothy Weah and Gleison Bremer, who suffered a serious knee injury at Leipzig, would have almost certainly had the full three points had Vlahovic not wasted a huge chance in the 78th minute.&nbsp;

Serbia striker Vlahovic, who is on five Serie A goals for the season, somehow shot wide on the rebound after Douglas Luiz's shot was parried by Simone Scuffet.

His opener was controversial too as the penalty was awarded for Cagliari defender Sebastiano Luperto's fingers grazing the ball as he engaged in an aerial tussle with Federico Gatti.

The spot-kick was given after a VAR check as Luperto's arm was high in the air when he touched the ball, but he was landing from his jump and had Gatti leaning on his shoulder while two other players also battled for the ball.

AC Milan can move above both champions Inter and Juve with a win at Fiorentina in the day's final fixture.

Juve have been joined on 13 points by their next opponents Lazio, who are fourth after inflicting a first defeat of the season on surprise package Empoli with a 2-1 win in Rome.

Pedro slammed home the winner with four minutes remaining as Lazio who came back from Sebstiano Esposito's early opener. It was Lazio's fourth straight win in all competitions.

Lazio, who levelled through Mattia Zaccagni in first-half stoppage time, also had Valentin Castellanos' penalty saved by Empoli's impressive goalkeeper Devis Vasquez.

Bologna's difficult start to life under Vincenzo Italiano continued with a goalless draw with Parma, who had to play most of the second half a man down after Woyo Coulibaly's sending off seven minutes after the break.

Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Juventus were held to a surprise 1-1 home draw by Cagliari on Sunday after a late penalty which led to the Turin giants conceding second place in Serie A to Inter Milan.

Juventus were held to a surprise 1-1 home draw by Cagliari on Sunday after a late penalty which led to the Turin giants conceding second place in Serie A to Inter Milan. Razvan Marin lashed home the 88th-minute equaliser to give Cagliari a point at the Allianz Stadium after Roberto Piccoli was clumsily brought down by Douglas Luiz, who also gave a penalty away in Wednesday's thrilling Champions League win at Leipzig. Also Read: Premier League: Manchester United play fifth straight winless game with stalemate against Aston Villa Romania midfielder Marin's arrowed penalty levelled Dusan Vlahovic's 15th-minute spot-kick and moved Cagliari a point above the relegation zone. It was the first goal conceded by Juve in Serie A this season and left Thiago Motta's third-placed side three points behind league leaders Napoli after seven fixtures. "We took out foot off the pedal after our goal, and we can't do that. We need to keep attacking, and attack well," said Motta. "We created a few opportunities but there was always the feeling that Cagliari could get back into the game. What happened today is all our own fault." Cagliari could have even snatched a last-gasp win as Adam Obert thumped the post in the fifth minute of stoppage time, with Juve down to 10 men following Francisco Conceicao's sending off almost immediately after Marin's equaliser. Conceicao picked up a second booking after trying to win Juve's second penalty of the game in a frantic finish to a match which had largely been a drab affair before Luiz was penalised for his challenge following a VAR check. "I'm pleased to get a point at Juve, it was hard because I had the whole stadium whistling me but I managed to keep my concentration," said Marin. Penalty controversy Juventus, who were missing Nico Gonzalez, Arkadiusz Milik, Timothy Weah and Gleison Bremer, who suffered a serious knee injury at Leipzig, would have almost certainly had the full three points had Vlahovic not wasted a huge chance in the 78th minute. Serbia striker Vlahovic, who is on five Serie A goals for the season, somehow shot wide on the rebound after Douglas Luiz's shot was parried by Simone Scuffet. His opener was controversial too as the penalty was awarded for Cagliari defender Sebastiano Luperto's fingers grazing the ball as he engaged in an aerial tussle with Federico Gatti. The spot-kick was given after a VAR check as Luperto's arm was high in the air when he touched the ball, but he was landing from his jump and had Gatti leaning on his shoulder while two other players also battled for the ball. AC Milan can move above both champions Inter and Juve with a win at Fiorentina in the day's final fixture. Juve have been joined on 13 points by their next opponents Lazio, who are fourth after inflicting a first defeat of the season on surprise package Empoli with a 2-1 win in Rome. Pedro slammed home the winner with four minutes remaining as Lazio who came back from Sebstiano Esposito's early opener. It was Lazio's fourth straight win in all competitions. Lazio, who levelled through Mattia Zaccagni in first-half stoppage time, also had Valentin Castellanos' penalty saved by Empoli's impressive goalkeeper Devis Vasquez. Bologna's difficult start to life under Vincenzo Italiano continued with a goalless draw with Parma, who had to play most of the second half a man down after Woyo Coulibaly's sending off seven minutes after the break. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Serie A: Juventus concede second place after controversial penalty in draw against Cagliari

A double from Argentine striker Lautaro Martinez earned Inter Milan a 3-1 win at Cagliari on Sunday, a victory that ensured the Serie A title race will go to the final weekend for the first time since 2008.

With leaders AC Milan having beaten Atalanta 2-0 at the San Siro earlier on Sunday, Inter had to win in Sardinia to keep the title race alive, edging in front in the 25th minute through Matteo Darmian.

Martinez added a second six minutes after the break for Inter and they appeared on course for a comfortable ninth win in 10 matches in all competitions, before Charalampos Lykogiannis arrowed in a strike out of nowhere to get Cagliari back in it.

Inter suffered some nervy moments before Martinez`s quality shone through at the last, as his classy finish six minutes from time finally ended Cagliari`s hopes of a comeback.

The victory ensured Inter remained two points behind Milan going into the final round. The champions must beat Sampdoria at home on Sunday, and hope Milan lose at Sassuolo, if they are to defend the Scudetto.

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"It wasn`t easy after Milan`s win, but the team played really well against an opponent who is problematic on their own ground," coach Simone Inzaghi told DAZN.

"I congratulate my team, because this was by no means to be taken for granted, especially after playing 120 minutes on Wednesday (in the Coppa Italia final).

"Naturally, we are behind, so we need a victory and for them (Milan) to lose. It`s happened before, I won with Lazio when we were two points behind and Juventus lost to Perugia (in 2000), so it can happen again."

Inter thought they had settled their nerves in the must-win contest when Milan Skriniar bundled the ball into the net early on, only for VAR to rule the Slovakian defender had used his hand to score.

The visitors did not have to wait much longer for one to count, however, as Ivan Perisic crossed for Darmian to head home his second league goal of the season.

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Martinez almost added another on the cusp of halftime, before hammering home the second - his 20th league goal of the campaign. The Argentine became the sixth player in Inter`s history to score 20 goals in a single Serie A term before turning 25.

In cruise control, Inter stood off Lykogiannis and his strike was unstoppable, giving the home fans hope. 
But it was Martinez who had the final say, lofting his second of the match into the net.

Cagliari`s fate will also be sealed on the final day of the season. They remain in the bottom three, two points behind Salernitana in 17th. The Sardinians must beat already-relegated Venezia on the final day to have any hope of survival.

Genoa, who have spent the last 15 seasons in Serie A, were relegated on Sunday after their 3-0 loss at Napoli.

A double from Argentine striker Lautaro Martinez earned Inter Milan a 3-1 win at Cagliari on Sunday, a victory that ensured the Serie A title race will go to the final weekend for the first time since 2008.

A double from Argentine striker Lautaro Martinez earned Inter Milan a 3-1 win at Cagliari on Sunday, a victory that ensured the Serie A title race will go to the final weekend for the first time since 2008. With leaders AC Milan having beaten Atalanta 2-0 at the San Siro earlier on Sunday, Inter had to win in Sardinia to keep the title race alive, edging in front in the 25th minute through Matteo Darmian. Martinez added a second six minutes after the break for Inter and they appeared on course for a comfortable ninth win in 10 matches in all competitions, before Charalampos Lykogiannis arrowed in a strike out of nowhere to get Cagliari back in it. Inter suffered some nervy moments before Martinez`s quality shone through at the last, as his classy finish six minutes from time finally ended Cagliari`s hopes of a comeback. The victory ensured Inter remained two points behind Milan going into the final round. The champions must beat Sampdoria at home on Sunday, and hope Milan lose at Sassuolo, if they are to defend the Scudetto. Also Read: Premier League: Harry Kane penalty sends Tottenham into top four with win over Burnley "It wasn`t easy after Milan`s win, but the team played really well against an opponent who is problematic on their own ground," coach Simone Inzaghi told DAZN. "I congratulate my team, because this was by no means to be taken for granted, especially after playing 120 minutes on Wednesday (in the Coppa Italia final). "Naturally, we are behind, so we need a victory and for them (Milan) to lose. It`s happened before, I won with Lazio when we were two points behind and Juventus lost to Perugia (in 2000), so it can happen again." Inter thought they had settled their nerves in the must-win contest when Milan Skriniar bundled the ball into the net early on, only for VAR to rule the Slovakian defender had used his hand to score. The visitors did not have to wait much longer for one to count, however, as Ivan Perisic crossed for Darmian to head home his second league goal of the season. Also Read: Premier League: Manchester City lose crucial points with draw against West Ham Martinez almost added another on the cusp of halftime, before hammering home the second - his 20th league goal of the campaign. The Argentine became the sixth player in Inter`s history to score 20 goals in a single Serie A term before turning 25. In cruise control, Inter stood off Lykogiannis and his strike was unstoppable, giving the home fans hope. But it was Martinez who had the final say, lofting his second of the match into the net. Cagliari`s fate will also be sealed on the final day of the season. They remain in the bottom three, two points behind Salernitana in 17th. The Sardinians must beat already-relegated Venezia on the final day to have any hope of survival. Genoa, who have spent the last 15 seasons in Serie A, were relegated on Sunday after their 3-0 loss at Napoli.

Lautaro Martinez scores a double as Inter Milan take Serie A title race to final day with victory at Cagliari

Serbian striker Dusan Vlahovic pounced 15 minutes from time to earn Juventus a 2-1 comeback victory at Cagliari in Serie A on Saturday.

Juve made a slow start in Sardinia and fell behind when Italy striker Joao Pedro stroked the hosts into a 10th-minute lead.

The visitors dominated the remainder of the opening period and got themselves back on level terms on the stroke of halftime when Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt headed home.

There was only going to be one winner as Juve remained well on top in the second half, with the pressure finally telling as January signing Vlahovic scored his fifth league goal since arriving in Turin to seal victory for his new side.

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The win helped fourth-placed Juve close to within four points of Napoli in third, ahead of the Neapolitans` clash with Fiorentina on Sunday.

At the other end of the standings, Cagliari`s fifth successive league loss left them three points above the relegation zone, having played two more games than Venezia in 18th.

"It was an important game for us after we suffered a psychological setback by losing at home to Inter (Milan, last weekend), thus seeing the Scudetto fade," coach Massimiliano Allegri told DAZN.

"Today it was important to keep the advantage over the teams behind us.

"We have to take into consideration that Vlahovic is 22 and has been playing as a starter for a year and a half. At Juventus there is a different pressure. His growth will become complete when he is able to manage his energies."

An unbeaten league run stretching back to November before Inter's visit to Turin had dragged Juve back into the title race, but the Scudetto would have felt even further away after Joao Pedro's fine finish from the edge of the penalty area – his 12th league goal of the season.

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Juve thought they had come up with an immediate response after Luca Pellegrini's shot found the net, via a deflection off Adrien Rabiot, but it was ruled out following a VAR review with Rabiot adjudged to have used his arm to divert the ball home.

Further chances came and went as it looked Juve would be frustrated going into the break, before De Ligt guided Juan Cuadrado's cross into the net.

Argentine striker Paulo Dybala, who is leaving the club at the end of the season, wasted a golden chance to complete the comeback early in the second half, firing over from a good position.

Cuadrado drilled wide as that game-killing second continued to elude Juventus, before Vlahovic poked home from close range to break Cagliari's resistance and get Juve back to winning ways.

Serbian striker Dusan Vlahovic pounced 15 minutes from time to earn Juventus a 2-1 comeback victory at Cagliari in Serie A on Saturday. Juve made a slow start in Sardinia and fell behind when Italy striker Joao Pedro stroked the hosts into a 10th-minute lead.

Serbian striker Dusan Vlahovic pounced 15 minutes from time to earn Juventus a 2-1 comeback victory at Cagliari in Serie A on Saturday. Juve made a slow start in Sardinia and fell behind when Italy striker Joao Pedro stroked the hosts into a 10th-minute lead. The visitors dominated the remainder of the opening period and got themselves back on level terms on the stroke of halftime when Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt headed home. There was only going to be one winner as Juve remained well on top in the second half, with the pressure finally telling as January signing Vlahovic scored his fifth league goal since arriving in Turin to seal victory for his new side. ALSO READ: Premier League: Son Heung-min scores hat-trick as Spurs consolidate fourth spot with 4-0 win over Aston Villa The win helped fourth-placed Juve close to within four points of Napoli in third, ahead of the Neapolitans` clash with Fiorentina on Sunday. At the other end of the standings, Cagliari`s fifth successive league loss left them three points above the relegation zone, having played two more games than Venezia in 18th. "It was an important game for us after we suffered a psychological setback by losing at home to Inter (Milan, last weekend), thus seeing the Scudetto fade," coach Massimiliano Allegri told DAZN. "Today it was important to keep the advantage over the teams behind us. "We have to take into consideration that Vlahovic is 22 and has been playing as a starter for a year and a half. At Juventus there is a different pressure. His growth will become complete when he is able to manage his energies." An unbeaten league run stretching back to November before Inter's visit to Turin had dragged Juve back into the title race, but the Scudetto would have felt even further away after Joao Pedro's fine finish from the edge of the penalty area – his 12th league goal of the season. ALSO READ: La Liga: Gareth Bale greeted by boos on Bernabeu comeback during Real Madrid's 2-0 win over Getafe Juve thought they had come up with an immediate response after Luca Pellegrini's shot found the net, via a deflection off Adrien Rabiot, but it was ruled out following a VAR review with Rabiot adjudged to have used his arm to divert the ball home. Further chances came and went as it looked Juve would be frustrated going into the break, before De Ligt guided Juan Cuadrado's cross into the net. Argentine striker Paulo Dybala, who is leaving the club at the end of the season, wasted a golden chance to complete the comeback early in the second half, firing over from a good position. Cuadrado drilled wide as that game-killing second continued to elude Juventus, before Vlahovic poked home from close range to break Cagliari's resistance and get Juve back to winning ways.

Serie A: Dusan Vlahovic strikes as Juventus earn crucial win against Cagliari

Juventus&nbsp;took advantage of Atalanta's goalless draw at Genoa with a 2-0 win over Cagliari which inched them closer to Serie A's Champions League places, as Salernitana's trip to Udinese became the season's first coronavirus-related casualty.

Moise Kean's header five minutes before the break and Federico Bernardeschi's precision finish after a break-away late on at the Allianz Stadium moved Juve to within four points of fourth place in Italy's top flight, currently occupied by Atalanta.

A fourth win in five matches means Massimiliano Allegri's side end 2021 on a high but it was another in a long line of underwhelming performances from the Old Lady of Italian football, who sit fifth nine points behind league leaders Inter Milan ahead of their home clash with Torino on Wednesday.

After the winter break they face a true test of their ambitions for the season, with matches against Napoli, Roma, AC Milan and Atalanta all coming by mid-February.

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"If we get to the end of February with the same gap between us and the first four places as now I'll be happy," Allegri said to DAZN.

“You can't win all your matches with your direct rivals so from then on they'll have to play each other while we have a simpler calendar.

Juve were missing Paulo Dybala and Federico Chiesa in attack and rarely clicked going forward, while a troubled away side can wonder what might have been with better finishing.

Twice in the second half Cagliari, who are in the midst of a full-blown crisis after failing to muster a league win since mid-October, failed to put away gilt-edged chances following sloppy defending from the hosts.

Under-fire Cagliari coach Walter Mazzarri could hardly believe his eyes when, picked out completely alone on the hour mark by Raoul Bellanova's perfect low cross, Dalbert somehow shanked wide with the goal at his mercy.

And eight minutes later Joao Pedro, just about the only bright sport for the Sardinian side this season with his nine Serie A goals, headed straight at Wojciech Szczesny from point-blank range.

Bernardeschi's first goal in Serie A since July 2020 late on condemned second-from-bottom Cagliari to their third defeat on the bounce, although one that was less humiliating than the previous two 4-0 thumpings.

<h2>Covid strikes Salernitana</h2>

They are a point behind Genoa, who didn't have a single shot on target as they held a curiously off-form Atalanta team now winless in three and sweating the fitness of striker Duvan Zapata after the Colombian limped off in the first half at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

The biggest news of the day came earlier at Udinese, as the match with Salernitana officially went ahead despite health authorities in Salerno requesting the away side not leave for northeastern Italy.

The match was eventually abandoned 45 minutes after the official kick-off time of 1830 local time (1730 GMT), with the Udinese players remaining in the Dacia Arena's dressing rooms knowing their opposition was not going to show up.

Before the game Udinese's Pierpaolo Marino expressed annoyance at Salernitana not showing up due to two cases in the squad when just over a year ago his club had sent a team to Lazio despite having seven players and former coach Luca Gotti out with Covid infections.

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However Salernitana sporting director Angelo Fabiani was unmoved, saying the club had organised a charter flight for those who had tested negative but were contacted by health authorities, who banned the whole team from travelling as they had to isolate as contact cases.

"If we're banned by the authorities from travelling, what are we supposed to do?" Fabiani asked.

Salernitana now await the ruling from the football authorities regarding the result and whether the match will be rescheduled.

However the head of the Italian FA said on Tuesday that they will be kicked out of Serie A if a buyer for the club is not found by December 31, as they are owned by Lazio chief Claudio Lotito and ownership of multiple clubs in the same division is not allowed.

Juventus took advantage of Atalanta's goalless draw at Genoa with a 2-0 win over Cagliari which inched them closer to Serie A's Champions League places, as Salernitana's trip to Udinese became the season's first coronavirus-related casualty.

Juventus took advantage of Atalanta's goalless draw at Genoa with a 2-0 win over Cagliari which inched them closer to Serie A's Champions League places, as Salernitana's trip to Udinese became the season's first coronavirus-related casualty. Moise Kean's header five minutes before the break and Federico Bernardeschi's precision finish after a break-away late on at the Allianz Stadium moved Juve to within four points of fourth place in Italy's top flight, currently occupied by Atalanta. A fourth win in five matches means Massimiliano Allegri's side end 2021 on a high but it was another in a long line of underwhelming performances from the Old Lady of Italian football, who sit fifth nine points behind league leaders Inter Milan ahead of their home clash with Torino on Wednesday. After the winter break they face a true test of their ambitions for the season, with matches against Napoli, Roma, AC Milan and Atalanta all coming by mid-February. ALSO READ: League Cup: Eddie Nketiah hat-trick helps Arsenal enter semi-finals "If we get to the end of February with the same gap between us and the first four places as now I'll be happy," Allegri said to DAZN. “You can't win all your matches with your direct rivals so from then on they'll have to play each other while we have a simpler calendar. Juve were missing Paulo Dybala and Federico Chiesa in attack and rarely clicked going forward, while a troubled away side can wonder what might have been with better finishing. Twice in the second half Cagliari, who are in the midst of a full-blown crisis after failing to muster a league win since mid-October, failed to put away gilt-edged chances following sloppy defending from the hosts. Under-fire Cagliari coach Walter Mazzarri could hardly believe his eyes when, picked out completely alone on the hour mark by Raoul Bellanova's perfect low cross, Dalbert somehow shanked wide with the goal at his mercy. And eight minutes later Joao Pedro, just about the only bright sport for the Sardinian side this season with his nine Serie A goals, headed straight at Wojciech Szczesny from point-blank range. Bernardeschi's first goal in Serie A since July 2020 late on condemned second-from-bottom Cagliari to their third defeat on the bounce, although one that was less humiliating than the previous two 4-0 thumpings. Covid strikes Salernitana They are a point behind Genoa, who didn't have a single shot on target as they held a curiously off-form Atalanta team now winless in three and sweating the fitness of striker Duvan Zapata after the Colombian limped off in the first half at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris. The biggest news of the day came earlier at Udinese, as the match with Salernitana officially went ahead despite health authorities in Salerno requesting the away side not leave for northeastern Italy. The match was eventually abandoned 45 minutes after the official kick-off time of 1830 local time (1730 GMT), with the Udinese players remaining in the Dacia Arena's dressing rooms knowing their opposition was not going to show up. Before the game Udinese's Pierpaolo Marino expressed annoyance at Salernitana not showing up due to two cases in the squad when just over a year ago his club had sent a team to Lazio despite having seven players and former coach Luca Gotti out with Covid infections. ALSO READ: Player welfare not taken seriously: Liverpool's Jordan Henderson reacts as PL continues amid Covid scare However Salernitana sporting director Angelo Fabiani was unmoved, saying the club had organised a charter flight for those who had tested negative but were contacted by health authorities, who banned the whole team from travelling as they had to isolate as contact cases. "If we're banned by the authorities from travelling, what are we supposed to do?" Fabiani asked. Salernitana now await the ruling from the football authorities regarding the result and whether the match will be rescheduled. However the head of the Italian FA said on Tuesday that they will be kicked out of Serie A if a buyer for the club is not found by December 31, as they are owned by Lazio chief Claudio Lotito and ownership of multiple clubs in the same division is not allowed.

Serie A: Juventus thrash Cagliari 2-0, Salernitana-Udinese game suspended due to COVID-19 cases

Inter Milan scored three times in the last 15 minutes as they came from behind to win 3-1 at Cagliari in a dramatic Serie A match on Sunday. 
 
Inter, knocked out of the Champions League on Wednesday after finishing bottom of their group, missed a flurry of chances in the first half hour, and Riccardo Sottil made them pay when he volleyed midtable Cagliari ahead in the 42nd minute. 
 
The visitors lost their way after the break but levelled out of the blue when Nicolo Barella volleyed home against his old club in the 77th minute before substitute Danilo D`Ambrosio headed a second seven minutes later, less than a minute after coming on. 
 
Romelu Lukaku broke away to score a third in stoppage time as Inter moved back into second place with 24 points from 11 games, two behind leaders AC Milan who play at home against Parma later on Sunday.

Inter Milan scored three times in the last 15 minutes as they came from behind to win 3-1 at Cagliari in a dramatic Serie A match on Sunday. Inter, knocked out of the Champions League on Wednesday after finishing bottom of their group, missed a flurry of chances in the first half hour, and Riccardo Sottil made them pay when he volleyed midtable Cagliari ahead in the 42nd minute.

Inter Milan scored three times in the last 15 minutes as they came from behind to win 3-1 at Cagliari in a dramatic Serie A match on Sunday. Inter, knocked out of the Champions League on Wednesday after finishing bottom of their group, missed a flurry of chances in the first half hour, and Riccardo Sottil made them pay when he volleyed midtable Cagliari ahead in the 42nd minute. The visitors lost their way after the break but levelled out of the blue when Nicolo Barella volleyed home against his old club in the 77th minute before substitute Danilo D`Ambrosio headed a second seven minutes later, less than a minute after coming on. Romelu Lukaku broke away to score a third in stoppage time as Inter moved back into second place with 24 points from 11 games, two behind leaders AC Milan who play at home against Parma later on Sunday.

Serie A: Inter fight back late to win 3-1 at Cagliari

Inter Milan coach <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/antonio-conte-focused-on-securing-fa-cup-success-amid-chelsea-exit-talk-138260">Antonio Conte</a>, pleased with the club's victory over Cagliari, said it was a 'great response from the lads'.

"I'm really pleased, it was a great response from the lads. Even from those who've played less of late and those who were coming back from injury," the club's official website quoted Conte as saying.

Inter Milan secured a massive 4-1 win over Cagliari during their Coppa Italia on Wednesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/romelu-lukaku-sends-inter-top-after-racist-abuse-at-cagliari-247095">Romelu Lukaku</a> scored twice in the match while Borja Valero and Andrea Ranocchia netted one goal each.

Conte said: "There's real harmony among this group, they are a great bunch of lads that want to do well. I'm really pleased to be working with them."

Despite Lukaku's brilliant performance, Conte feels there is still room for improvement.

"You know that I don't like to talk too much about individuals. Romelu is proving his worth and he can still keep improving," he said.

Inter Milan coach Antonio Conte, pleased with the club's victory over Cagliari, said it was a 'great response from the lads'. "I'm really pleased, it was a great response from the lads.

Inter Milan coach Antonio Conte, pleased with the club's victory over Cagliari, said it was a 'great response from the lads'. "I'm really pleased, it was a great response from the lads. Even from those who've played less of late and those who were coming back from injury," the club's official website quoted Conte as saying. Inter Milan secured a massive 4-1 win over Cagliari during their Coppa Italia on Wednesday. Romelu Lukaku scored twice in the match while Borja Valero and Andrea Ranocchia netted one goal each. Conte said: "There's real harmony among this group, they are a great bunch of lads that want to do well. I'm really pleased to be working with them." Despite Lukaku's brilliant performance, Conte feels there is still room for improvement. "You know that I don't like to talk too much about individuals. Romelu is proving his worth and he can still keep improving," he said.

Coppa Italia: Inter Milan's victory over Cagliar pleases Conte

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../ac-milans-old-canon-ibrahimovic-leaves-match- untouched-272633">Zlatan Ibrahimovic</a> scored on his first start since returning to AC Milan as his side earned a 2-0 win away to Cagliari on Saturday to end a three-match winless run in Serie A.

The Swede, who joined the Italian club for a second time on a free transfer in December, swept in a finish on the 64th minute after Rafael Leao's deflected strike broke the deadlock early in the second half.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serie-a-lazio-fined-after-fans-racially-insult-balotelli-273162">Serie A: Lazio fined after fans racially insult Balotelli</a>

Ibrahimovic, who made his second debut for the club off the bench during Monday's 0-0 draw with Sampdoria, has now scored a top-flight senior goal in four different decades.

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God mode celebration 🔛<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IZBACK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IZBACK</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CagliariMilan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CagliariMilan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SempreMilan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SempreMilan</a> <a href="https://t.co/CqHqF7RvGB">pic.twitter.com/CqHqF7RvGB</a>
— AC Milan (@acmilan) <a href="https://twitter.com/acmilan/status/1216043566344130562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The result elevates Milan to eighth place on 25 points ahead of the rest of the weekend's fixtures, after a run of three games without victory, in which they failed to score a single goal.

Cagliari have now suffered four consecutive league defeats, but remain in sixth place with 29 points.

"It's important for a striker to score; sometimes it goes in, sometimes it doesn't," Ibrahimovic told Sky Sport Italia.

"I feel good, I got a few things wrong at the start of the game, but I need a few matches to get into top form.

"The coach thinks about my age but it's not a problem, my mind is still sharp and the body must follow."

Milan coach Stefano Pioli selected Ibrahimovic alongside Leao in attack as he switched to a 4-4-2 formation, and the 38-year-old came close in the first half when his header was tipped onto the foot of the post by Cagliari goalkeeper Robin Olsen.

The visitors broke through within a minute of the restart when Leao latched onto a long Samu Castillejo pass and saw his low effort loop over Olsen and into the net after taking a big deflection.

Ibrahimovic topped off an impressive performance with a goal midway through the second half, when he directed a low left-footed shot into the bottom corner from 12 yards out.

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😎 Sunday Morning ( late sleep ) mood 😎<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IZBACK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IZBACK</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SempreMilan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SempreMilan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SundayMood?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SundayMood</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CagliariMilan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CagliariMilan</a> <a href="https://t.co/6w3ctLYobL">pic.twitter.com/6w3ctLYobL</a>
— AC Milan (@acmilan) <a href="https://twitter.com/acmilan/status/1216253475786575872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The Swede thought he had a second in the closing stages when he headed home a cross, but the goal was disallowed for offside.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored on his first start since returning to AC Milan as his side earned a 2-0 win away to Cagliari on Saturday to end a three-match winless run in Serie A.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored on his first start since returning to AC Milan as his side earned a 2-0 win away to Cagliari on Saturday to end a three-match winless run in Serie A. The Swede, who joined the Italian club for a second time on a free transfer in December, swept in a finish on the 64th minute after Rafael Leao's deflected strike broke the deadlock early in the second half. Also read: Serie A: Lazio fined after fans racially insult Balotelli Ibrahimovic, who made his second debut for the club off the bench during Monday's 0-0 draw with Sampdoria, has now scored a top-flight senior goal in four different decades. God mode celebration 🔛#IZBACK #CagliariMilan #SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/CqHqF7RvGB — AC Milan (@acmilan) January 11, 2020 × The result elevates Milan to eighth place on 25 points ahead of the rest of the weekend's fixtures, after a run of three games without victory, in which they failed to score a single goal. Cagliari have now suffered four consecutive league defeats, but remain in sixth place with 29 points. "It's important for a striker to score; sometimes it goes in, sometimes it doesn't," Ibrahimovic told Sky Sport Italia. "I feel good, I got a few things wrong at the start of the game, but I need a few matches to get into top form. "The coach thinks about my age but it's not a problem, my mind is still sharp and the body must follow." Milan coach Stefano Pioli selected Ibrahimovic alongside Leao in attack as he switched to a 4-4-2 formation, and the 38-year-old came close in the first half when his header was tipped onto the foot of the post by Cagliari goalkeeper Robin Olsen. The visitors broke through within a minute of the restart when Leao latched onto a long Samu Castillejo pass and saw his low effort loop over Olsen and into the net after taking a big deflection. Ibrahimovic topped off an impressive performance with a goal midway through the second half, when he directed a low left-footed shot into the bottom corner from 12 yards out. 😎 Sunday Morning ( late sleep ) mood 😎#IZBACK #SempreMilan #SundayMood #CagliariMilan pic.twitter.com/6w3ctLYobL — AC Milan (@acmilan) January 12, 2020 × The Swede thought he had a second in the closing stages when he headed home a cross, but the goal was disallowed for offside.

Serie A: Zlatan Ibrahimovic winner lifts AC Milan gloom with victory at Cagliari

Belgium and Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku made a plea to football federations and social media platforms on Monday to do more to fight racism after he was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/romelu-lukaku-sends-inter-top-after-racist-abuse-at-cagliari-247095">subjected to racist abuse</a> in Sunday's 2-1 Serie A victory at Cagliari.

The former Manchester United striker appeared to be the target of monkey chants from the home crowd at the Sardegna Arena -- the same venue where former Juventus forward Moise Kean was also abused -- as he prepared to take the decisive penalty.

Several black players have suffered online racist abuse in recent weeks, including United's Paul Pogba and Chelsea's Tammy Abraham and Kurt Zouma.

Lukaku lamented the lack of action despite years of complaints.

"Many players in the last month have suffered from racial abuse. I did yesterday too," Lukaku said on Instagram. "Football is a game to be enjoyed and we shouldn't accept any form of discrimination that will put our game in shame.

"I hope the football federations all over the world react strongly on all cases of discrimination.

"Social media platforms (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook) need to work better as well with football clubs because every day you see at least a racist comment under a post of a person of colour. We've been saying it for years and still no action.

"Ladies and gentlemen it's 2019 - instead of going forwards we're going backwards ... As players we need to unify and make a statement on this matter to keep this game clean and enjoyable for everyone."

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard had also called on social media companies to register their users so they could be held accountable for online racist abuse.

Twitter said last month that it would meet with United and the anti-discrimination group Kick It Out to address online racist abuse towards players in Britain.

Last season, a number of Premier League players backed a Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) campaign to boycott social media for 24 hours in a stand against racism.

Belgium and Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku made a plea to football federations and social media platforms on Monday to do more to fight racism after he was subjected to racist abuse in Sunday's 2-1 Serie A victory at Cagliari.

Belgium and Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku made a plea to football federations and social media platforms on Monday to do more to fight racism after he was subjected to racist abuse in Sunday's 2-1 Serie A victory at Cagliari. The former Manchester United striker appeared to be the target of monkey chants from the home crowd at the Sardegna Arena -- the same venue where former Juventus forward Moise Kean was also abused -- as he prepared to take the decisive penalty. Several black players have suffered online racist abuse in recent weeks, including United's Paul Pogba and Chelsea's Tammy Abraham and Kurt Zouma. Lukaku lamented the lack of action despite years of complaints. "Many players in the last month have suffered from racial abuse. I did yesterday too," Lukaku said on Instagram. "Football is a game to be enjoyed and we shouldn't accept any form of discrimination that will put our game in shame. "I hope the football federations all over the world react strongly on all cases of discrimination. "Social media platforms (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook) need to work better as well with football clubs because every day you see at least a racist comment under a post of a person of colour. We've been saying it for years and still no action. "Ladies and gentlemen it's 2019 - instead of going forwards we're going backwards ... As players we need to unify and make a statement on this matter to keep this game clean and enjoyable for everyone." Chelsea boss Frank Lampard had also called on social media companies to register their users so they could be held accountable for online racist abuse. Twitter said last month that it would meet with United and the anti-discrimination group Kick It Out to address online racist abuse towards players in Britain. Last season, a number of Premier League players backed a Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) campaign to boycott social media for 24 hours in a stand against racism.

'We're going backwards' says Romelu Lukaku after racist abuse at Cagliari

Italian football was involved in another racism storm on Sunday as Romelu Lukaku was targeted by monkey chants before putting Inter Milan top of Serie A with the winning penalty in their 2-1 triumph at Cagliari.

Lukaku — a 65 million euros ($73 million) summer signing from Manchester United — was preparing to take the spot-kick in the 71st minute in Sardinia when the racist chants came from the crowd that continued for several seconds.

The 26-year-old Belgian international angrily looked towards the stands before confidently converting his second goal in as many games, which came after Lautaro Martinez's 28th-minute opener for the Antonio Conte's side and Joao Pedro's leveller for the hosts four minutes after the break.

Lukaku was quickly surrounded by his teammates as Inter won their second from two league matches to sit ahead of champions Juventus, who also are on maximum points following their thrilling 4-3 win over Napoli on Saturday.

Racist chanting has dogged Italian stadia in recent years, with Italy striker Moise Kean also the victim of similar abuse — alongside teammate Blaise Matuidi — at Cagliari after he scored a goal there for his former team Juventus last April.

Kalidou Koulibaly was showered with monkey chants last season by Lukaku's new fans at the San Siro, while several other black players have been targeted.

"I didn't hear (the chants)," said Conte.&nbsp;

"I can speak however in general: I think we need to improve in Italy, respect everyone.

"When I was working abroad, the fans would cheer on their own team, not spend their entire time insulting the opponent. I was fine here, noone insulted me."

Torino are right alongside Inter and local rivals Juve after shocking Atalanta 3-2, while Lazio missed the chance to keep the pace with that trio after drawing an eventful Rome derby 1-1.&nbsp;

Aleksandar Kolarov put Roma ahead in the 17th minute against the run of play with a well-taken penalty, but Luis Alberto grabbed the equaliser just before the hour mark to leave Paulo Fonseca without a win as new Roma boss.

'Extraordinary show'

Lazio missed several chances to seal a second win from their two opening games, hitting the woodwork four times with Roma rattling the frame of the goal twice. The hosts' biggest regret was Manuel Lazzari's 92nd-minute strike being ruled out for offside.

"There's a bit of bitterness. We had 21 shots on goal, hit the woodwork four times and a goal ruled out," said Lazio coach Simone Inzaghi.

"We had so many chances and you have to win games like that."

"We offered an extraordinary show for the public, and a great thrill for me as a coach, at my first Rome derby," said Fonseca.

The derby took place amid heightened security after the murder of former Lazio ultras chiefs Fabrizio Piscitelli, nicknamed "Diabolik", who was shot dead in the capital last month.

Piscitelli was for almost 30 years the boss of Lazio's hardcore Irriducibili ("Die Hards") fan group, which is notorious for its far-right politics.

Lazio fans unfurled a banner in his honour before the match with "Rest in peace Fabrizio".

Torino are also on maximum points after their comeback win at Atalanta, who qualified for this season's Champions League by finishing third last season.

Kevin Bonifazi had put Torino ahead after 24 minutes before Duvan Zapata's double either side of the break for Atalanta.

But Alex Berenguer got Torino back level on 57 minutes with Armando Izzo nodding in the winner on 66 minutes.

Fiorentina fell to their second straight defeat 2-1 at Genoa, as did Sampdoria who were hammered 4-1 at Sassuolo thanks to a Domenico Berardi hat-trick scored in 14 first-half minutes.

Italian football was involved in another racism storm on Sunday as Romelu Lukaku was targeted by monkey chants before putting Inter Milan top of Serie A with the winning penalty in their 2-1 triumph at Cagliari.

Italian football was involved in another racism storm on Sunday as Romelu Lukaku was targeted by monkey chants before putting Inter Milan top of Serie A with the winning penalty in their 2-1 triumph at Cagliari. Lukaku — a 65 million euros ($73 million) summer signing from Manchester United — was preparing to take the spot-kick in the 71st minute in Sardinia when the racist chants came from the crowd that continued for several seconds. The 26-year-old Belgian international angrily looked towards the stands before confidently converting his second goal in as many games, which came after Lautaro Martinez's 28th-minute opener for the Antonio Conte's side and Joao Pedro's leveller for the hosts four minutes after the break. Lukaku was quickly surrounded by his teammates as Inter won their second from two league matches to sit ahead of champions Juventus, who also are on maximum points following their thrilling 4-3 win over Napoli on Saturday. Racist chanting has dogged Italian stadia in recent years, with Italy striker Moise Kean also the victim of similar abuse — alongside teammate Blaise Matuidi — at Cagliari after he scored a goal there for his former team Juventus last April. Kalidou Koulibaly was showered with monkey chants last season by Lukaku's new fans at the San Siro, while several other black players have been targeted. "I didn't hear (the chants)," said Conte. "I can speak however in general: I think we need to improve in Italy, respect everyone. "When I was working abroad, the fans would cheer on their own team, not spend their entire time insulting the opponent. I was fine here, noone insulted me." Torino are right alongside Inter and local rivals Juve after shocking Atalanta 3-2, while Lazio missed the chance to keep the pace with that trio after drawing an eventful Rome derby 1-1. Aleksandar Kolarov put Roma ahead in the 17th minute against the run of play with a well-taken penalty, but Luis Alberto grabbed the equaliser just before the hour mark to leave Paulo Fonseca without a win as new Roma boss. 'Extraordinary show' Lazio missed several chances to seal a second win from their two opening games, hitting the woodwork four times with Roma rattling the frame of the goal twice. The hosts' biggest regret was Manuel Lazzari's 92nd-minute strike being ruled out for offside. "There's a bit of bitterness. We had 21 shots on goal, hit the woodwork four times and a goal ruled out," said Lazio coach Simone Inzaghi. "We had so many chances and you have to win games like that." "We offered an extraordinary show for the public, and a great thrill for me as a coach, at my first Rome derby," said Fonseca. The derby took place amid heightened security after the murder of former Lazio ultras chiefs Fabrizio Piscitelli, nicknamed "Diabolik", who was shot dead in the capital last month. Piscitelli was for almost 30 years the boss of Lazio's hardcore Irriducibili ("Die Hards") fan group, which is notorious for its far-right politics. Lazio fans unfurled a banner in his honour before the match with "Rest in peace Fabrizio". Torino are also on maximum points after their comeback win at Atalanta, who qualified for this season's Champions League by finishing third last season. Kevin Bonifazi had put Torino ahead after 24 minutes before Duvan Zapata's double either side of the break for Atalanta. But Alex Berenguer got Torino back level on 57 minutes with Armando Izzo nodding in the winner on 66 minutes. Fiorentina fell to their second straight defeat 2-1 at Genoa, as did Sampdoria who were hammered 4-1 at Sassuolo thanks to a Domenico Berardi hat-trick scored in 14 first-half minutes.

Romelu Lukaku sends Inter top after racist abuse at Cagliari

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