| Cagliari climb out of the relegation zone and doom Empoli to a fight until the end to avoid the drop after this drubbing in Sardinia.
This was a real relegation six-pointer for teams who were level on points following defeats last week. Empoli boss Gigi Cagni was still looking for his first result after two losses in as many games on the bench, while Cagliari welcomed Antonio Langella back from injury and switched to a 4-4-2 system. Cagni had worked with Coach Nedo Sonetti during his playing career, so it was a cordial reunion at the Stadio Sant'Elia.
It took just two minutes for Cagliari to break the deadlock, as a cross was not cleared effectively and Nelson Abeijon's left-foot half-volley flew in under the crossbar.
Mauro Esposito went close to doubling their lead when David Suazo's backheel flick found the Italian international, but his strike cannoned off the crossbar. Canini performed a crucial clearance on Stefano Lucchini's header.
Esposito eventually got his goal, as Langella sprung the offside trap and rolled back for the Neapolitan to tap in from close range.
Empoli fought back and Lucchini nodded a Lodi free kick over the bar from six yards, then Nicola Pozzi's angled drive skimmed the far post with Antonio Chimenti beaten.
But Cagliari were in chare and extended their lead to 3-0 with top scorer David Suazo. The Honduras international found the tiny space between the goalkeeper and the upright with a precise angled drive.
The visitors were shaken, but did not give in and Chimenti flew to fingertip a Lodi missile that was heading for the top corner of the net.
Empoli got a goal back with Francesco Tavano's 12th of the campaign. He side-footed home a Pozzi cross at the back post.
But Cagliari put the result beyond doubt with their fourth goal. Langella was again the key, as he sprinted down the left flank and crossed in for a diving Esposito header.
Conti could've made it five in the final stages, but his free kick was stopped short by the crossbar.
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