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Cagliari have completed their Great Escape to secure another Serie A season!
The Sardinians were seeking a third straight victory to put the threat of relegation behind them after an extraordinary escape in recent weeks and came up against an Udinese side with a UEFA Cup place under lock and key. Cagliari had never conquered the Friuli in Serie A, managing just one victory in the 1962-63 Serie B campaign.
Samir Handanovic blocked an Andrea Cossu free kick and a Robert Acquafresca header.
Udinese had their chance in a tepid first half too, as Antonio Di Natale went on a mazy run to confuse Paolo Bianco before firing just over the bar.
Cagliari had the better of the game, though, as Handanovic stuck out a foot to deny Jeda's angled drive.
The Sardinians broke through straight after the restart when Acquafresca thumped an angled drive past Handanovic at the near post for his 10th goal of the season. It was a classic counter-attack and highlighted how the Friulani were still in the locker room.
Cagliari went 2-0 up through Cossu, who had provided the assist for that opener. Pasquale Foggia dispossessed an Udinese player and a dummy let the ball through for Cossu's powerful finish from 10 yards.
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