Fiorentina slide down the standings after this slender defeat in Sardinia, as Robert Acquafresca's penalty continues Cagliari's revival.

This was a tough task for both teams, as the Sardinians had seven points from their last three home games, while Fiorentina needed a win to reduce the gap on the top of the table. Juan Manuel Vargas recovered, but Adrian Mutu, Pablo Daniel Osvaldo and Dario Dainelli missed out. Cagliari were without Francesco Pisano and Michele Canini.

Sebastien Frey celebrated his 300th Serie A appearance and he was called into a tricky early save as a set play ricocheted around the box until Nelson Jeda's strike found its way through.

Stevan Jovetic's volley was only just off target and Alberto Gilardino thought he had scored when tapping in the loose ball from a parried Riccardo Montolivo strike, but he was flagged offside.

Fiorentina were furious when the referee awarded a spot-kick for Alessandro Gamberini's clumsy clash with Robert Acquafresca. While it was soft, the defender did put his arm across Acquafresca's chest. The Under-21 international got back up to convert low despite Frey guessing the right angle.

Michele Fini was halted for an incorrect offside flag as he ran clear on goal, then Marchetti got down well to parry a Jovetic attempt. Per Kroldrup could keep his header from a Vargas free kick on target.

Fiorentina were ineffective upfront and threw on Giampaolo Pazzini. Montolivo's screamer from 30 metres was flapped out from under the bar by Marchetti in a acrobatic save.

Marchetti also parried a dangerous Zdravko Kuzmanovic cross-shot, but soon after the Fiorentina man was stretchered off after a nasty accidental knock to the face.

Cagliari goalkeeper Marchetti was kept busy by Gilardino's header from a Sergio Almiron cross, but at the other end Frey captured the ball at the end of a chaotic move sparked by Andrea Cossu's corner.

Gilardino's penalty appeals for a Matheu push only served to get him a yellow card for simulation.