Watch the highlights, as Claudio Ranieri praised the ‘enormous heart’ of his Cagliari side after coming back from 3-0 down to win 4-3, but Eusebio Di Francesco and Frosinone were stunned.
The Sardinians were without a single victory all season in Serie A and found themselves 3-0 down after 49 minutes, having also missed a penalty.
The comeback started at the 72nd with Gaetano Oristanio, then Antoine Makoumbou four minutes later before substitute Leonardo Pavoletti bagged a brace in stoppages.
“This is what we are, we make incredible mistakes, but this team also has an immense heart and we’re proving that in Serie A too,” Ranieri told Sky Sport Italia.
“This side never gives in and we are so happy to have turned around a game that seemed to be over.”
It is not out of character, as Cagliari only earned promotion with a last-gasp goal away to Bari in the play-offs.
“Pavoletti has a heart of gold and sets the example with his professionalism all week. I use him a bit like Jose Altafini, he has that kind of impact off the bench. If I manage to extend his career, I’ll be very happy.”
Meanwhile, it is the second time that Di Francesco has fumbled a 3-0 lead to lose 4-3 in his Serie A career, though never quite this late in the game.
“I honestly cannot explain what happened. We created so much, were comfortable and then just stopped playing,” the Frosinone coach told Sky Sport Italia.
“I cannot justify or understand it. We handed the game to Cagliari. I would prefer losing 4-0 to a defeat in this fashion.”