CALIARI, Italy (AP) – Senegalese teenager Paul Mendy scored twice in his first start for Cagliari, including the opener 16 seconds later, propelling the home side towards a crucial 3-2 victory over Atalanta in Serie A on Monday.
It was a dream full debut for the 19-year-old, who joined Cagliari from Senegalese side AS Banbay last year.
He appeared in five games off the bench, all in March and April, and earned an immediate start in the home match against Atalanta.
Mendy put Cagliari ahead with a header 16 seconds later and added his second eight minutes later.
He was forced off with an injury at half-time, at which point two goals from Gianluca Scamacca tied the game.
But Mendy’s debut was a boon for Cagliari coach Fabio Pisacane. Gennaro Borrelli, who came on in place of Mendy, restored the home team’s advantage two minutes into the second half after some great work from Michael Folorunscho.
The result was decisive for Cagliari, moving them eight points clear of the relegation zone.
It was equally important for Atalanta, whose European hopes ended next season. With four games remaining, they are in seventh place, seven points behind Roma and Como.
Lazio draw with Udinese
Later that night, Lazio and Udinese drew 3-3 at the Estadio Olimpico, with a great goal resulting in an interesting midfield encounter.
Kingsley Ehijibwe’s stunning goal put the visiting Udinese ahead after 17 minutes, but the German’s first goal of the season was canceled out by an equally impressive Luca Pellegrini goal early in the second half.
Lazio took the lead for the first time 10 minutes from time, thanks to a superb strike from Spanish winger Pedro, but Arthur Atta’s goals in the 86th and 93rd minutes sealed victory for Udinese.
Daniel Maldini popped out on almost the last kick of the game, allowing Lazio to equalize and extend his unbeaten home run run to five games.
With this point, Lazio moved up to 8th place, ahead of Bologna.
Udinese remained in 11th place.
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