Bologna 2 - 2 Cagliari - Bologna leave it late

Posted Sunday, March 06, 2011 by PA

Gaston Ramirez scrambled a dramatic 94th-minute equaliser to earn Bologna a point from a 2-2 draw against Cagliari in a Serie A mid-table battle.

Marco Di Vaio's penalty had given the hosts the lead shortly before the half-hour but Andrea Cossu levelled and Daniele Ragatzu put Cagliari ahead with seven minutes remaining.

Bologna were not finished, though, and Ramirez's late contribution earned them a deserved point.

Cagliari struck the woodwork after 10 minutes through Radja Nainggolan's strike from the edge of the box.

But, having already gone close, Di Vaio put Bologna ahead when he was fouled by Davide Biondini in the box and slotted home the penalty.

Massimo Mutarelli failed to double the lead when he put a diving header wide from close range, before Roberto Acquafresca headed over at the other end.

Agazzi made a good save from Di Vaio's long-range drive, and the same striker lashed over the bar from a narrow angle before half-time.

Cagliari twice went close in the early stages of the second period, Daniele Conti shooting wide before Ragatzu beat two men but was denied by keeper Emiliano Viviano.

The spell of pressure did yield an equaliser in the 59th minute, though, Nainggolan crossing for Cossu to finish right-footed.

Di Vaio missed a golden chance to quickly restore his lead, missing his kick with the goal gaping after possibly being surprised to see Rubin's cross elude defender Lorenzo Auriado.

Rubin skimmed a post from long range before Viviano saved from Conti at the other end.

But the visitors took the lead when Andrea Lazzari teed up Ragatzu to beat Viviano from the edge of the box.

Daniele Paponi rounded home keeper Michael Agazzi but shot wide and Bologna required a great save by Viviano from Lazzari to keep them in the game.

Henry Jimenez headed wide before Cagliari failed to clear a corner and Ramirez got the crucial touch in the ensuing melee.