Enzo Kouadio opened the scoring shortly before half-time, before Gustavo Varela struck twice in the second period. Robinson also found the net as Monza punished Cagliari for losing their defensive organisation.
The result left Cagliari coach Fabio Pisacane furious with his team’s attitude. He apologised to the supporters who had travelled to watch the match and admitted the performance had fallen well below the standards he expected.
“I owe an apology to the 1,400 people who spent money to watch a disgraceful display like this. There are different ways to lose. We did not represent them,” Pisacane said.
“I saw things very clearly from above and know what I need to correct. We have come back down to earth, and against a team we knew everything about, we should have done much better.”
Pisacane was particularly unhappy with the lack of fight, insisting that the responsibility rested with the whole team rather than his own position on the touchline.
“Every team reflects its coach. I always start from a general principle: attitude. You first need a combative spirit, and today there was none at all. I am angry at seeing a team that did not look like a team.”
He acknowledged that Cagliari had competed during the opening period, but said the final score left little room for consolation. Monza, meanwhile, had shown the determination required of a side fighting to establish itself in the division.
Juric admitted Cagliari had caused problems before the interval, particularly with their formation, but was delighted by how his players responded.
“It was a tough game. Cagliari surprised us with their system in the first half, but in the second half we settled down and interpreted the game very well,” Juric said.
He praised Varela’s finishing and willingness to keep improving, noting that the forward had converted his chances with impressive regularity. The coach also highlighted the work behind Monza’s attacking approach, built around aggression, winning possession and putting opponents under pressure.
Juric cautioned against assuming every match would unfold so comfortably, pointing out that Cagliari had created opportunities before Monza took control.
For Pisacane, the priority is a response. He said Cagliari must return to the work required for their survival target and rediscover the spirit shown in earlier matches.
Monza left with four goals, a clean sheet and renewed confidence; Cagliari were left with an uncomfortable reminder of how quickly a promising run can unravel.