Lazio strengthened their pursuit of a top-four spot in Serie A by defeating a nine-man Cagliari 2-1 on Monday. Mattia Zaccagni's penalty in the 76th minute secured the win for Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico, placing them fifth in the standings and within striking distance of the Champions League positions. The victory marked Lazio's eighth win in nine matches across all competitions, bringing them level on points with Atalanta and Fiorentina in third place. Cagliari's night worsened when Yerry Mina and Michel Adopo were both sent off after Zaccagni's goal. Meanwhile, Mario Balotelli made his Serie A return as Genoa defeated Parma 1-0 to climb out of the relegation zone.