Cagliari 1 : 0 Bologna - Cagliari celebrate welcome win

Cagliari put their off-field woes to one side as they climbed out of the Serie A relegation zone with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Bologna.

Radja Nainggolan's placed finish on the hour was enough to secure the points for the Sardinians in front of a sparse crowd at the Is Arenas Stadium.

Only season ticket holders were allowed into the ground as Cagliari's battle over their home rumbles on, but they could at least celebrate a second win in as many games since Ivo Pulga took charge.

Pulga led Cagliari to their first win away to Torino a fortnight ago and after he saw his side again win 1-0 they are also still to concede since he took the reins from Massimo Ficcadenti.

The hosts had the better of the first half but were lucky not to fall behind on 12 minutes when Alberto Gilardino's effort narrowly failed to cross the line.

The former Italy striker saw his shot hit the inside of the post before replays suggested it just landed on the line as Michael Agazzi gathered.

After surviving that scare Cagliari pushed forward with Nainggolan's long-range effort easily dealt with by Federico Agliardi.

The Bologna goalkeeper then had to be alert when his side almost conceded the most unlikely of goals.

There appeared little danger when Archimede Morleo attempted to clear from well outside the area but his boot forward rebounded off the onrushing Nene and flew towards goal where Agliardi had to acrobatically hold on.

Cagliari remained on top after the beak, with Daniele Conti shooting high over, before Nainggolan grabbed the decisive goal.

Albin Ekdal picked out the Belgium international in the area and he picked his spot with a cool finish.

Bologna attempted to rally but Gilardino missed the target after being well set up by Gyorgy Garics before defender Davide Astori cleared off the line to keep out Manolo Gabbiadini's header.