Cagliari have moved eight points above the Serie A relegation zone with a 1-0 victory over Hellas Verona this evening.

The home side took the lead in the 31st minute when Francesco Pisano picked out Nene to power a header past Rafael.

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Nene came close again at the end of the first half when he latched on to a ball in the box before drilling in a low strike that was kept out by the keeper.

After the break, Nene continued to look the player most likely to find the net, as he headed Agim Ibraimi's cross over.

Segundo Ibarbo was inches away from finding the net moments later when his close-range effort crashed off the post, before Matias Vecino saw a shot saved by Rafael.

Cagliari continued to dominate and Ibarbo threatened again when he fired an effort narrowly over the bar.

In the final minute Verona came close to snatching a point but Vladimir Avramov kept out Luca Toni's header to earn his side the win.