Cagliari Calcio striker Victor Ibarbo has earned his side a draw for the third successive match at Livorno tonight, with both teams continuing a solid start in Serie A with a 1-1 draw.

Livorno shaded a tight opening as Paulinho went close with an early header, before Radja Nainggolan forced Francesco Bardi into a smart save at the other end.

Midway through the first period Livorno took the lead thanks to a fine counter full of pace and purpose.

Alfred Duncan led the break and found Innocent Emeghara, who in turn found Andrea Luci to apply the finish from close range.

Emeghara then had a strike ruled out for offisde and that allowed Cagliari back into the match, with the hosts able to level early in the second half.

Ibarbo was the man who found the equaliser, taking advantage of time and space in the penalty area to slot his first of the campaign.

Cagliari controlled possession and territory after that breakthrough but were unable to find a winner, with Nene and Mauricio Pinilla both denied by Bardi in the closing stages.