A solitary goal from Nene eased Cagliari's relegation fears and inflicted a fourth straight defeat on free-falling Hellas Verona.
The Sardinians had slipped dangerously close to the Serie A drop zone in recent weeks but a 1-0 victory at the Stadio Sant'Elia saw them pull eight points clear of 18th-placed Livorno.
Verona, now in 10th, were the surprise package in the first half of the season and looked set to challenge for a Europa League place but have now failed to score or earn a point since February.