Football Season Guide

Following 2 anonymous salvations in a row, last season they finished just 3 points above the drop line, ambitious Cagliari management decided that it was high time to make a move towards the top 10 of Serie A. Firstly, they confirmed coach Rolando Maran at the helm, as he has proven capable of getting the best out of his boys. Then, in order to strengthen the squad, they had to let their best talent, Barella, go to Inter for plenty of cash, and to re-invest such money on some quality additions. However, their best signing was made for free. Thanks to the relationship existing between Inter and President Giulini, a stockholder of the nerazzurri, Cagliari obtained the return of Nainggolan on loan. Coming off a forgettable campaign, he is looking for redemption, and he should represent the perfect alternative to Barella himself. The midfield is certainly the department mostly renewed and strengthened by the Sardinians. In fact, Maran will also be able to count on Rog and Nandez, a talent not yet in full bloom, and one that has to prove his skills on the European stage respectively. Last but not least, Castro should be at his best after recovering from 2 serious knee injuries. For the attack, they opted for just one new arrival, having talented Han back from a loan to Perugia. This might represent their main weakness, especially since they had a far-from-prolific attack last season, as they relied almost exclusively on Pavoletti’s headers. At the back, they lost both regular full-backs as Srna retired and Pellegrini returned to his parent club, Roma. Cacciatore will thus be promoted as regular right-back. At left-back, they signed Mattiello but should be able to re-obtain Pellegrini’s services from his new club, Juventus.