Cagliari - injuries & suspensions October 2026

Cagliari finished last season’s Serie A campaign in 14th place with 43 points. Staying up secured Fabio Pisacane’s continued work with the first team, and the club extended his contract until 2028. A lot happened in Sardinia over the summer. Daniel Maldini, Jacopo Fazzini, M’Bala Nzola and Harry Winks were among those who joined the squad. There were also several departures, forcing the coaching staff to make changes in a number of positions. This time, Cagliari will be hoping to finish the season without a nervy fight to stay in the league.

Pisacane gets another chance

Last season was Pisacane’s first campaign as a senior-team manager. He had previously worked with Cagliari’s youth sides and won the Coppa Italia Primavera with the team. After a successful Serie A debut, the club’s hierarchy decided to back him. The coach knows the academy and its young players, and could have the chance to give some of them more minutes this season.

Several players who can form the backbone of the team have stayed. Elia Caprile remains in goal, while Yerry Mina plays an important role in defence. Zé Pedro and Adam Obert are also there. Michel Adopo and Alessandro Deiola have stayed in midfield, although competition for places has increased considerably. Pisacane can still count on Paul Mendy up front. However, after the summer signings, the coach will have to find room for the new arrivals.

Maldini and Fazzini expected to add more in attack

Daniel Maldini joined Cagliari on loan from Atalanta. He can play behind the striker or on the left, cutting inside to find space to create chances. Jacopo Fazzini, who joined on loan from Fiorentina, is similarly versatile. The midfielder can drive forward and support his teammates in the box. Alessandro Romano also joined the squad from Roma.

Roberto Gagliardini, signed after leaving Hellas Verona, and Harry Winks, who arrived from Leicester City, are expected to bring more experience. Winks can dictate play and help the team play out from the back under pressure. Cagliari have, however, lost Gianluca Gaetano, who was sold to Atalanta, and Matteo Prati, who joined Racing Santander on loan. The midfield therefore looks different from how it did before the summer break.

Nzola joins permanently, more forwards arrive on loan

M’Bala Nzola joined Cagliari permanently from Fiorentina. He is a striker who can battle with defenders and hold the ball up under pressure. He is joined by Kevin Carlos, on loan from Nice, and Alieu Fadera from Como. The club hopes its new attacking options will lead to more goalscoring chances. Sebastiano Esposito, who joined Sassuolo on loan, and Andrea Belotti have also left the team. Esposito’s departure in particular represents a major change in attack, so Nzola and the other forwards will have to take responsibility for scoring goals. Maldini and Fazzini, who can play closer to the opposition box, are expected to help them.

Changes in defence too

Udinese have also strengthened the full-back positions. Yukinari Sugawara, signed from Southampton, will play on the right. The Japanese player likes to join attacks and can deliver crosses into the box, which could help the team create goalscoring opportunities. Giuseppe Aurelio, signed from Spezia, will compete for a place on the left. Raphael Kofler has also joined the squad, giving the coach another option when selecting his team. The new arrivals are expected to help spread the workload among the players on both flanks.

No repeat of the relegation battle?

Fourteenth place last season was not a result that would satisfy the fans for long. Cagliari want to stay well clear of the relegation zone this time, and the rebuilt squad gives the coach several new options. The team must find a way to score regularly and avoid the mistakes that cost them points last season. It will be an important test for Pisacane. He has already completed his first Serie A season, knows the club and has been given another chance. Now he must show that Cagliari are capable of a calmer campaign.