Cagliari’s resurgence in Serie A has attracted attention this season as the Sardinian club continues its strong form under manager Fabio Pisacane. Once Serie A champions in 1970 but largely absent from title conversations in recent decades, Cagliari has made an impressive start, winning four of their first five matches—a performance unseen for more than 50 years.
This promising run follows a robust finish to last season, during which Cagliari won four of their final seven games. Pisacane, a respected figure who took over as head coach in 2025 after working within the club’s academy and serving as assistant coach, has been credited with building a cohesive and tactically disciplined side. Pisacane’s personal story is notable: as a player, he overcame Guillain-Barré syndrome and later exposed a match-fixing attempt, earning recognition for his integrity and resilience.
Among Cagliari’s key contributors is Daniel Maldini, who has found renewed form after years spent in the shadow of his renowned footballing family. Maldini, the son of former AC Milan defender Paolo Maldini and grandson of Cesare Maldini, had struggled to establish himself at Milan and with subsequent loans to Spezia, Empoli, Monza, Atalanta, and Lazio. However, at Cagliari, he has scored in four consecutive Serie A matches, demonstrating his ability to link midfield and attack within Pisacane’s system. Maldini marked his 25th birthday with a decisive goal in a recent 1-1 draw against Juventus, underscoring his growing influence.
The draw against Juventus was a tightly contested affair, highlighted by Cagliari’s youthful squad—most regular starters are 25 or younger—and experienced professionals like former England international Harry Winks and Colombian defender Yerry Mina. Winks has publicly praised Pisacane’s coaching, describing him as a top-level tactician who has improved the team and individual players alike. The match itself featured notable moments including a close-range goal by Maldini and a series of saves by Cagliari’s goalkeeper Stefano Caprile.
The game ended with both Pisacane and Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti receiving red cards following a brief altercation. The incident appeared to stem from a misunderstanding, with Spalletti later stating he had been commending Pisacane on his team’s time-wasting tactics. Pisacane’s reaction suggested surprise and bemusement at the dismissal.
Cagliari’s recent performances stand in contrast to their modest historical record. Their run of six wins and one draw in their last eight matches—including results dating back to the previous season—is one of the league’s best over that stretch, second only to Roma. This continued success, driven by a blend of emerging talent and experienced leadership, positions Cagliari as an unexpected contender in Serie A’s competitive landscape. Meanwhile, teams like Como and Roma remain in contention to challenge the dominant Inter Milan, alongside Lazio, who currently share the top spot with Inter despite facing challenges such as limited home support.
As the season progresses, Cagliari’s ability to maintain this level of performance will be closely watched, particularly with the strategic guidance of Pisacane and the contributions of players like Maldini and Winks proving pivotal.