View from the Opposition: Cagliari

Ahead of Roma’s trip to the Stadio Sant’Elia on Sunday, Luca Zanda from www.tuttocagliari.net outlines Cagliari's strengths - and names the players Luciano Spalletti’s team will want to be wary of...

Cagliari are back in Serie A after a year outside the top flight. How have the team’s summer preparations gone ahead of the new season?

“Pre-season went really well. The Cagliari coaching staff have laid the foundations for the team's return to Serie A to give the team the best possible chance. Massimo Rastelli has focused on the physical and tactical side of things and Cagliari have been working on two formations: 3-5-2 and 4-3-1-2.”

What did you make of the first game of the season at Genoa?

“I think we saw a good Cagliari side for about an hour of the game. But then they struggled with Genoa’s intensity and the way they moved the ball, and in the end the home side deserved to win. Niccolo Giannetti might have won the game for Cagliari but they still have a lot of work to do before they're the finished article.”

What do you think of Cagliari's summer transfer business?

“Stefano Capozucca, Cagliari’s sporting director, has been one of the most active members of the club’s hierarchy during the transfer window. The arrival of Marco Borriello and Bruno Alves will bring experience. The Sardinians have also managed to bring on board players like Artur Ionita and Mauricio Isla, who were sought after by some big teams. So it's been a good transfer window.”

Which player do you think could make a real impact this season?

“Joao Pedro could turn out to be a real star. The Brazilian attacking midfielder has the ability to make an impact between the lines. Currently he’s the only player in the team who can really link midfield and attack.”

What formation do you think Cagliari will use against Roma?

“I think Rastelli will go with a 3-5-2. But that could well change if Joao Pedro manages to recover in time. If the No. 10 is available, Cagliari could take on Roma with a 4-3-1-2 formation.”

What do the Cagliari faithful think of Roma? What do they make of the signings the Giallorossi have made so far?

“Cagliari fans respect Spalletti’s side and they're seen as Juventus’ main rivals. The Rossoblu supporters think Roma have had a good transfer window and are curious to see top international players like Thomas Vermaelen, Edin Dzeko and Kevin Strootman in action.”

Which Roma player do Cagliari fans need to be most fearful of?

“The Cagliari fans will surely worry about Mohamed Salah. With his pace, the Egyptian winger will give the Sardinians’ defence a lot to think about. They looked slightly uncomfortable at times in the game in Genoa.”

With the Cagliari squad in mind, if you could poach one player from Roma to slot into Rastelli’s side, who would it be and why?

“Right now I would have to pick an old friend of Cagliari’s – Radja Nainggolan. The Belgian sensation really is Roma’s star player.”

What’s your prediction for Sunday’s game?

“Logic tells me Roma will be victorious, for two reasons. Firstly, they have players like Diego Perotti who are so technically gifted, and secondly the Giallorossi will arrive in Cagliari with the bit between their teeth, having failed to qualify for the Champions League. The Rossoblu will look to capitalise on any hangover from their loss to Porto.”