View from the Opposition: Cagliari

Alberto Masu is a member of Unione Sarda, and gave us his thoughts on Walter Mazzarri’s side so far this season…

Does the 3-0 defeat against Fiorentina mean Mazzarri’s job is already at risk?

“Well, working from the premise that a coach’s job is always somewhat at risk in football, I still think that Mazzarri’s position is fairly secure. We are talking about a well-known coach, perhaps the most established the club has had in recent years, and one who also signed a three-year contract with the club. So clearly there has always been an idea in mind that his would be a long-term project.

“But of course these are always words which never mean quite as much as the results – which, if they are bad, good see him gone.”

Why are Cagliari seemingly so fragile at the moment?

“I think this Cagliari was cursed with two major flaws. The first one was the coach: Fabio Semplici was kept on, but without real backing. The club really wanted Ivan Juric, who ultimately chose Torino instead. So at that point Semplici kept his job after overseeing last season’s great escape, albeit without ever turning the team into a really functional side.

“The other flaw was a summer transfer window without real spending – the club only paid €100,000 in transfer fees (for back-up goalkeeper Radunovic), for everything else it was loans and free transfers. A few starters arrived just before the season began, with no pre-season to speak of. And I think you see the results of that in the scorelines and the current league table.”

Joao Pedro, Strootman, Godin: are they the team’s leaders?

“In terms of their experience, yes. But overall Cagliari seem to lack a bit of personality as a squad and they don’t really seem to know how to react whenever they experience a setback. Joao has a deep bond with Cagliari but he is not a loud voice in the dressing room, while Strootman has only just arrived and Godin spent the summer thinking he was gone – only for circumstances and convenience to lead him to stay another season.”

Do you think the team will change from the one that lost in Florence?

“It’s difficult to imagine that happening, because the list of injuries at the moment is pretty long. It’s hard to see Nandez being back, while Caceres, Strootman and Godin will probably all be last-minute decisions. Mazzarri, as he said himself, needs to basically pick and choose his formation based purely on who is available.”

What are the main things Roma should be worried about?

“I could say history – because in Cagliari these two sides have traditionally played out some surreal contests. Incredible comebacks, inexplicable implosions and basically anything else you could think of.

“Then, ofcourse, there is always the risk you face when you come up against a side like Cagliari; they are a team with players that, in any moment, can suddenly snap into life and produce a decisive moment.”

Which player from Roma do you think Cagliari will be most worried about?

“Let’s say that when a side is second from bottom, with the third worst attack in the league and the fourth worst defence, you’re probably going to be worried about any and all of them. Even Mourinho, although he’s suspended for this game.

“But if I have to pick out just one then I will probably have to say Lorenzo Pellegrini, because Cagliari struggle a bit in that zone between the attack and midfield.”

What’s your prediction for the game?

“Looking at the table and the statistics, you would have to say that Roma are the favourites. But when these two sides play it always seems like anything can happen.”