Cagliari arrive in Udine with the early season already offering a different kind of promise: not a loud claim, but a team collecting results, defending with discipline and learning how to hurt opponents when space appears. Three victories from four league matches have given Fabio Pisacane’s side a strong platform before the international break, though the coach has urged his players and supporters to keep their ambitions rooted in reality.
The coach and the club
Pisacane will again be able to call on Yerry Mina for the fifth-round trip, as Cagliari seek to extend a start built on wins at Parma and Atalanta, as well as a home success against Lecce. Their only defeat came at home to Inter, the league’s most prolific attacking side.
The numbers underline the work done by the Rossoblù. Cagliari have conceded only twice in four rounds, with Inter and Atalanta the only teams to score against them. Only Roma, having allowed one goal, have a better defensive record at this stage.
There has also been a clear adjustment from last season. Cagliari had previously leaned heavily on Marco Palestra’s energy on the right, but the midfield is now central to their identity. English playmaker Harry Winks, brought in following an initiative from lawyer Antonio Romei, has formed an influential partnership with Alessandro Romano. The younger midfielder supplies running and timing, while Winks brings control on the ball.
Pisacane has used 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-2-1 systems, pushing Michel Adopo into more advanced positions and placing Daniel Maldini near the centre-forward. Cagliari’s transitions have become a major weapon: a small number of direct passes can carry them quickly into the penalty area.
Paul Mendy, the Senegalese forward born in 2007, has embodied that threat. He scored against Verona in the Coppa Italia and then found the net in last weekend’s win in Bergamo. Maldini has also begun well, scoring twice, but his availability at Udinese is in doubt after suffering a knock.
His week has been complicated beyond football. Maldini was involved in a car accident in Milan during the night between Saturday and Sunday. His driving licence was withdrawn and he faces a report for driving under the influence of alcohol, while an initial drugs test may also have returned a positive result. Final test findings are expected early next week.
Seven Cagliari players will join their national teams after this round, including Romano and Maldini with Italy.
A test in Udine before the break
Udinese have made a slower beginning, taking four points and losing their last two fixtures against Lazio and Inter. Injuries have affected the Friulani, particularly in defence, where Jaka Bijol’s side are without Solet and Palma. They have already conceded 10 goals, with lapses in concentration adding to the difficulty.
Yet the hosts remain a serious examination for a Cagliari side looking for another significant away result. Last season, Udinese controlled the home meeting but had to settle for a 1-1 draw, before winning 2-0 in Sardinia.
The match will carry a sustainability theme and Cagliari will be followed by 530 travelling supporters. They will join a crowd that includes 14,138 Udinese season-ticket holders, alongside other fans expected for an afternoon of related initiatives.
Pisacane has recognised both the opportunity and the need for restraint. “Udinese can compete for Europe,” he said. “Our supporters are right to dream, but we must remain grounded. That does not mean looking downwards; it means building solid foundations so that we can aim higher. We have to make the best use of our strengths.”
It is a sensible message before the pause: Cagliari have earned admiration through their opening month, but Udine offers another chance to show that their early momentum has substance.
