Cagliari’s early-season rise gathered further substance in Udine, where the Sardinian side claimed another win and moved into third place, with the rest of the round still to be played. Fabio Pisacane’s team have made a striking start, built around work with a young group that is beginning to answer the demands of Serie A.
A young Cagliari side keeps growing
- Cagliari won away at Udinese, a result that lifted them to third in the table on a provisional basis.
- Alessandro Romano, signed from Roma during the summer, has emerged as one of the leading figures in the opening part of the campaign.
- The midfielder’s form has also brought an Italy senior call-up for the forthcoming Nations League matches. Roberto Mancini secured Romano’s international commitment ahead of Switzerland.
Pisacane believes Romano is only beginning to understand his own level. The Cagliari coach compared him with Kevin Strootman, while arguing that the youngster may offer even greater physical impact.
“Alessandro does not fully realise how strong he is,” Pisacane said. “He brings Strootman to mind, although physically he may have an even bigger influence.”
The coach intends to give Romano regular opportunities, including through the mistakes that can accompany a young player’s development. Pisacane said the midfielder needs matches to gain experience and continue his progress, adding that he appears more advanced in his maturity than Palestra, despite Palestra also having made errors.
Maldini responds after accident
Daniel Maldini scored against Udinese after being involved in a road accident last weekend. Pisacane explained that the player had sustained a knock and was not in ideal physical condition, but made himself available for selection.
“He was not at his best after the accident because of the contusion,” Pisacane said. “But he told me he was available, so I chose to use him. What he did today confirmed the qualities I had already seen in him.”
Pisacane also pointed to the understanding developing between Maldini and those around him in attack, suggesting it would have been wrong to leave him out given that growing connection.
Patience with Mendy, confidence in Adopo
The Cagliari coach also stressed the need for patience with Mendy. Pisacane described him as a very young player arriving from a very different environment, with elements of his game still requiring development.
“We brought him here because we believe in his ability,” Pisacane said. “He is now finding continuity. Some qualities come naturally to him; others will have to emerge over time. When he makes mistakes, he should be supported rather than punished, so that he can trust his own strengths.”
Adopo received similar praise after a disciplined performance in Udine. Pisacane had asked him to track one of Udinese’s wide players, a task that required him to adjust between moving towards the flank and defending in more central areas.
“He adapts well to different situations,” the coach said. “His improvement has surprised me, and he looks more assured with every match.”
For Cagliari, the points in Udine matter beyond their temporary league position. Pisacane’s side are collecting results while giving responsibility to players still forming their place at the club, and Romano’s Italy recognition has become the clearest sign of how quickly that work is being noticed.
