Cagliari's miraculous survival
Around Christmas, it had appeared that Cagliari had made peace their faith. They had been hammered for the bottom and already started to look like the team from Serie B in a couple of games. Controversial boss, Cellino, had sacked Gianpaolo…some temporary solutions have only pushed the team near Serie B, but the savior, Ballardini, had arrived. This not very famous coach had managed to make a genuine undertaking in only 6 months time. With a great home spell, not only had rossoblu caught up with the rivals, but they also managed to get their feet of the bottom. A survival is a bit unexpected, but it seem that it wasn't enough of a message for the club. Namely, Cellini didn't offer Ballardini a contract renewal, released announcement implies financial issues are the reason. They are once again hoping for surprise, acknowledged Allegri is hired, and the club wants the same results. It appears Cagliari are once again risking entering season not prepared, they didn't bring any big names and hope that bomber Aquafresca is enough of a power for Serie A. However, some things are hard to be repeated in Italy, young Italian cap is not a surprise anymore, while the peace during transfer window is not going to bring nothing good.
Quiet summer at Sardinia
Of all the rookies in the team, only goalie Marchetti can be sure regarding his place in the starting line up…other newcomers are not quite reassuring. Lazzari and Astori might push up the attack and defense line, but those are not the players for the big step forward. One of the best players, Foggia, has left the club, along with some other players. Problem is that Cagliari seem even weaker than last year. They've got the new coach, but they will need more time to adapt his style and at the same time their rivals have done a better job boosting up. It is always like this with the southern teams, their engines are working slowly in front of new season, they spend too much time enjoying in last year's success. It is as if we are looking the same scenario for Cagliari, problematic autumn and then a chase. This time, they might even face a bigger problem, Ballardini's departure is a more of a problem than anyone expected. Now, people might say they are playing the second years together, it can be their advantage in the long season, but they are wrong. Cagliari don't have alternative for either Aquafresca or Jeda and, if one of them fails, it might be a big problem in their campaign. The point is, you can't use the same tricks over and over again.
In
Marchetti (AlbinoLeffe), Lazzari (Grosseto), Astori (Cremonese)
Out
Storari, Marchini, Foggia, Bizzera, Mancosu, Marruocco
Our tip
Cagliari will remain number one relegation candidates for this season too. It is hard to expect they will repeat the same home spring performances, especially since they are traditionally bad away. We are not sure that the new coach will pull the best out of Jeda and Aquafresca because midfield is not as impressive as it was with Foggia. As soon as someone from the first team gets injured, big problems start. There were some rumors that Cellino will sell the club to some American partners of his, that didn't happen and t he financial situation remained the same…club is limited on the market, some sources say they will bring some more defenders until the 1st September but the shortlist is not impressive. Zambrella from Brescia might be the right solution for the left wing, Melara and Colucci are being mentioned, but it is all week for the competition. There are two paths in front of Cagliari, one is Serie B if they get in trouble due to bad kick off, and the other is mid-table if they repeat the great form and collect important points. The first one is more likely to happen…it wouldn't be a surprise for Sardinia to lose a team from serie A at the end of the season.
Our tip: Cagliari to be relegated
Odds 2.75
Bookmaker: Bet365
CL
CLQ
UEFA
RELEG
