Cagliari went through some big changes during the summer. Controversial owner Massimo Cellino sold the club after 22 years at the helm, and the owner is a former member of Inter's board, Tomaso Giullini. The rossoblu were able to stay clear of relegation last season despite being forced to play home games in far away Trieste, as their stadiums, the Sant'Elia and Is Arenas, were unable to meet security requirements. This season, that changes as well. The Sant'Elia is back in business.
2014-2015 Serie A preview: Cagliari take a risk on Zeman
The Sardinian side are under new ownership, who’ve handed the reigns to Zdeněk Zeman. Will the Czech’s all-out attacking system keep Cagliari safe?
Cagliari Calcio:Cagliari, Sardegna Last season: 15thCoach: Zdeněk Zeman
One of the first things the new owner had to do upon assuming his role was to find a coach. Giulliani didn’t want just anyone. He wanted a coach that could reignite the long lost love between the city and the club. So he chose Zdeněk Zeman. That, plus bringing in young, talented players, gives Cagliari fans hope of a bright future.
Key player
Despite spending most of the last 20 years in the lower parts of the table, Cagliari have always had exciting forwards in their team. Marco Sau is a very quick, technical player, who should flourish in Zeman’s direct, all-out attack style of football. In fact, he already did benefit from Zeman’s style, back in their Foggia days in Lega Pro.
Key departures and arrivals
In: Samuele Longo, Lorenzo Crisetig, Simone Benedetti, Marco Capuano, Luca Ceppitelli, Manuel Almunia, Alessandro Capello, Simone Colombi
Reasons to watch
Zdeněk Zeman. He didn’t have the best of times at Roma two seasons ago, but Cagliari is the kind of team that usually suits him. A new beginning, enthusiasm, lots of young, exciting players. Zeman’s football is extremely risky. This makes his appointment at any club risky. It will, no doubt, be spectacular, whether it’s successful or not.
Predicted finish
Mid-table. A decent start to the season might be hard for the isolani, until players adjust to Zeman’s system, but given the quality, especially in the attack, there shouldn’t be any relegation worries.
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