CAGLIARI, Italy – Cagliari coach Fabio Pisacane addressed the media Friday ahead of Saturday’s Serie A match against Como at the Unipol Domus stadium. The Rossoblù are preparing to face a Como side that has quickly established itself as a formidable opponent under the guidance of Cesc Fabregas, while grappling with ongoing injury concerns within their own squad.
Pisacane began by acknowledging the respect he holds for Como and their manager. “We seek to beat Como, we know our strengths and possibilities. We’ve beaten other substantial teams and understand we need to triple our efforts,” he stated. The Cagliari coach also expressed his delight at the prospect of seeing former Lecce teammate Mauro Vigorito, now playing for Como. “I’m very happy to witness Mauro again, he’s doing great things and is important for Como, even when not starting. I wish him all the best.”
However, the pre-match press conference was largely dominated by discussion of Cagliari’s injury situation. A significant blow for the Sardinians is the continued absence of striker Gianluca Mina. “Mina is not recovered and stopped due to muscle fatigue,” Pisacane confirmed. “There’s no news regarding other players in the infirmary. We’ll assess the condition of those currently sidelined day by day.” This means Rodriguez and Dossena, who performed well in the recent match against Parma, will again be tasked with filling the void in defense.
The conversation then shifted to Pisacane’s admiration for Fabregas and his tactical approach. “With Cesc there’s mutual respect. He’s a very humble guy, open to dialogue, and I’m very close to his philosophy. We also prefer positional play,” Pisacane revealed. “It’s a continuous exchange of ideas, and he will become a great coach. It will be a pleasure to greet him tomorrow.” This acknowledgement of Fabregas’s influence highlights the tactical challenge Cagliari faces this weekend.
Pisacane also touched upon the progress of Zito Luvumbo, known as Palestra, expressing hope for his inclusion in the upcoming World Cup squad. “I hope Palestra can go to the World Cup, it would be a victory for everyone, not just him. Our staff feels we’ve given something to the player, he arrived in a healthy environment and immediately fell in love with this club. The regret is letting him go in a few months.”
Regarding team selection, Pisacane indicated some uncertainty surrounding the role of Andrea Folorunsho. “Folorunsho can also start as a forward from the 1’, it’s a doubt I carry until the last minute, but he can also play in midfield.” Folorunsho’s versatility provides Pisacane with tactical flexibility as he prepares to counter Como’s strengths.
Pisacane was keen to emphasize the difficulty of facing Como, describing them as “a big team in every sense of the word.” He noted their mobility, particularly highlighting the threat posed by their left-backs – Paz, Da Cunha, and Perrone – who he identified as “the heart of Como.” “Everyone is studying them, everyone knows how they move, but it’s difficult to stop them,” he added. He also praised Como’s project, noting their ability to build a competitive squad with both young talent and experience.
Comparing this match to the first encounter between the two sides earlier in the season, Pisacane acknowledged that Como is now a more confident and formidable opponent. “In the first leg, we knew their potential, their ideas, and their intensity. We managed to obtain a result, but tomorrow will be a different game against an opponent even more aware of their strengths.”
The Cagliari coach stressed the need for meticulous preparation and a positive mindset. “We need to be obsessively careful in certain situations and have a positive mindset that allows us, in crucial moments of the match, to turn the situation in our favor.” He reiterated the importance of doubling and tripling their efforts to overcome a team that has proven difficult to break down.
The match at the Unipol Domus is scheduled for Saturday, March 7, 2026. Cagliari will be looking to build on their recent performances and secure a vital three points in their battle to climb the Serie A table. The game promises to be a fascinating tactical battle between two teams with contrasting styles and ambitions.
Cagliari’s injury list remains a concern, but Pisacane is confident that his squad has the resilience and determination to overcome the challenges ahead. The coach’s acknowledgement of Fabregas’s influence and his emphasis on tactical discipline suggest a cautious but optimistic approach to the match.
Following Saturday’s encounter, Cagliari will travel to face [next opponent to be confirmed], continuing their challenging run of fixtures in Serie A. Fans can stay updated on the latest news and developments on the club’s official website and social media channels.
What are your thoughts on Cagliari’s chances against Como? Share your predictions and opinions in the comments below!
