INTERVIEW 🎙️ | Grandu to Centotrentuno

The growth path, the change of role, the relationship with Fabio Pisacane and the meaning of wearing the Cagliari shirt. Nicola Grandu talks about himself in a long interview with Centotrentuno.com, retracing the stages that led to his debut in Serie A, up to the emotions he experienced against Frosinone. Without forgetting one’s roots, family and connection with Sardinia.

DUCTILITY AND CHANGE OF ROLE
«You shouldn’t set limits. If you train hard, you can play anywhere and this flexibility can become an advantage, because it allows you to find more space. I started as a striker in Under 14 and until Under 17 I considered myself a striker, at most a winger. Then, in the Primavera, Pisacane moved me to full-back and after a few games I said to myself: “I did everything wrong” (laughs, ed.). Indeed, at high levels, that is my role. I don’t see myself as attacking anymore. Having played there for so many years still helps me today, but the coach was right.”

VALUES AND WORK
“I thank my former coaches for describing me as an intelligent young man with a strong personality and versatility. For me, the human aspect has always been crucial, especially off the pitch. We represent a club with certain values, and here in Sardinia, Cagliari has a special importance. I consider myself a hard worker, and if I hadn’t put so much effort into it, I probably would have quit a few years ago.”

PISACANE AND MUZZI
Pisacane is a mentor. He was the first to make me change roles and make me understand that that position could represent my future. During the first training session of the retreat, in my first year in the Primavera, he said to me: ‘I’m moving up the ladder and taking you with me.’ I was thrilled when he was promoted to the first team, not just for me, but because he deserved it. He helped me grow tremendously, and I hope to repay him with other important performances. I’d also like to highlight the presence of director Muzzi, because, just like Pisacane, he’s always been close to us. He talks to us, gives us advice, explains what we need to do and what we need to avoid. He’s also been very important to my growth.

ITALIAN LEAGUE CUP U20 AND SPECIAL MOMENTS
«The victory of the Coppa Italia Primavera on 9 April 2025 is a beautiful memory. The sensations were similar to those felt before the match against Frosinone: there was no tension, because within ourselves we were convinced of the path we had taken and that we could conclude it in the best possible way. There was adrenaline, but no anxiety. I don’t think even after the match we really realized what we had achieved. Even the moment in which Pisacane called me to the center of the team circle, in Ussana, after the last match of the Under 18 championship, is one of those that I remember with particular emotion. I knew I had played a good game, but I never expected the coach to call me to the center of the circle.”

PROUD TO REPRESENT CAGLIARI AND SARDINIA
It’s a source of immense pride, because I’ve been working towards this moment since I started playing. Being Sardinian, the emotion was even greater. But it’s also a responsibility, because we represent a region and a people that don’t just live in Sardinia, but are spread across the world. We represent all these people, who ideally take the field alongside us. It’s our duty to give it our all, to show that we’re here, that we’re focused and ready to fight for this jersey. I think every Sardinian boy’s dream is to wear the Cagliari jersey. When you achieve that goal, it’s a huge satisfaction.

SERIE A DEBUT AND THE MATCH VS. FROSINONE
It was a wonderful week, perhaps the best of my life. The coach told me to be ready, and that’s what I did, trying to train as best I could. The morning of the match, I learned I’d be starting from the beginning, and I tried to manage my emotions, talking to my parents and walking around the training center (laughs). I immediately thought that the first duel would shape my game and that I had to win it. As soon as I realized I’d prevail, I calmed down and told myself I could do it.

STAY READY, ALWAYS!
The difference between the Primavera and the First Team isn’t that big, even if it’s clearly noticeable. You have to get to that point knowing that there’s a reason you’re there. Training with the First Team since the beginning of the year helped me, because I found a higher pace and quality. This allowed me to be ready to take the field in Serie A. I knew I had to work for that moment. As I told Martis, hard work is needed to seize the opportunity life gives you. When you least expect it, a train comes along and you have to jump on it. Sooner or later, football gives you something back, but you never know when. When it comes, you have to be ready. That’s why you have to work day after day.

THE ROOTS AND THE FAMILY
«I was lucky enough to be born in a small town. Some may consider it unfortunate, but for me it was the greatest luck, because a child grows up differently, and much better. I went out with my friends and we went to the abandoned pitch, which was always open. I was a goalkeeper because I liked being in goal. My grandfather always took me to play, even before I was old enough to enroll in a football school. When I reached that age, he was always the one accompanying me to matches and training sessions. He was very punctual: he passed my house fifteen minutes before the appointment and I was already ready. While I was changing, he went to have a chat and buy me stickers. Every time I scored a goal he gave me two packages. These are the best memories I have with him.”

GIGI RIVA, A LEGEND
“Like everyone else, Gigi Riva is a legend. No one has represented Cagliari like he has. He’s the epitome of being Sardinian, even if he wasn’t born there: he makes you understand how much this land can leave a lasting impression on a person. I regret never having met him. I wish he could have seen me at the stadium, but I think he somehow saw me. I also have a wonderful relationship with Nico, Nicola Riva. He’s always been with us, ever since the Coppa Italia year. ‘Legend’ is the word that sums up what Gigi Riva means, not just to me, but to everyone.”

GOALS AND THE LIFE OUT FROM THE PITCH
“My goal is to carve out more and more space for myself to help the team reach its goal, without expecting anything special. I want to prove that my presence wasn’t a fluke, that I deserve this opportunity, and that I can be reappointed if the need arises.” Off the pitch, Grandu describes himself as “a very simple guy, studying engineering.” Among his passions is music: “I like playing the guitar; I have an electric Yamaha Pacifica. I’m not a great expert, but I’ve never stopped. Rock and metal are my favorite genres, but in general, I like all music.” And on his relationship with the fans: “I’m always happy when they stop me, even just to chat off the pitch. It’s a great satisfaction to know they look up to you as an example.”