PRESS ROOM | Elia Caprile speaks for the first rime
A press conference for the presentation of Elia Caprile, the Cagliari goalkeeper who arrived in Sardinia during the early days of the winter 2025 transfer window and was already a key figure in the 1-1 draw against Milan, was held at the Crai Sport Center. Here are his words to the media.
TOWARDS LECCE
“A derby for me, considering my connection with Bari? In a way, yes, but what’s most important is that it’s crucial for Cagliari and our journey towards the goal. We need to approach the match aware of their good form, but also knowing that we are strong and understand what we can do to put them in difficulty. We’re working at our best, and we can’t wait for Sunday. Personally, it will be great to play in front of the rossoblù fans, who I’ve always perceived as an important driving force for Cagliari when I played as an opponent.”
NEW CITY AND NEW CHALLENGE
“I’m gradually settling in; these are the first days in Sardinia, and I’m discovering this land and its unique features. Gaetano is helping me get around the city, and I’m also getting to know some local dishes. I can’t wait to have my girlfriend Emily and my dog Wendy, a Samoyed, here with me.”
THE CAGLIARI CHAPTER
“I’m eager to play and constantly challenge myself. During these six months at Napoli, I didn’t have the opportunity to play regularly, and it was a bit difficult for me. However, now I’m fully focused on this new challenge. I’ve always worked hard to be ready when called upon. The choice to come to Cagliari is about embracing a new adventure. I’ve always felt great in Naples, both in terms of the work environment and the city, and I wish them all the best.”
FIRST ASSESSMENTS
“I’ve always dreamed of reaching the top, of playing in Serie A. This is the main goal of every child, and I’ve always nurtured that dream, beyond money, fame, or everything that comes with it. I focus on working hard every day—if you work well, the results will come, and at the end of the journey, you take stock. I’m certainly lucky to have made it to Serie A, and this is a responsibility I feel towards those who haven’t reached it. I always challenge myself and want to keep doing so to show what I’m capable of. I feel the need to play football because it makes me happy. On Saturday, I was fortunate enough to play at San Siro. Three years ago, I was playing in Serie C in front of a hundred people, and I can’t forget that. Playing at San Siro, especially with that performance, makes me proud. Seeing my loved ones happy, after the months in Naples where I wasn’t playing and was struggling a bit, is what matters most.”
FANS, WHAT A BOOST!
“Playing as an opponent in Cagliari is never easy because the stadium is compact and always full. And when the game is going well for Cagliari, it becomes tough for the opponent because there’s so much noise. On Sunday, I expect the same thing the fans have always done: support us in our pursuit of the goal.”
SANT’ELIA
“A nice play on words that I’m happy with, especially for the connection to a symbol of the city. I appreciated Cagliari’s social media post after the game. We got off to a good start, and we hope to keep it going. When you don’t play consistently, you lose a bit of sharpness, and it takes some time to get back into rhythm. On Saturday, it probably took me a bit to get going, but I try to be an added value for the team by providing security with personality and courage. As a goalkeeper, I know I need to be a point of reference for my teammates, and I gladly take on that responsibility. I chose number 25 because both my brother and I were born on that day. The most difficult save in Milan-Cagliari? I think it was the low clearance on Jimenez in the second half. The coach? Certainly, the fact that I already know him gives me an advantage in terms of settling in and learning. He worked hard to bring me here, and I’m really happy to be working with him again, especially after the trust he showed in me last year. I hope to repay that trust this season. The goal is survival. We got off to a good start with Milan, but on Sunday, we have a crucial match against Lecce, and we are all fully focused on that.”
