PRESS ROOM | Mr. Pisacane’s words

This is the analysis of Fabio Pisacane, Cagliari coach, after the 1-0 victory at Parma on the first day of Serie A.

VICTORY AND THE WEEK OF YAEL TREPY
It was definitely an important victory, considering the week we’ve had to endure. I’m pleased that the team took to the field trying to forget about what happened for 100 minutes, because what happened to Yael happened to all of us. The boys found strength in her awakening, too. It wasn’t easy to have this attitude after a week like that, and my team, emotionally, showed they’ve managed to put what happened aside. Now we have to show our love to Yael and her family. This victory is for them.

A WIN AFTER 13 YEARS ON OUR DEBUT
“Winning a match on our first day in Serie A after 13 years is a great satisfaction. But what makes me most proud is the sacrifice we made. We remained united and fought. It was an important match also because of the caliber of our opponent. Beating this Parma team wasn’t easy, and if we managed it, it’s because we played the game we needed to.”

ATTITUDE AND THE PATH TO FOLLOW
“We want to play football within our real capabilities. A team that fights for our objective can be dominated 75% of the time, so we need to be able to do certain things with courage and personality. This victory shouldn’t make us feel like we’ve arrived. We need to stay hungry. The victory shows us the way, but we’re not there yet. We still need to be hungry, starting tomorrow. I think we did well to follow the game plan to the letter. Parma moves logically, and Carlos Cuesta is a coach I’ve known for a year: I know how attentive he is to detail. He’s a guy I respect and is very knowledgeable.
I expected something different, but we knew it would be a tough match. It wasn’t easy to come here and play the way we did.”

THE MATCH AND LAST YEAR’S WORK
“The applause also goes to last year’s players, who learned these demands faster. I try to coach the players, not myself. Last year we had different characteristics; this year we have a higher-quality midfield. We didn’t start with zero ideas and zero methods, so I applaud the players who were here last year. It wasn’t easy to come here and play the game we did.”

THE ATTACKING PHASE
“I don’t feel like pointing the finger at the alleged lack of consistency; this analysis wouldn’t do justice to the desire of our attackers. Parma also deserves credit, especially in the first half. Mendy certainly wasn’t initially able to figure out what to do when we wanted to push Parma out of the box during the build-up play. These are situations we’ll work on.”

ROMANO, THE GOAL AND GROWTH
“I’ve known Alessandro since I started coaching Cagliari’s Primavera team. He’s a player who has always caught the eye, with important qualities. This goal and this performance should show him the way, but they shouldn’t make him feel like he’s arrived. This is kind of our mantra. Difficult moments will certainly come, but we shouldn’t expect them: when they come, we’ll face them with determination and unwavering commitment.”

THE PLAYERS
It’s been a long time since Fazzini played a game and then another in a row. He’s a guy who can give us a lot. Maldini is a crystal-clear talent, and we hope he makes the step he can. I really wanted him. If he can make that step, especially when he doesn’t have the ball, he’s a player who can further raise the team’s level. I’m satisfied because, despite not yet being in top form, they both did what I asked of them. I need players like Adopo in a squad like ours. When we decide to plan a game plan with multiple ball handlers, he gives us width. He’s versatile, he’s a great guy, and I wish him all the best on and off the pitch. The transfer market? We talk daily. Should there be situations to consider, the club won’t be caught off guard. Right now, though, I’m thinking above all about the team I have at my disposal and the work we need to continue doing.

FOCUS ON INTER
“We’ll keep a low profile and be hungry. This is what must guide us towards achieving our goal.”