PRESS ROOM | Pisacane analyzes Cagliari vs. Frosinone

These are the words of Fabio Pisacane after his Cagliari’s 1-0 victory against Frosinone. The rossoblù coach’s analysis embraces today’s test and the important meaning of the three points after four dry matches.

THE DECISION REGARDING GRANDU
«I decided to start Grandu last night, and I did so with great conviction. His inclusion was also linked to Winks’ absence. I brought Nicola in three years ago, when he was playing as an attacking midfielder and a box-to-box midfielder; seeing him start in Serie A today feels like things have come full circle. In him, I saw a bit of myself today. I’ve always said that you need to be ‘up to the task’—it’s not just about physical height. When making such choices, you have to weigh many variables, both emotional and technical. I was very confident in my decision, even if some people might have expressed a few reservations before the opening whistle.»

ADOPO AND ITS GROWTH
«Yesterday I spoke to Adopo and asked him how he was. He replied that he would play regardless of the role, because he wants to win. He also reminded me that when he played in the middle of the pitch we lost some games, while on the occasions when he played wider we achieved victories. He is a boy who goes out of his way for his teammates and is probably the one who has grown the most in recent months. I was thrilled when he came to tell me that the goal was mine too. He is missing the last step: he must learn to run perhaps a little less and look for certain plays with more personality. He has quality and must convince himself more and more that he can also have an impact in this way.”

TACTICAL SETUP AND GAME PLAN
“We started with Adopo out wide, but then we adjusted our setup, moving him further inside to occupy the spaces that were opening up. Our goal was to pull Frosinone out of their comfort zone, preventing them from attacking in open space or dictating a high tempo. Early on, there was a risk that the match might head in that direction, but we managed to reorganize and make the necessary adjustments.”

MENDY’S PERFORMANCE
«Mendy returned to the starting lineup after two matches on the bench, and he made the most of the opportunity. He played an excellent game against some very tough defenders. I saw the Paul I want to see in the years to come. He responded exactly as I expected, even though he wasn’t yet at one hundred percent fitness.»

KEVIN CARLOS AND SUGAMELE
“Kevin Carlos needs to understand where he is; we are waiting for him, and we will continue to wait for him. Players know that when they are given an opportunity, they must be ready to make the most of it. Today, Sugamele also made a contribution after coming on as the first substitute—that’s a very significant sign. We shouldn’t judge Kevin too harshly for having to step into a difficult match. I am confident about his future and the future of the entire team. It takes patience, but also the awareness that everyone can carve out their own space and become an important player.”

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE VICTORY
“This is a hugely important victory, not least because of the signal it sends to all of us. It was achieved with several players who, until now, had seen less playing time—which goes to show that everyone can make a contribution. It’s an important message for those waiting for an opportunity, but also for those who sat out today: they now know that there are capable teammates behind them, ready and prepared to step up. We need everyone, and this match has proven just that.”

CAPRILE, KOFLER, AND THE YOUNG PLAYERS
“Caprile was named MVP because his save proved decisive, but I don’t like to dwell too much on selecting a ‘man of the match.’ It’s only right to mention Kofler and the other lads who performed very well today. Raphael has shown, once again, why I say he is the future of Italian football. I’m pleased with how everyone responded; we have many young players who are developing and who can be important for both the present and the future of Cagliari.”