The “Gigi Riva Trophy” 2026 will take place on Saturday, August 8th
The international match between Cagliari and Nice, scheduled for Saturday 8 August at 8.30pm at the Unipol Domus, will be the highlight of the second edition of the Gigi Riva Trophy (CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS), an event dedicated to the rossoblù legend which will also coincide with Cagliari’s first seasonal outing in front of their own fans. There will be less than a week left until Frecciarossa’s official debut in the Italian Cup, 15 days until the first Serie A EniLive in Parma.
The match, like a year ago for the debut edition, represents much more than a summer friendly: it is a tribute to Gigi Riva and the values he embodied on and off the pitch, an event that unites sport, identity and belonging in the name of a figure who continues to represent a universal heritage for the Club, for all of Sardinia and for Italian football.
In the name of continuity, this represents a further step in the growth path of the event, with the aim of consolidating an event capable, year after year, of establishing itself as an increasingly prestigious and attractive event for the major European clubs, enhancing the appeal of the figure of “Rombo di Tuono” and projecting the Trophy towards an international dimension. At the end of the meeting, the delivery ceremony of the Gigi Riva Trophy will be held, an original work created for the occasion by a Sardinian craftsman, symbol of the profound bond between the event and the territory.
Starting from 6.30 pm the Unipol Domus will come alive with entertainment and activities dedicated to fans and families: the Pully mascot will be the protagonist along with games, challenges and initiatives for the youngest, as well as moments of entertainment and an engaging DJ set between revival and contemporary music. A pre-match designed to transform the wait for the match into a true rossoblù party open to fans of all ages.
THE OPPONENT
Facing Fabio Pisacane’s men for their final test of the summer of 2026 are French side Nice. Founded in 1904, the Rossoneri club boasts four French championships (1950/51, 1951/52, 1955/56, 1958/59) and three French Cups (1951/52, 1953/54, 1996/97). Since 2013, the year they began playing in their new stadium, they have consistently participated in European competitions: they qualified for the Europa League in 2013, 2016, 2017 (via the Champions League playoffs), 2020, 2024, 2025 (via the Champions League playoffs); in 2023, they reached the quarterfinals of the Conference League. In the season just ended, they reached the final of the French Cup (losing in the final act to Lens) as they did in 1978 and 2022.
TOGETHER WITH “AUTUNNO IN BARBAGIA”
The second edition of the Gigi Riva Trophy will feature “Autunno in Barbagia,” which will be featured on the Cagliari team’s match jersey for the occasion. “Autunno in Barbagia” will accompany the entire event experience, both on and off the pitch, with activities dedicated to promoting local excellence and enhancing Sardinian cultural identity. Conceived and promoted by ASPEN – the Nuoro Economic Promotion Agency of the Nuoro Chamber of Commerce – Autunno in Barbagia is one of Sardinia’s most iconic events. From September to December, through the “Cortes Apertas” format, it guides visitors and enthusiasts on a discovery of the inland and central Sardinia, opening the doors to courtyards, historic homes, artisan workshops, and communities that preserve the island’s most authentic soul. A journey through craftsmanship, culture, food and wine, music, and ancient knowledge, involving over thirty towns and villages, with the aim of showcasing local products and the region’s historical, artistic, and identity-building heritage. This initiative, like the Gigi Riva Trophy, stems from a desire to showcase Sardinia and its excellence. These two initiatives share the same vision: to showcase the most authentic Sardinia and enhance its identity and excellence through experiences that engage an ever-widening audience.
