Time to Celebrate and Ponder the Future
By: Jeremy |
2 Comments
Cagliari has now secured another season in Serie A after what looked like almost certain relegation back in February. While fans of any team shouldnt get so excited because they avoided relegation when it is not their first year in the top flight after being promoted, this team has every right to celebrate and they did it in fashion by beating Udinese on the road 2-0. This was an Udinese team that should qualify for the UEFA Cup and still had a shot at the Champions League going into games yesterday.
While ultimately Cagliari did not need to win to secure its safety, they took no chances and showed why they are much improved and should be excited about next year, assuming we can keep all of these players we now have. After a back and forth first half with some chances on both sides, Acquafresca, who really was not expected to play, scored a goal in the 48th minute on a nice pass from Cossu before Udinese realized the second half had started. On minute 56, Foggia stole the ball and passed to Cossu who calmly finished making it 2-0. Udinese seemed disinterested after that and the game ended with a 2-0 win for Cagliari. With a confident Acquafresca and Foggia playing in attack with support from Jeda, a strong midfield performance from Cossu, the running of Biondini, and Canini being a young defender for the future who will only improve, this lineup can win games, even on the road, and they have shown it with huge wins in the second half of the season to push them to safety before the last week of the season. Totally unexpected.
This game showed that Cagliari shouldnt even worry about relegation if it has all of its players and plays them in the right position. Ballardini is the first manager in some time who seems to get it. Mind you, Giampaolo did not have Storari and Jeda to use and Foggia tailed off dramatically after a great start to the season, and while Sonetti was placed in a bad position, with the pressure on, Ballardini used his players correctly and gave them a chance to survive. The combination of new players(Jeda, Storari), a confident young striker given a chance to perform(Acquafresca), the improved midfield play of Conti and Cossu, a young defender to build the backline around(Canini), and an enigma that can help in attack or in midfield tremendously(Foggia), this team can stop thinking about relegation every year if they can keep these players and add a player or two, hopefully on defense.
With the team now safe, we still have one game left at home against Reggina. I was begging for this game to mean something and to think it now means nothing, but with us safe, is almost a dream we must wake up from. Maybe we can give a run to some young players but with this game meaningless for both teams, who should be commended for surviving, my eyes will be watching Roma/Catania and Inter/Parma. I want Roma to win the Scudetto over arrogant Inter and Id love to see Catania survive.
Once the season is concluded, we must discuss what will happen to the players we currently have and how we can add players to what is currently a solid foundation. Without going into too much depth, here are the players and situations that must be addressed:
Coach: Ballardini. Is there any question he will stay? The players like him and that is fueled by success on the field. He should be given a full year to see what he can do next year and that creates stability that a club needs if it is ever going to be more then relegation fodder. The constant changing of coaches by these bottom teams while often helpful initially, do not lend to longterm success. We need to stabalize this role.
Goalie: Storari. Keeping him will be the most vital result in the offseason. He is Milan property and we seem to get along with them so maybe they will make a deal. Storari is the reason we will be in Serie A next year, even more so then Acquafresca, and we have to kiss some Milan ass to keep him. He is the second best goalie in Italy right now behind Buffon and Milan may give him a shot to stabalize their problems in goal. If Im Milan, I bring him back and spend money on other holes they have. I think the odds of us keeping him are 50% but this situation will be key.
Defense: This is an area we must improve. Despite years of loyal service, Lopez needs to go back to Uruguay and Canini is a nice young player for the future. With big teams sniffing around to get him, we may have to sacrifice him to Milan to get Storari. As much as I like Canini, I would do it to keep Storari as our goalie until the California kid is ready. We must add a big time defender to our team in the offseason. Storari paired with a tough as nails defender will make for a great foundation next year.
Midfield. This area is stronger then we think with Cossu, Biondini and Conti leading the group. While Id certainly love to add a midfielder, if we can keep Foggia, this group is fine and we can focus on adding elsewhere. The performance by these guys has been a big reason for our midseason turnaround. If we keep Matri, I think he can be taught to play in an attacking midfield role as I think that is ultimately where he will have Serie A success. He is not a Serie A striker and he needs to play support to a goal scorer like Acquafresca which may lead to more goals then expected and improved confidence because of reduced pressure.
Attack: Acquafresca, Jeda, Foggia. I think we will get to keep Acquafresca for another year and Jeda will be back. Inter is in such disarry that they may decide to clean house and try to bring him back to give their fans some excitement. We own half of him so we should not let him go without a fight and Robert wants to stay as he knows he needs another year dominating at a smaller club. Foggia is another player we co own with Lazio. Id love to keep him, but he wants to play for Napoli and I dont think fits in Sardinia with his teammates or the fans. All those factors will cause him to leave. From a talent standpoint, he is our best player, but he cant seem to play the whole game. He did manage to play the whole game yesterday, so he can do it. You see what a difference he makes. I am a big David Marchini fan so if Foggia leaves, I would expect him to take a bigger role, likely in midfield, but Id still like to keep Foggia. Notice Joaquin Larrivey is not in this discussion and I heard that a slow moving boat left the harbor in Cagliari headed back to Argentina.
With Suazo gone, I fully expected this team to get relegated. However, the players we brought in over the course of the year were so talented, that once given the opportunity to play together, they showed that UEFA Cup football should be the goal, not surviving relegation. The results will follow when a team is talented even when they have a lot to overcome.
We as fans also need to change our attitude from our team being a relegation candidate to mid table, year in year out Serie A team with a chance for European football on occasion. Surviving this dreaded year was a huge step for the future of this club. If we can keep the players we have, we wont be saying relegation next year. However, to expect all of these guys to be back is unrealistic, but players now will want to come to Sardinia and with a good offseason, we can have a better outlook going in to next year.
The players, coaches, and even Cellino for his winter transfers, deserve our praise and credit. Its been a heart stopping year and I am already excited about next year. I cant wait for next weekends matches though and will be pulling heavily for a Roma Scudetto and for Parma to get relegated with Empoli and Livorno.
Forza Cagliari!!
Category: 
Tags: Cagliari-Udinese
By: Jeremy | 4 Comments
Yes I am still basking in the happiness that was the win over Fiorentina. This was just the latest result where timing in the second half has been in our favor. This weekend we hit the road to play Udinese where our win against Fiorentina not only gave us a boost, but also may have motivated them. Udinese feels the same way about Europe as we do about safety. Its in their grasp and you an almost taste it. After they did us the favor by scraping by Empoli, I am all for them making Europe as long as it does not cause us to be relegated.
This weekend I will again be watching the other relegation strugglers and it could be that if things go right, even if we lose to Udinese, we will be safe. Safety should almost be celbrated like a Champions League qualification as the second half of the season began with that being almost impossible. I still think 38 points is safe, but a tie this weekend seals it.
Udinese has a lot to play for and wont be in the mood to let us waltz in to their stadium and steal points. The good news is that games against Udinese in their stadium result in exciting high scoring matches, but the bad news is that Cagliari sucks on the road. While being at home against a tired Fiorentina can result in a magical win, a game on the road against an equally rested club like Udinese is not likely to generate points when they have something to play for. This is the last of the three game span that I assumed would put Cagliari in the relegation zone with us needing a win against Reggina at home to survive. That win against Fiorentina will prove vital as we now want that game against Reggina to mean nothing and our safety assured after this weekend(getting greedy arent I?). In other words, I dont expect points from this match.
Udinese will likely play better then they did on the road against Empoli and we will probably not be as strong as we showed against Fiorentina. With Conti and Acquafresca out, scoring on the road will be tough. However, I will get to see some more action from favorites Biondini and Cossu who have been keys in the second half of the season when it comes to keeping things moving. Could Foggia play the full 90 this weekend? I wouldnt bet on it, but Id love to see it. We will rely on Matri again to score but I wish he was playing in attacking midfield with Jeda more forward. I think Ballardini is still trying to rest everyone he can in case they are needed against Reggina.
If Fiorentina can beat Parma at home and Reggina can beat Empoli at home, we are safe. I would bet on both of those happening before I would that we get points as well. There is a lot that can happen that can make us safe and that is the only objective right now. I dont care if we get beat 5-0 and back in to safety.
These are joyous times in Sardinia. We have managed to get points when they were absolutely necessary and even steal some when they werent expected. Over the course of a half a season, it has taken us from the laughing stock of the league to the verge of safety. There is so much to talk about but I dont want to get ahead of myself. We can take care of our own business but I will appreciate the help we are likely to get this weekend.
In addition to Empoli or Parma needing to win on the road this weekend to keep us in the relegation play, Catania needs a win over Juventus on the road(forget it) or Roma at home next week. Even in meaningless games, that is asking a lot from Catania.
This could be the weekend we meet our objectives. The excitement and anticipation is there but the way our season has been, things can change quickly so we must not assume we wont need points next weekend. The bottom clubs tend to play slightly better these final two weeks so lets see what happens.
While I will always have my eyes on the Cagliari game, last weekend has removed a ton of pressure and can allow me to focus more on the other teams whose results are just as important to Cagliari. I originally thought we might be able to pull a draw out of this game if we were still on 35 points, but I dont see it after last weekends results. Good results can often change mindsets and gaffer tactics and Ballardini seems to be making the right choices lately for the most part.
Prediction Udinese 2-1 Cagliari.
Lets hope the next post is a happy one. I think it will be so enjoy the weekends games. It is a great time of year to be a fan of soccer in Europe.
Amazing…are we safe yet?
By: Jeremy | 7 Comments
If even the most optimistic Cagliari fan at any point in this season thought we would be asking that question with two weeks left in the season, they likely would have been asking it tongue and cheek as safety has never really seemed a believable option until this weekend when we defeated Fiorentina 2-1 in the Stadio Sant Elia. Let me repeat in case you dont believe it…we defeated Fiorentina 2-1.
If you didnt get to see the game, all I can say is what a great match from a Cagliari fans perspective. Cagliari instead of playing the ten men behind the ball scheme I thought they would, came out attacking and dominated the first half. It seemed like Fiorentina was the relegation struggler and that Cagliari was the team pushing for the Champions League. I can honestly say Fiorentina looked tired and still a bit frustrated from what happened against Rangers, and to have a normally conservative Cagliari come out pushing the pace set Fiorentina on their heels. Their flow and finishing just wasnt there. The passes werent crisp and they were a step slow or just not getting to the ball. Cagliari made them pay with Jedas awesome header in the 20th minute giving Cagliari a 1-0 halfime lead.
The second half Cagliari played the same and pushed the action again. However, Fiorentina woke up and began to show why they were a top team in Serie A. They had multiple chances and really against the run of play, Cagliari got a second goal on a nice Matri pass to Conti who calmly finished giving Cagliari a 2-0 lead in the 50th minute. As Cagliari tends to do, while celebrating and posing, they let the other team get one back as Fiorentina not less then a minute later caught the Cagliari backline flatfooted and a nice through ball that just barely was not offside allowed for an easy finish to make it 2-1. Game on. I think Fiorentina thought that they would come back and win the game after that yet they could not keep up with Cagliaris pace. Ballardinis brilliant tactics to make Fiorentina run all over the place paid off. After the Fiorentina goal, it was essentially a counter attacking game of keep away for forty minutes and the frustration Cagliari caused Fiorentina finally caused Mutu to snap forcing a needless red card just before the game ended. Both teams had some chances during this time, but other then a last minute bicycle kick from a cross which barely missed the Cagliari net and if successful would have been goal of the year in Serie A, there was really no threat from Fiorentina. Mutu missed what should have been a simple finish earlier by chipping the ball over the net when alone on goal and it was clear it was not his teams day. Fiorentina being tired, Cagliari pushing the pace, and the added advantage that comes with a home match in Sardinia, led to this result.
Some other thoughts from this game that need to be mentioned involve the stellar play of Cagliari midfielder Davide Biondini. I have always liked this guy for his work rate. He was all over the place today and almost scored. A team cannot discount the value of a midfield player who runs constantly, never gives up, and makes good decisions with passing and clearing. Biondini does a great job with minimal skill. Matri also seemed lively today. He still cant finish worth a damn, but seemed to be all over the field. I think he should be slotted in an attacking midfielder spot instead of striker. He would have reduced pressure on him and would likely be a great assist man, especially if Acquafresca continues to develop. I dont like him as a striker, but I think he has enough pace to play in midfield. It was good to see Foggia get in the game, but why he is not in from the beginning bothers me. He should be in shape enough to play ninety minutes, especially if the thinks he is good enough for the Azzuri, which he is in my opinion. He creates a lot out there on the field. You can also see the confidence and unity the team has with Storari in the net. He is like a rock of confidence and the team is so much better with him. Again the MVP of Serie A this year in only half a season and our number one priority this offseason is to somehow keep him. Lastly, if you are a Fiorentina fan, you are no doubt frustrated. You are in fourth place with three games left against relegation strugglers. These are games you need to win, but facing an in form motivated Cagliari team on the road after a tough Rangers match was asking a lot. However, Champions League quality teams find a way to win these matches.
Now for the big question, are we actually safe from relegation with this huge win? I thought 38 points would be enough for safety and while we mathmatically are not safe yet, we are very close. Lets look at the other relegation strugglers and see if we can find three that will finish below us.
Cagliari
38 points
remaining games Udinese(a) and Reggina
odds of relegation: can you believe it, minimal.
Even if we lose the next two weeks, I think it will be hard for the other results to go in a way that does not leave three other teams with 37 points or less. I have a hunch that after next week we will be celebrating. Who would have thought that.
Torino
37 points
remaining games: Livorno(a) Fiorentina
odds of relegation:slim after today
Talk about a huge win, beating Napoli today puts them in good shape. I still dont like them and think they got a lot of lucky points early in the season, but even on 37 points, they might end up safe. They need a point next week in Livorno as they wont get any against Fiorentina just to be sure.
Reggina
36 points
remaining games: Empoli, Cagliari(A)
odds of relegation: less then 50%
Gotta love this team. Beating Catnia on the road today and facing two teams that arent great the next two weeks has to make them think they can survive. I think they eek out two draws or a win and end up safe.
Catania
35 points
Remaining games: Juventus(A) Roma
odds of relegation: likely
This team is screwed. They needed to beat Reggina today at home to guarantee safety and they didnt do it. Who thinks they will get three points over the next two weeks? Not me. This is one team that will finish below Cagliari. Whether they are relegated isnt certain, but they have to realize how much trouble they are in.
Parma
34 points
remaining games: Fiorentina(a) Inter
odds of relegation: the same as Catania if not worse.
Huge win today over Genoa which was a must win if there ever was one in Serie A this year. Unfortunately you get an angry Fiorentina next week and even if Inter has clinched the league and plays a weak lineup, this team has no chance of finishing with more then 37 points. Team two that will finish below Cagliari. As for relegation, I guess Id rather be Catania because of the extra point, but one of these teams will get a win where it is least expected and might survive the drop. Parma is in huge trouble no matter what.
Empoli
33 points
remaining games: Reggina(a) and Livorno
odds of relegation: might be the survivor that you least expect.
They really needed a point today at home against Udinese but could not come through. Thus their situation. They have two very winnable games left and could end up on 39 points so Cagliari was happy that Udinese beat them today. There is no room for error and will need two wins for safety. I think this could happen.
Livorno
30 points
remaining games: Torino and Empoli(A)
They will finish below Cagliari so I want them to win their last two games. If they dont, Cagliari might have to sweat a bit, but even if they do and finish on 36 points, it will be near impossible to survive and would only happen if they beat Empoli and Reggina on goal difference and Parma and Catania lose out and finish on max 35 points. 36 points and safe? Still slightly possible, but the odds are less then even what Cagliaris odds were to survive when the second half of the season started. See you in Serie B Livorno.
Right now Livorno and Parma will finish below Cagliari for sure. The third team is likely Catania, but Empoli probably will too. Even if Cagliari loses out, they may still finish 15th, but no worse then 17th. We cant celebrate yet because the big clubs are often vulnerable to a relegation struggler especially when they have already locked in their final place and have nothing to play for.
To think we could possibly talk survival this early is a testament to the awesome play of the team in the second half and hats off to them for winning today. I feel like we will have Serie A football in Sardinia next year and it could be the year we see Acquafresca turn into a top three striker in Serie A while playing for us. The rest of the league should give us our props for what we have done when before they saw us as the laughing stock of Serie A.
How do you like them apples Cagliari fans?
Cagliari-Fiorentina
By: Jeremy | 4 Comments
If Fiorentina was frustrated by the horrible tactics used by Rangers in the UEFA Cup semifinal, they are likely to see similar behavior from Cagliari when they hit the Sant Elia this weekend. Say what you want about Rangers, if you are playing a team that is clearly better then you are, you must try something to get a result. This could be putting out the extra striker and pushing forward or playing ten men behind the ball. Rangers did what they needed to do against a clearly better team. With Robert Acquafresca likely not playing this weekend, I wonder which tactic Cagliari will look to in hopes of stealing points in an ever tightening Serie A relegation battle.
I dont know if its best to catch a team as they look ahead to a big European match or when they are a little tired and returning from a tough loss in Europe. While we got lucky and tied Roma as they thought about Man U, I dont think that upcoming game was responsible for the result as Roma just played like crap. Dont get me wrong, Id rather see Fiorentina at this time rather then when they havent played in a week and are coming off a thrashing of some other relegation struggler. Anything that can give a slight advantage, even if mentally, is one Cagliari needs in this match.
Cagliari has really been great at home as they have not lost in their past 8 matches in Sardinia. Fiorentina has not lost to Cagliari in some time, so something has to give. Fiorentina will be tired, but everyone should be available to play. Cagliari is dealing with fitness concerns most notably with key players Acquafresca and Conti. We need those two guys as well as for Storari to return. If Matri is our lead striker or heaven forbid Larrivey gets to play, we are screwed. How Larrivey was only voted the third worst transfer in Serie A this year is beyond me. He was worse then anyone as he had no competition, was given all sorts of chances, and found himself third choice striker on an inept offensive team. Horrible.
In one week we went from five points clear of relegation to two points clear so the cushion goes away real quickly which is tough to see when you are facing your tough run of three games through three of Serie As best.
As much as Fiorentina would like to relax after a tough loss to Rangers, they are still only two points clear of Milan for the final Champions League spot. Fiorentina plays three relegation favorites the last three weeks of the year, so if they dont qualify for the Champions League, it is their own fault. Surely the coach will have them motivated to put the Rangers loss behind them and the players should know what is at stake so Cagliari is not going to get a distracted opponent.
As much as I need to look at how Cagliari can get points this week, I will be more focused on what the other relegation strugglers are doing. Cagliari needs points and a win would be unbelievable, but with a beaten up Acquafresca and Conti and Pasquale “the magician” Foggia not sure if he wants to play, Cagliari getting a goal will be tough, but the home crowd surely can inspire them to something magical that is not a disappearing act. As for the other relegation teams lets see what is likely to happen:
Catania v. Reggina- we need one team to win this match and I go back and forth who I want to win in terms of how it helps Cagliari. If Reggina beats Catania, Catania might lose out and finish with 35 points putting them relegated.
Torino plays Napoli-probably a boring draw leaving Torino on 35 points
Parma gets Genoa at home. Even with a win, they get Fiorentina and Inter to finish. 34 points gets them relegated. A loss to Genoa and we will have our first spot for relegation all but sewn up.
Empoli gets Udinese at home. Empoli is not quitting. They could be on 36 points after the weekend.
Livorno plays on the road to Atalanta and has a lot to make up. A loss makes them the first relegation team more then likely. A win tightens it up even more.
As things shake out, Cagliari can be safe before the last week of the season, but asking them to get points the next two weeks is tough. I still think no matter how things play out, a win against Reggina the final week saves them so I am sure they are looking at that match more then they should at this point. As a result, if an important player has the slightest knock, you wont see him this week versus Fiorentina or next week versus Udinese.
People will be chanting Rangers after they see us play this weekend. I think Fiorentina wins the game but with Cagliari at home needing points of any kind, I think a tie can be had.
Optimistic Prayer/Prediction Cagliari 1-1 Fiorentina
Calling Taylor Twellman
By: Jeremy | 4 Comments
With of course a few exceptions, there is a reason players who can put it in the back of the net date or marry the type of women that even fringe Serie A players drool over. While I might drool at the type of women Alessandro Matri could likely score by just walking into a nightclub and people knowing he plays for Cagliari, he will always be drooling at the type of women say Francesco Totti or Mallorca soon to be Barcelona goal scoring stud Dani Guiza run around with.
So what is my point? I just ordered one of those Kick Medics for Matri and am sending it to Sardinia with my boy Taylor Twellman with a special note to learn how to use it so maybe someday he can learn some more advanced technique and learn to score. Although he has scored some goals this year including a big one against Napoli, the man is basically Joaquin Larrivey with a haircut. Cellino needs to tie these two guys together and never let them on a football pitch. Matri is so frustrating to watch.
I know we werent supposed to beat Inter this week, but with all their injuries, if we ever had a shot, this was it. Again Inter played terrible and I personally think Milan will crush them next week, but luckilly when you play the likes of Torino and Cagliari, you can play like crap and still win because the bottom level clubs simply cant put the ball in the back of the net against the big teams.
To see how many shots Matri had on goal this weekend only to flub them can drive a fan crazy. How can you not know how to kick the damn ball and wear a Serie A teams uniform. The reason he cries is because he knows he sucks. Former Milan youth player, former Cagliari player, and current(insert Serie B team here) player will be his title next year. Even if Cagliari is in Serie B next year, he wont play for Cagliari. Unless you happen to employ Pippo Inzaghi and a bunch of great midfielders, I am a big fan of the two striker allignment. The right combo can play havoc on a defense, but Matri and anyone is a waste. He even makes Acquafresca look bad.
Anyway we lost to Inter 2-1. It could have been worse, but should have been better. This is a match to forget and move on and look at whats important as we now have three matches left and things are even tighter in the relegation battle. Cagliari is probably even money to go down, but they will likely have something to play for their last match of the year which is all any of us can ask for since we have Matri playing as much as he has this year.
Lets look at the relegation candidates with three weeks left as there are some teams that are in even more dire straits then we are:
Catania
35 points
remaining matches: Reggina(H), Juventus(A), Roma(H)
odds of relegation:even money
Catania is in a similar position to Cagliari. Same amount of points, a home match with Reggina and two matches where they wont likely win unless they get a disinterested Roma side with nothing to play for the last week. Reggina is going to beat Catania or Cagliari and the team that loses will likely be relegated. Catania faces its must win match this week. A Cagliari fan could arguably pull for either team, but I would like a Catania win this week.
Cagliari
35 points
remaining matches: Fiorentina(H), Udinese(A), Reggina(H)
odds of relegation: even money
Again the wins over Empoli and Livorno cannot be understated in this teams push for survivial. As they play their brutal three match run, you see how a cushion can go away real quick. I expect Cagliari to be in the relegation zone coming into its game against Reggina with a win saving its season. A tough task, but one Ill take considering where we have been.
Torino
34 points
remaining schedule: Napoli(H), Livorno(A), Fiorentina(H)
odds of relegation:better then 50%
Torino is worse then its points indicate. I do not like this club, but it stole enough points early on to where it may avoid the drop. Napoli has nothing to play for but it is Torinos must win match. I dont think they beat Fiorentina who likely needs a win the last week to determine its Champions League fate and Livorno on the road will be Livornos last effort to survive. This team could go under.
Reggina
33 points
remaining matches: Catania(A), Empoli(H), Cagliari(A)
odds of relegation: better then 50%
Props to this team for quietly doing what it needs to do to survive. A bottom two team for most of the year, they are winning big games when it counts. With an easy schedule left, I think they finish with 38-39 points and are safe. Where they get five-six points from is anyones guess, but I think they pull it off.
Empoli
33 points
remaining matches: Udinese(H), Reggina(A), Livorno(H)
odds of relegation: 50%
Just when you want to count them out, they come up big by beating Genoa on the road. It shows this team still has fight left in it. I see four maybe five points coming to them and that might be enough to survive. On the outside looking in right now, but they can see survival.
Parma
31 points
remaining matches: Genoa(H), Fiorentina(A), Inter(H)
odds of relegation: pretty certain
Parma has crapped out and Cuper is not making the difference I thought he would. They have lost two winnable games in a row and now will face a Genoa team looking for pride, Fiorentina who has more to play for then anyone, and an Inter team they are begging to have the Scudetto wrapped up by the last week. I cant see them finishing with anymore then 35 points and that just wont get it done. See you in Serie B Parma
Livorno
30 points
remaining schedule: Atalanta(A), Torino(H), Empoli(A)
odds of relegation: not as bad as Parmas but they are in a mess
As a Cagliari fan, I want them to lose to Atalanta and beat Torino and Empoli. This may allow a team with 37 points to surivive. All three of these games are winnable for Livorno, but with two other teams playing for something, I can see some draws coming. Seven points is the max for them but I likely see four. Too many points to make up and too little time.
Right now I pick Livorno, Parma, and Torino to go down. Cagliari needs to get a point against Udinese or Fiorentina so going into the last match against Reggina, a draw might save them. The relegation battle will be even tighter after week 36, but Empolis big win in Genoa only scared the rest of the teams who each have different issues.
Isnt this fun?
Ill let you know what Taylor does with my boy Matri once he gets back from showing him how to use the kick medic.
Have a great week everyone.
Cagliari-Inter
By: Jeremy | 3 Comments
On the surface, Cagliari looks to be in great shape. They are five points clear of the relegation zone, coming off two huge wins, and with only four games left to play, their relegation rivals are running out of time to make up the points. Its this weeks game that should give you an indication why I was so excited about the wins the past two weeks and constantly declaring them as must wins.
Simply put, Inter is the class of Serie A and to go into the San Siro when they are very close to winning the Scudetto is not a time to be expecting any points. Parma is the only other club left to see them later so all the other relegation teams have taken their lumps, but if the Scudetto is already clinched, Inter wont be playing their top players that final week and their winning against Parma wont be so clear. This is the week Cagliari takes their Inter beating and with the cushion Cagliari has built, a loss in this game does not seem as damaging as it might have if Cagliari had lost to Livorno or Empoli.
Relegation clubs achieve survival, by how they do against each other, not against big clubs like Inter. Yes upsets occasionally happen, but if you need points coming into a match against Inter, especially on the road, you must already be a strong candidate for relegation. Yes Cagliari got a draw against Roma recently, but remember Roma played horrible, was thinking about Manchester United in the CL in two days time, missed multiple chances, gave Cagliari their goal, and even in a match played in Sardinia, that only equates to a draw. That should tell you how Cagliari will do against an Inter team that is ready to clinch the league title.
Inter showed its class by winning its last three games after being bounced from the Champions League. They played horrible on the road and still beat Torino. Simply put there is such a difference between clubs like Cagliari/Torino and Inter that any objective person has to count on Inter getting the three points this week.
Reality aside, Cagliari has to have the attitude they can get points in this game. They are as high as they have ever been, Storari is dominating in goal, and Acquafresca feels like he can single handedly win this game. There is no doubt any player wants to impress a club that owns some or all of his rights so Acquafresca could notch a hat trick for all we know. The fact Acquafresca seems so focused and happy to be a Cagliari player makes me smile. Cagliaris only hope is that Inter may be looking ahead to the next weeks match with Milan. I am sure they would love to clinch the title in that game so maybe Cagliari gets a pass. Somehow I doubt it.
Inter will be without Figo and Ibrahimovic in addition to the other stars who have been out forever so that helps a bit. Cagliari will be without Foggia, Fini, and Pisano who have yellow card suspensions. If a Cagliari player is going to be suspended, this is the week.
Instead of trying to figure out what Cagliari can do to get points in Milan, I think any wise Cagliari fan would be looking at what the other relegation candidates will do this weekend and who is likely to pick up points on them. Lets do that right now.
Torino is on the road to Roma. No points for Torino
Catania is on the road to Udinese. No points for Catania
Parma is on the road to Reggina. Lets hope for a draw, but if they pick up
three points, they are on 34 and Reggina stays 5 points behind Cagliari
and will be close to locking up one of the relegation slots.
Reggina gets Parma at home. If Reggina wins, they are on 33 points and
Parma is in deep doodoo with 31 points.
Empoli is on the road to Genoa. I think a draw is possible, but you have to
bet on Genoa to win(not that I bet on soccer games)
Livrono plays Milan at home. No points for Livorno.
As negative as I may sound about Cagliaris chances against Inter, I think Cagliari even after a loss is still four points clear of safety considering the likely results of the other games. We can then forget about this game and move on to next week. Now if Cagliari could get some points this week, well…..putting the crack pipe down again.
If you havent figured it out, here is my prediction:
Inter 3-1 Cagliari
We must avoid relegation!!
By: Jeremy | 6 Comments
Yeah I know what a dumb statement as that is what any team would say who is fighting for their Serie A lives. For once, Cagliari seems to be on a run of good news and survival will likely lead to continued momentum that would actually cause us to come into next year without being considered obvious relegation candidates.
In addition to huge wins against Livorno and Empoli, fellow relegation strugglers, which have caused us so much more positivity then we were already seeing and to be an amazing five points clear of the relegation zone with four weeks left, it seems like our new golden boy and his agent are saying all the right things and he may actually want to stay in Sardinia for another year. Yes Im talking about Robert Acquafresca.
Everyone has him abandoning Sardinia next year and returning to Milan to play for one of those big Milanese sides. Inter owns half of him, but his agent Paolo Fabbri stated that
“I really dont think Robert will be playing for either of the Milanese clubs. Regarding Inter, I think Aquafresca still needs to mature a little for at least another year before he can wear the Nerazzurri jersey. As for Milan, well, I just think it’s fantasy talk. If Cagliari survive then he will definitely stay here.”
Yeah I know things change day to day with these rumors and fantasies, but how good is that?
To put it simply, if we can surivive this year, I think there is a good chance Acquafresca comes back next year. He really likes playing here and has become the player that seems to make everyone positive in the club. His maturity and performance have coincided with the move up the standings and he is not looking to leave. Youth, especially talented youth, is so invigorating for a soccer club, especially one with limited finances. He knows he could use another year rather then go to a big club and fight for playing time which could slow his development. His approach may also get Foggia to stay and who knows, maybe Milan will let us have Storari for another year. Players may actually want to come to Cagliari instead of looking at it as a wasteland where if you are forced to go there, atleast you get Serie A football for the only year you plan on staying with the club.
While every club wants to avoid relegation, Cagliari has so much to gain and so much to lose depending on what happens. If we can survive, bring the current players back, and add a talent or two which might not be such fantasy with new ownership and a stable of positive talented players, we could actually finish in the top half of the standings next year. Cagliari has played like a top eight team the second half of the year. Now we face the big boys the next three weeks and it would be great to get some surprising results to avoid the stress of the final weeks game against Reggina. Surivival is still not a guarantee at this point but the stakes are very high.
I was a big fan of Roberto Baggio and it was great to see him transfer to the big club Juventus just as the 1990 World Cup was arriving. We will lose Acquafresca at some point to a big club, but every year we can keep him will only cement his legend in Sardinia and cause him to look fondly on the club that allowed him to play and develop at a young age. The days of players with the talent of Gigi Riva playing most if not all of their career in places like Sardinia are simply gone so we need to get and keep great players for as long as possibile even if it is just for two to three years. Acquafresca is one of those players. Wouldnt it be great if we survive this year, keep him for next year, push for european football, and maybe just maybe get a third year out of him before he makes a big splash in the transfer market just before the 2010 World Cup(ok im putting the crack pipe down now). Kind of reminds me of 1990.
None of this happens if we dont survive this year.
Still a long way to go Cagliari fans, but be very proud of your club!!
By: Jeremy | Add Comments
After the weekends results in Serie A, any fan of Cagliari has to be as happy as they have been all year. We are now 5 points clear of the relegation zone and most if not all of our relegation rivals have more question marks and worries then we do. While that is certainly good news, we cannot get too cocky as there are four weeks left with a tough schedule. As we will see in the coming weeks, while we look good in todays standings, its a cushion we will likely come to appreciate going in to the final game against Reggina. I have always just asked that the final week mean something to Cagliaris players and fans and after todays win at home versus Empoli, we will either be safe coming into that game or playing for our safety against one of the worst teams in Serie A. Considering where we were at the start of the second half, this is a major miracle and as much as I can ask for.
Today was the final game of a must win two game set that began last week against Livorno and ended today at the Sant Elia against Empoli. For Cagliari to have a chance to survive, they had to win both and they did just that. I have never been prouder then I am today to be a fan of this club. While its easy to say we should beat what are arguably the two worst teams in Serie A if we truly deserve to survive, the fact is any team in the bottom half the table can be beaten by any other at any time and as the weeks wind down, the teams close to relegation seem to play that much tighter and wins arent so easy to come by. Back to back wins, knowing they are a must considering the up coming schedule was fantastic. The coaches and player should all be proud.
After knocking Livorno down last week in their own backyard, we came into todays game at home against Empoli feeling like we could win more so then we did against Livorno. For all that had gone right recently, a loss today probably makes us favorites for relegation.
The crowd was pumped and before they could calm down, our new hero and legend Robert Acquafresca grabbed a pass in the ninth minute and turned and fired past Empolis goalie. A great individual effort in traffic and just a glimpse of what he will be doing for Italy in the 2010 World Cup. Empoli really didnt threaten much and while it did have a wave of chances in the box just before halftime, it was truly an uninspired performance for a game that meant so much.
The second half saw Cagliari seal the game with a great shot from Michele Fini from twenty yards out in the 64th minute to put Cagliari up 2-0. The goal was so huge that he took off his shirt to celebrate causing a yellow card which when added to the first one he had from earlier, put Cagliari down to ten men. A bonehead move but acceptable considering the great goal he just scored that won the game.
Storari was again his brilliant self and stopped what few chances Empoli could muster. The result was never in doubt but things got a little chippy when Pisano got sent off and Cagliari played the last part of the game with nine men. Empoli simply didnt have the talent to come from behind and the game ended with a must three points for Cagliari.
We are now on 35 points. As things shape up, 38 points will probably keep you in Serie A for another year. I also think 34 points might put you in last as it is that tight. If Cagliari can somehow come up with three more points in their final four games, I think they slide in safely. This will be easier said then done considering they play Inter, Fiorentina, and Udinese the next three weeks with two of those games on the road. All of those teams have something to play for so we wont be seeing the junior squads and to expect points in any of those matches is unrealistic. However, a surprise win in any of those games will likely bring safety and celebration early to Sardinia.
As happy as I am, its a very much wait and see approach to the season. Things look great on the surface but as we will soon see, these past two wins against Livorno and Empoli might be what saved our season. If I was writing this without those two wins, I would almost admit relegation. The players knew the importance of these games and its wins against the bottom level clubs that cause you to be safe. Hopefully we dont go into the next three games spooked like we clearly did against Milan. We need to try and get points and earn safety before the last week as we did last year against Roma.
With the relegation clubs facing each other in the next couple of weeks combined with some of the big clubs still needing to lay their whipping on some of the smaller clubs, things will probably be even tighter in two weeks then they appear today. If I had to bet now who is going down, I think Livorno, Parma, and Torino. This has a lot to do with the schedule and their recent form. However, any one of these seven teams from Catania and Cagliari on down need to be worried.
Cagliari did themselves proud these past two weeks so lets see how these next two weeks play out and then reevaluate. We have a real chance to survive which no one thought was possible in February. The never quit attitude of the players is evident and Storari should be the MVP of Serie A if they do survive. To say that about a player who only played half the year with Cagliari is a testament to what he has meant to this club.
Cagliari-Empoli-Put Up or Shut Up Part 2
By: Jeremy | Add Comments
Cagliari is still glowing after taking a must three points on the road last week against Livorno. Considering all the circumstances of that game and what it meant, it was by far Cagliaris biggest win of the season. Their performance in the second half of the season not only brought them to the point where that game actually meant something, but put them in a position to where they can actually avoid the drop. If you dont understand how big that win was Cagliari fans, you will understand it after this weekends game against Empoli.
This game is the second of must win(after many other must win/draws that they have facing this year) back to back games and the Livorno win only emphasizes its importance. The circumstances are basically the same as last week with a few significant exceptions. We are facing a fellow relegation struggler who needs the win as we do. The difference is that we are at home and the confidence has to be high after winning a road game after falling behind last week versus the mood of the team after questionable tactics and a loss in the Milan game. To me Livorno and Empoli are thre same club so this is a game Cagliari must and should win.
With the Inter, Fiorentina, Udinese triumverate coming up in the next three weeks, a win this week is needed to build a cushion we will likely need against our relegation rivals. Even with a win, I still expect the game with Reggina to determine our survival. A loss this week and we become relegation favorites and will have to pull an upset somewhere against three very good teams. You can only push your luck so much. The margin for error and the difference between survival and relegation is so small and this weeks game will show it.
Robert Acquafresca, the hero last week against Livorno, should lead an inspried Cagliari this week and there is no doubt he is ready and able to put a couple of goals in. With his great performance lately, Inter now wants to bring him back and the typical rumors fly. Robert did the classy thing this week and made it clear that Cagliari is his club and he will give his all for them with the goal being survival. It sure beats him talking about his future with Inter which we know is inevitable.
Canini, Parola, and Cossu are all suspended this week so Ballardini has a few selection concerns. All this means is that Maggliochetti will likely play and we might see Foggia for a full ninety minutes. I am still a big fan of Foggias talent and he is going to make a difference in whether Cagliari survives.
Empoli comes into the game with lots of questions, but they are right in the middle of fight for safety. A win for them this week, combined with some easy games coming up, allows them to control their own destiny. They earned a point in Parma last week and will be looking to do what Cagliari did to Livorno last week. They are not done yet and this is their week to show it. A win by Empoli over Cagliari this week will make them favorites for safety and destroy any all momentum Cagliari has and puts them in deep trouble. This is what Cagliari did to Livorno last week.
To say this is a must win for both teams is an understatement. I think we will see a wide open game with Cagliari feeding off the home crowd to push some goals through. A win by Cagliari, combined with losses by their relegation rivals who face some of Serie A’s best this week, can build a cushion that will allow them to still be in the fight for safety even if they bomb the next three weeks. Cagliari is not going to let all of their work the second half go up in flames in these winnable games. They showed it last week in Livorno and there is no reason to think they wont do it this week at home against Empoli.
Prediction Cagliari 2-1 Empoli
Acquafresca Going Back to Inter?-This is what is wrong with Soccer.
By: Jeremy | 4 Comments
One of the worst things about being a fan of a small team is that you cant keep your players for very long unless no one else wants them. If the player is good, he eventually signs for a bigger club with the small team getting either cash to help stay in business or some young players. For the big clubs, its all about now. For the small clubs its all about financial survival with as long a run in Serie A as possible.
Part of what should make you a fan of a team is that you get to see players who become favorites for whatever reason. The longer they are on your team the better. That is one reason I am huge fan of David Suazo. I wish he would never have left. However, when that happens, and it works out with a young player like Acquafresca coming back in return, you dont want to have to turn around and give the young player back because he develops sooner then expected.
As much as I hate the big teams in baseball like the Red Sox or Yankees, when they come trying to steal one of my teams stud players because we cant afford him, they typically give us prospects who we at least control for a few years before they can become free agents and are paid fairly cheaply while we have them. Soccer needs to implement this kind of plan as these players cash in way too soon preventing the league from being as competitive as it could.
To me one thing that keeps soccer from having much credibility in the USA is that the players are bought and sold with the 10 biggest clubs in Europe dividing up who they want and paying whatever amount necessary. The lower level teams, even in the same league, are just farm teams for the big clubs and if they find a young player, they are soon sold to the big club.
This seems to be the latest problem for Cagliari and I wonder how much say they have in the matter so maybe someone smarter then me can enlighten us. Inter traded half interest in Acquafresca as part of the deal to bring Suazo to Inter. Suazo does not fit at Inter and they only signed him in case someone got hurt or to keep another team from getting him. Oh to have that luxury in Sardinia. The bottom line is the deal was made and we now have half ownership in a great young player. Why cant he stay in Sardinia for awhile? It seems like we are being forced to give him up to a team that now has no more rights to him then we do.
Part of me always thought Suazo would return to Cagliari and that seems to be the latest discussion. Inter realizes Suazo isnt needed, wants to return him to us, and have us give back our half interest in Acquafresca. What a bunch of bs. Its like the Yankees doing a midseason deal for a stud off a bad team, giving up promising young players in the deal, and then wanting to undo it after they lose in the playoffs because the young players suddenly have promise.
If a deal is made to return Bobby back to Inter, fine. I may not agree with it, but deals get done all the time. However, now that Bobby is clearly a better player then he was last year, it should take more then just simply sending us Suazo back. Id love for Suazo to come back, dont get me wrong, but it shouldnt be under Inters terms.
I assume it is the best deal we can get because either Acquafrescas contract expires soon ie after next year, he wouldnt return to Cagliari even if we can afford him, so we better get something back. Even if that is the case, my vote would be to sell him for max money, get our half from the deal, keep Inter from getting him and then using the money to buy other players.
I am sure I am missing something, but as long as this type of stuff happens so easily, the small clubs will never have much of a fan base outside of the town they are in and certainly cant win anything. I know this will be the first loss and Storari and Foggia are next, but if we could keep these guys, survive this year, and add a couple more players next year, we could challenge for Europe in my opinion. At the very least we wouldnt be relegation fodder.
I really wish someone would explain Cagliaris or any other small clubs option in these kind of cases. I hate becoming a fan of a player to see him leave
so quickly.
Inter needs to shove it up their Champions League failing A$$.
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