Cagliari captain Alessandro Deiola leads Gigi Riva tribute in friendly vs Nice

Alessandro Deiola, newly appointed captain of Serie A side Cagliari, said he was proud to wear the captain’s armband and to lead the team in the upcoming friendly against French club Nice. The match, scheduled for Saturday evening, marks the second edition of the Trofeo Gigi Riva, an event created to honour the club’s legendary striker Gigi Riva. Deiola described the fixture as a “high‑value, symbolic” game that will also serve as a preparation test for the league season.

Club ambassador Nicola Riva, son of the late Gigi Riva, and club officials such as president Stefano Melis highlighted the importance of the trophy in preserving Riva’s values. The event will feature a video tribute on the stadium’s big screen, live performances, and the opening of the gates at 18:30, aiming to reconnect with fans and celebrate the legend’s lasting impact on Cagliari and Sardinian football.