Cagliari Calcio match schedule and preparations

Cagliari Calcio traveled to Madrid to face Rayo Vallecano on October 3 in the tenth edition of the Trofeo de Vallecas. The friendly match was intended to maintain athletic conditioning and tactical refinement during the international break before the club resumes Serie A competition against Juventus on October 11.

In the match, Cagliari secured a victory over Rayo Vallecano, winning 6-5 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time. Angolan international M’Bala Nzola marked a successful debut for the club by scoring the equalizing goal in the 77th minute. Following the shootout, where players including Sugamele, Sulev, Sugawara, Ciervo, and Zé Pedro converted their penalties, goalkeeper Elia Caprile played a decisive role by making two crucial saves.

Manager Fabio Pisacane expressed satisfaction with the performance, stating the team deliberately sought a challenging opponent to prepare for the league resumption. He highlighted the progress of several players, including Sugawara, Massolin, Akarakiri, Piro, Sulev, and Sugamele. However, he reported that player Kevin Carlos experienced hamstring discomfort and will be evaluated in the coming days.

The 21-man squad included recent signing M’Bala Nzola and three Under-20 Primavera players: Nicola Grandu, Samuele Piro, and Alessandro Sugamele. The squad remains without seven players due to international duties: Alen Sherri, Adam Obert, Alessandro Romano, Daniel Maldini, Alieu Fadera, Joseph Liteta, and Juan Rodríguez. Additionally, Alessandro Deiola remains sidelined following meniscus surgery, with a potential return targeted for late October.

Following this Spanish trip, Cagliari faces a busy October schedule with upcoming Serie A matches against Monza, Bologna, and Roma.