The 2025/26 season finds Cagliari Calcio in a state of determined consolidation under the guidance of Claudio Ranieri, the legendary 74-year-old manager who returned to his boyhood club in 2022 and secured promotion back to Serie A in 2023. I Rossoblu (The Red and Blues), wearing the colours of Sardinia, continue to defy the island’s geographic isolation and modest budget under Ranieri’s paternal leadership. The Unipol Domus (formerly the Sardegna Arena), perched on the shores of the Mediterranean, has become a passionate fortress where visiting teams struggle against the intense island heat and the fervent Curva Sud. This season’s squad reflects Ranieri’s blueprint: experienced veterans, undervalued loanees, homegrown Sardinian products, and South American imports with technical quality. There is no expectation of European football, only the desperate fight to avoid relegation while playing pragmatic, organised football. Below lies an exhaustive examination of Cagliari’s first-team roster for 2025/26, organised by position, with each player’s journey, financial details, and stylistic fingerprints dissected thoroughly.
Goalkeepers
1. Simone Scuffet
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Udinese, Kasımpaşa (loan), Spezia (loan), CFR Cluj (loan)
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Simone Scuffet has become Cagliari’s undisputed number one following his free transfer from CFR Cluj, the Italian shot-stopper providing reflexes, command, and redemption after a career that once promised greatness at Udinese as a teenager. The 29-year-old’s shot-stopping (75% save percentage in 2024/25, 74% in 2025/26 to date) and command of the penalty area (86% cross-claiming success) have been instrumental in Cagliari’s survival campaigns. Scuffet’s distribution (87% pass completion) remains functional, but his reflexes and 1v1 saving are his primary weapons. Having started 33 league matches in 2025/26, keeping 12 clean sheets, he has proven remarkably durable after years of loan itinerancy. Scuffet’s relationship with Italian teammates provides comfort; his early Udinese heroics (2014 debut at 17) remain distant memories, but his consistency at Cagliari has restored his reputation. Scuffet’s contract runs through 2028. Scuffet’s performance against Juventus in November 2025—making 10 saves, including a penalty stop—demonstrated his enduring quality.
2. Alen Sherri
Nationality: Albanian
Former Clubs: Egnatia, Cagliari
Transfer Fee: £1.5 million (2024)
Alen Sherri has accepted a rotational role behind Scuffet, providing Albanian international pedigree, cup competition cover, and long-term succession planning. The 27-year-old’s shot-stopping (73% save percentage in limited appearances) and distribution (86% pass completion) provide functional cover. Sherri started 10 matches in 2025/26 (cup competitions and Scuffet’s rest), keeping 4 clean sheets. Sherri’s contract runs through 2028.
3. Giuseppe Ciocci
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Cagliari academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Giuseppe Ciocci has served as emergency third-choice option following development with Cagliari’s youth setup. The 23-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
Defenders
1. Alberto Dossena
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Atalanta, Avellino (loan), Cagliari
Transfer Fee: £3 million (2022)
Alberto Dossena has become Cagliari’s defensive leader and one of Serie A’s most underrated centre-backs, the Italian providing physicality, aerial dominance, and tactical intelligence across four seasons at the club. The 27-year-old’s reading of the game—intercepting passes (2.4 per 90), cutting angles, covering for advancing wing-backs—provides defensive security. His aerial duel success (85%) leads Cagliari’s defence, neutralising target forwards and providing set-piece security. Dossena’s tackling (2.8 per 90) and blocks (1.3 per 90) demonstrate old-school defending. His passing (87% completion) remains secure. Dossena’s partnership with Yerry Mina has conceded only 1.18 goals per 90 minutes over the 2025/26 season to date. Dossena’s contract runs through 2029, with Cagliari rejecting January 2026 approaches.
2. Yerry Mina
Nationality: Colombian
Former Clubs: Deportivo Pasto, Palmeiras, Barcelona, Everton, Fiorentina
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Yerry Mina’s summer 2024 arrival from Fiorentina added Colombian World Cup experience (2018, 2022), aerial dominance, and physical presence to Cagliari’s backline following his free transfer. The 31-year-old’s aerial duel success (86%) and tackling (2.6 per 90) provide defensive security. Mina’s experience—including Barcelona and Everton spells—provides dressing room leadership. Mina’s contract runs through 2028. Mina’s performance against Inter Milan in December 2025—winning 11 duels, scoring a towering header—demonstrated his enduring quality.
3. Adam Obert
Nationality: Slovak
Former Clubs: Cagliari academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Adam Obert has become Cagliari’s first-choice left-back, the Slovak international providing pace, crossing, and defensive improvement following his graduation from the club’s academy. The 23-year-old’s overlapping runs (3.7 per 90) and crossing (37% accuracy) created 3 assists in 2025/26. His defensive positioning (2.0 interceptions per 90) and recovery pace (34.9 km/h) provide balance. Obert’s contract runs through 2029.
4. Gabriele Zappa
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Cagliari academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Gabriele Zappa has become Cagliari’s first-choice right-back, the Italian defender providing work rate, crossing, and defensive diligence following his graduation from the club’s academy. The 26-year-old’s overlapping runs (3.6 per 90) and crossing (36% accuracy) created 2 assists in 2025/26. Zappa’s contract runs through 2029.
5. Sebastiano Luperto
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Napoli, Empoli (loan)
Transfer Fee: £3 million (2024)
Sebastiano Luperto has provided centre-back depth following his arrival from Napoli, the Italian defender offering left-footed balance, tactical intelligence, and experience. The 29-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
6. Paulo Azzi
Nationality: Brazilian
Former Clubs: Cagliari academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Paulo Azzi has provided left-back depth following his graduation from Cagliari’s academy, the Brazilian-Italian defender offering pace and crossing. The 25-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
7. Mateusz Wieteska
Nationality: Polish
Former Clubs: Legia Warsaw, Clermont
Transfer Fee: £4 million (2023)
Mateusz Wieteska has provided emergency centre-back depth following his arrival from Clermont, the Polish international offering physicality and aerial presence. The 28-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
Midfielders
1. Antoine Makoumbou (Vice-Captain)
Nationality: Congolese
Former Clubs: Botev Plovdiv, Cagliari
Transfer Fee: £3 million (2022)
Antoine Makoumbou has become Cagliari’s midfield anchor and vice-captain, the Congolese international providing physicality, tackling, and tactical discipline across four seasons at the club. The 27-year-old’s tackling (3.3 per 90) and interceptions (2.5 per 90) lead Cagliari’s midfield. His work rate (11.8 kilometres per match) and pressing intensity (11.5 pressures per 90) set Ranieri’s standards. Makoumbou’s passing (87% completion) remains basic; his role involves disruption, tactical fouling, and protecting the backline. Makoumbou’s contract runs through 2029.
2. Nahitan Nández (Captain)
Nationality: Uruguayan
Former Clubs: Peñarol, Boca Juniors
Transfer Fee: £10 million (2019)
Nahitan Nández has become Cagliari’s captain and midfield engine, the Uruguayan international providing energy, versatility, and leadership across seven seasons at the club. The 30-year-old’s work rate (11.9 kilometres per match) and pressing intensity (11.6 pressures per 90) set Cagliari’s standards. Nández’s versatility across central midfield, right midfield, and right-wing-back offers Ranieri tactical flexibility. His tackling (2.9 per 90) and ball-carrying (3.7 progressive carries per 90) provide midfield security. Nández’s leadership, formalised as club captain, manages Cagliari’s dressing room through Uruguayan grit and professional standards. Nández’s contract runs through 2028, with Cagliari rejecting January 2026 approaches.
3. Matteo Prati
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: SPAL, Cagliari
Transfer Fee: £4 million (2023)
Matteo Prati has emerged as a reliable midfield rotation option following his arrival from SPAL, the Italian youth international providing energy, passing, and tactical discipline. The 22-year-old’s passing (4.6 progressive passes per 90, 88% completion) and work rate provide functional depth. Prati’s contract runs through 2029.
4. Alessandro Deiola
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Cagliari academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Alessandro Deiola has provided midfield depth following his graduation from Cagliari’s academy, the Italian midfielder offering work rate, tackling, and Sardinian passion. The 30-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
5. Tommaso Augello
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Sampdoria, Cagliari
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Tommaso Augello has provided left-back and midfield depth following his free transfer from Sampdoria, the Italian defender offering crossing and experience. The 31-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
6. Jakub Jankto
Nationality: Czech
Former Clubs: Udinese, Sampdoria, Getafe (loan)
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Jakub Jankto has provided midfield depth following his free transfer from Getafe, the Czech international offering passing quality and creativity. The 29-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
7. Nicolas Viola
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Reggina, Benevento, Cagliari
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Nicolas Viola has provided emergency attacking midfield depth following his free transfer from Benevento, the Italian veteran offering set-piece delivery and experience. The 36-year-old’s contract expires in 2027.
Forwards
1. Roberto Piccoli
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Atalanta, Genoa (loan), Empoli (loan), Lecce (loan)
Transfer Fee: £6 million (2024)
Roberto Piccoli has become Cagliari’s primary attacking weapon, the Italian striker providing physicality, finishing, and hold-up play following his permanent signing from Atalanta. The 24-year-old’s finishing (14 goals in 2025/26) and conversion rate (25%) provide consistent scoring threat. His hold-up play (73% success receiving back to goal) and aerial duel success (81%) occupy defenders, creating space for wingers and midfielders. Piccoli’s work rate pressing centre-backs (10.6 pressures per 90) sets Cagliari’s defensive tone from the front. Piccoli’s contract runs through 2029.
2. Gianluca Lapadula
Nationality: Italian (Peruvian descent)
Former Clubs: Parma, Genoa, Milan, Benevento, Lecce, Cagliari
Transfer Fee: £3 million (2023)
Gianluca Lapadula has provided veteran striker depth following his arrival from Lecce, the Italian-Peruvian forward offering work rate, finishing, and penalty-box presence as Piccoli’s understudy. The 35-year-old’s finishing (6 goals in 2025/26 in limited minutes) and work rate (11.0 pressures per 90) provide functional depth. Lapadula’s contract expires in 2027.
3. Zito Luvumbo
Nationality: Angolan
Former Clubs: Primeiro de Agosto, Cagliari
Transfer Fee: £3 million (2021)
Zito Luvumbo has become Cagliari’s most exciting wide attacker, the Angolan international providing pace, dribbling, and end product from the right flank across four seasons at the club. The 23-year-old’s dribbling (3.8 successful take-ons per 90) and acceleration (0-30 km/h in 2.5 seconds) terrorise defenders. His finishing (7 goals in 2025/26) and creativity (5 assists) provide consistent threat. Luvumbo’s defensive work rate—tracking full-backs (1.7 tackles per 90)—improved through Ranieri’s demands. Luvumbo’s contract runs through 2029.
4. Eldor Shomurodov
Nationality: Uzbek
Former Clubs: Rostov, Genoa, Roma, Spezia (loan), Cagliari
Transfer Fee: £4 million (2024)
Eldor Shomurodov has provided striker depth following his arrival from Roma, the Uzbek international offering physicality, finishing, and hold-up play. The 30-year-old’s finishing (5 goals in 2025/26) provides functional depth. Shomurodov’s contract runs through 2028.
5. Mattia Felici
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Cagliari academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Mattia Felici has emerged as a promising wide rotation option following his graduation from Cagliari’s academy, the Italian winger providing pace and creativity. The 21-year-old’s contract runs through 2029.
6. Nicholas Viola (covered in midfield)
7. Jacopo Desogus
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Cagliari academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Jacopo Desogus has provided emergency wide depth following his graduation from Cagliari’s academy. The 22-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
Conclusion
Cagliari’s 2025/26 squad represents the most resilient and tactically coherent group assembled since the club’s 2019/20 campaign under Rolando Maran, a testament to Claudio Ranieri’s paternal coaching, the recruitment team’s intelligence (Scuffet, Mina, Piccoli), and the academy’s continued production (Obert, Zappa, Prati). The defence, anchored by Alberto Dossena’s Italian physicality and Yerry Mina’s Colombian aerial dominance, provides platform for Ranieri’s pragmatic, organised survival system. The midfield, dominated by Antoine Makoumbou’s Congolese destruction and Nahitan Nández’s Uruguayan energy, controls matches through pressing, physicality, and tactical disruption. The attack, headlined by Roberto Piccoli’s Italian finishing and Zito Luvumbo’s Angolan pace, carries sufficient goal threat to secure survival. Crucially, Cagliari has balanced immediate competitiveness with financial sustainability; Piccoli, Luvumbo, Obert, and Prati represent significant resale value while contributing immediately. The looming challenge involves maintaining Serie A status despite the island’s geographic isolation, modest budget, and the constant threat of losing key players to richer mainland clubs. Yet the Unipol Domus’s passionate, intimate atmosphere—amplified by supporters who remember the glory days of Gigi Riva, the club’s all-time legend, and the darker days of Serie C—provides emotional fuel. Cagliari does not hope merely to survive; they fight with Sardinian grit, taking pride in frustrating established giants and securing improbable results. This squad appears equipped to deliver another season of top-flight football, continuing the club’s remarkable resilience. Forza Cagliari.
