Cagliari Calcio Forwards 2024/25
Cagliari Calcio, the historic Sardinian club, has always been a team that prides itself on its attacking flair and ability to nurture talented forwards. As the 2024/25 season approaches, the Rossoblu boast a dynamic and diverse group of strikers and wingers, each bringing unique qualities to the pitch. This season’s forward line is a blend of experienced campaigners, rising stars, and shrewd acquisitions, all aiming to propel Cagliari to new heights in Serie A and beyond. Below, we take an in-depth look at each of the forwards currently on Cagliari’s roster, exploring their backgrounds, strengths, and contributions to the team.
Gianluca Lapadula
Gianluca Lapadula, the Peruvian-Italian striker, remains a pivotal figure in Cagliari’s attack. Born in Turin, Italy, Lapadula represents Peru internationally, thanks to his mother’s heritage. 
Known for his relentless work rate and clinical finishing, he joined Cagliari in 2022 from Benevento for a reported fee of €4 million. Lapadula’s journey has seen him play for clubs like AC Milan, Genoa, and Lecce, where he honed his skills as a versatile forward capable of playing both as a lone striker and in a supporting role. His ability to hold up play, combined with his aerial prowess, makes him a constant threat in the box. In the 2023/24 season, Lapadula netted 12 goals and provided 5 assists, solidifying his status as a fan favorite. At 34, his experience and leadership are invaluable to a relatively young squad.
Leonardo Pavoletti
A true Cagliari legend, Leonardo Pavoletti continues to defy age with his consistent performances. The Italian target man, now 35, has been with the club since 2017, when he signed from Napoli for €9 million. Pavoletti’s career has also included stints at Genoa and Sassuolo, but it is in Sardinia where he has truly made his mark. Standing at 6’2”, he is a dominant presence in the air, often scoring crucial headers from set-pieces. Despite battling injuries in recent years, Pavoletti remains a reliable option off the bench, offering a different dimension to Cagliari’s attack. His passion for the club and ability to deliver in clutch moments have endeared him to the Rossoblu faithful. Last season, he contributed 7 goals, many of which came in decisive matches.
Nicolás Viola
While primarily an attacking midfielder, Nicolás Viola’s versatility allows him to operate as a secondary striker or winger. The 33-year-old Italian has been with Cagliari since 2015, barring a brief loan spell at Pescara. Known for his technical ability and vision, Viola is a creative force who can unlock defenses with his passing and dribbling. Although not a prolific scorer, he has a knack for popping up with important goals, often from outside the box. His experience and understanding of the game make him a key figure in Cagliari’s attacking setup. Last season, he chipped in with 4 goals and 6 assists, showcasing his ability to contribute in multiple ways.
Eldor Shomurodov
Eldor Shomurodov, the Uzbekistani forward, joined Cagliari in 2023 on loan from Roma, with an option to buy for €8 million. The 28-year-old has quickly established himself as a fan favorite with his pace, strength, and eye for goal. Shomurodov’s career has taken him from his homeland to Russia, where he played for Rostov, and then to Italy with Genoa and Roma. His ability to play across the front line adds tactical flexibility to Cagliari’s attack. Last season, he scored 9 goals and provided 4 assists, demonstrating his importance to the team. Shomurodov’s physicality and direct style make him a nightmare for defenders, and his best years are still ahead of him.
Antoine Makoumbou
A rising star in Cagliari’s ranks, Antoine Makoumbou is a Congolese forward who joined the club in 2022 from French side Bordeaux for €3 million. At just 22 years old, Makoumbou has already shown glimpses of his immense potential. Blessed with blistering speed and excellent dribbling skills, he is a constant threat on the wing. His ability to cut inside and unleash powerful shots has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s elite wingers. Last season, he scored 5 goals and provided 3 assists, numbers that are expected to rise as he continues to develop. Makoumbou’s raw talent and hunger for success make him one to watch in the coming years.
Luca Baldazzi
Luca Baldazzi, a product of Cagliari’s youth academy, is a promising Italian forward who has been gradually integrated into the first team. The 20-year-old made his senior debut in the 2022/23 season and has since shown flashes of his potential. Baldazzi is a technically gifted player with excellent close control and a keen eye for goal. While still raw, his performances in the Primavera (youth league) and brief cameos in Serie A suggest a bright future. Last season, he scored 2 goals in limited appearances, but his development is being carefully managed by the coaching staff. Baldazzi represents the next generation of Cagliari Forwards, and the club has high hopes for his progression.
Andrea Petagna
Andrea Petagna, the towering Italian striker, joined Cagliari in 2023 on loan from Monza, with an option to make the move permanent for €6 million. The 29-year-old has a wealth of experience in Serie A, having played for Atalanta, SPAL, Napoli, and Monza. Petagna is a classic number nine, known for his physicality, hold-up play, and ability to bring teammates into the game. While not the most prolific scorer, his presence in the box creates space and opportunities for others. Last season, he scored 6 goals and provided 4 assists, proving to be a valuable addition to the squad. Petagna’s experience and tactical intelligence make him a key asset for Cagliari.
Zito Luvumbo
Angolan winger Zito Luvumbo is one of the most exciting young talents in Cagliari’s squad. The 22-year-old joined the club in 2021 from Primeiro de Agosto for a modest fee of €1.5 million. Luvumbo’s electrifying pace and trickery on the ball have made him a standout performer. Capable of playing on either flank, he is a constant threat to opposition defenses. Last season, he scored 4 goals and provided 5 assists, showcasing his growing influence. Luvumbo’s development has been rapid, and he is widely regarded as one of the brightest prospects in African football. His potential is limitless, and Cagliari will look to harness his talents for years to come.
Alessandro Deiola
Another versatile player in Cagliari’s ranks, Alessandro Deiola is primarily a midfielder but has been deployed as a forward on occasion. The 28-year-old Italian has spent the majority of his career at Cagliari, with brief loan spells at Benevento and Pescara. Deiola’s work rate, tactical intelligence, and ability to contribute in both attack and defense make him a valuable squad player. While not a regular starter, he has a knack for scoring important goals, often arriving late in the box to finish chances. Last season, he scored 3 goals and provided 2 assists, underlining his utility to the team.
Conclusion
Cagliari Calcio’s forward line for the 2024/25 season is a fascinating mix of experience, youth, and versatility. From the seasoned leadership of Gianluca Lapadula and Leonardo Pavoletti to the explosive potential of Antoine Makoumbou and Zito Luvumbo, the Rossoblu have a wealth of options to choose from. Each player brings something unique to the table, whether it’s Lapadula’s clinical finishing, Shomurodov’s physicality, or Luvumbo’s dazzling dribbling. As Cagliari aims to climb the Serie A table and make a mark in domestic competitions, the contributions of these forwards will be crucial. With a balanced attack and a blend of proven performers and emerging talents, the future looks bright for Cagliari Calcio.