Cagliari Calcio Midfielders 2024/25
Cagliari Calcio, the historic Sardinian club, has always been a team that prides itself on its ability to nurture talent and build competitive squads. As the 2024/25 season approaches, the midfield department stands out as a crucial area of strength for the Rossoblu. This season, the club has assembled a blend of experienced campaigners, young prospects, and strategic signings to ensure a dynamic and balanced midfield. In this post, we will take an in-depth look at each of Cagliari’s midfielders, exploring their backgrounds, playing styles, and contributions to the team.
Nahitan Nández
Nahitan Nández, the Uruguayan dynamo, continues to be a cornerstone of Cagliari’s midfield. Known for his relentless energy and tenacity, Nández has become a fan favorite since joining the club in 2019. Born in Punta del Este, Uruguay, he began his professional career at Peñarol before moving to Boca Juniors in Argentina. His impressive performances in South America earned him a move to Europe, with Cagliari securing his services for a reported fee of €16 million.
Nández is a versatile midfielder who can operate in multiple roles, including central midfield, defensive midfield, and even as a right-wingback. His ability to break up play, drive forward with the ball, and contribute defensively makes him an invaluable asset. Standing at 1.72 meters, he compensates for his lack of height with exceptional agility and work rate. Nández’s leadership qualities and experience will be vital for Cagliari as they aim to compete in Serie A and beyond.
Nicolò Barella
Although Nicolò Barella is no longer a Cagliari player, his legacy at the club remains significant. 
The Italian international, who now plies his trade at Inter Milan, came through the youth ranks at Cagliari and made his first-team debut in 2015. Barella’s rise to prominence was meteoric, and his performances in Sardinia earned him a €45 million move to Inter in 2019. While he is no longer part of the squad, his influence on Cagliari’s midfield philosophy and development pathway cannot be overstated.
Antoine Makoumbou
Antoine Makoumbou, the Congolese midfielder, joined Cagliari in 2022 and has since established himself as a key figure in the team. Born in Brazzaville, Congo, Makoumbou began his career at Diables Noirs before moving to Europe to join Charleroi in Belgium. Cagliari signed him for a modest fee of €3.5 million, a move that has proven to be a shrewd piece of business.
Makoumbou is a physically imposing midfielder, standing at 1.88 meters, with excellent ball-winning abilities and a keen eye for distribution. His ability to shield the defense and initiate attacks from deep positions has made him an integral part of Cagliari’s setup. Despite his young age, Makoumbou displays maturity beyond his years, often dictating the tempo of the game and providing a solid foundation for his more attack-minded teammates.
Alessandro Deiola
Alessandro Deiola, a product of Cagliari’s youth academy, embodies the spirit and identity of the club. The Italian midfielder, born in Cagliari, has spent the majority of his career with his hometown team, barring a few loan spells at clubs like Benevento and Pescara. Deiola’s journey from the youth ranks to the first team is a testament to his dedication and perseverance.
Deiola is a hardworking and versatile midfielder who can play in both defensive and box-to-box roles. His understanding of the game, combined with his ability to read opposition movements, allows him to contribute effectively in both phases of play. While he may not grab headlines, Deiola’s consistency and commitment make him a valuable squad player. His local roots and passion for the club further endear him to the fans.
Marko Rog
Marko Rog, the Croatian midfielder, brings a wealth of experience and technical quality to Cagliari’s midfield. Born in Zagreb, Rog began his career at Dinamo Zagreb before moving to Napoli in 2016. After loan spells at Sevilla, Cagliari, and Crotone, he made his move to Cagliari permanent in 2021 for a fee of €7 million.
Rog is a technically gifted player with excellent passing range and vision. His ability to control the tempo of the game and pick out incisive passes makes him a key creative outlet for the team. Additionally, Rog’s versatility allows him to play in various midfield roles, including as a deep-lying playmaker or an advanced midfielder. His experience in top European leagues adds a layer of sophistication to Cagliari’s midfield.
Ibrahim Sulemana
Ibrahim Sulemana, the Ghanaian youngster, is one of the most exciting prospects in Cagliari’s squad. Born in Accra, Ghana, Sulemana joined Cagliari in 2023 from Hellas Verona for a fee of €6 million. His rapid rise through the ranks has been marked by his impressive physical attributes and technical ability.
Sulemana is a box-to-box midfielder with a rare combination of strength, speed, and skill. His ability to drive forward with the ball and contribute to both attack and defense makes him a complete midfielder. Despite his young age, Sulemana has shown maturity and composure on the ball, often making intelligent decisions in high-pressure situations. His potential is immense, and he is widely regarded as one of the future stars of African football.
Gianluca Gaetano
Gianluca Gaetano, the Italian playmaker, is another exciting talent in Cagliari’s midfield ranks. Born in Cimitile, Italy, Gaetano came through the youth system at Napoli before joining Cagliari on loan in 2023. His performances were so impressive that the club made the move permanent for a fee of €4 million.
Gaetano is a creative midfielder with excellent dribbling skills and an eye for goal. His ability to unlock defenses with precise passes and clever movement makes him a constant threat in the final third. Gaetano’s flair and technical ability have drawn comparisons to some of Italy’s finest playmakers, and he is expected to play a pivotal role in Cagliari’s attacking plans this season.
Vincenzo Millico
Vincenzo Millico, the Italian winger, adds a different dimension to Cagliari’s midfield with his pace and directness. Born in Turin, Millico began his career at Torino before moving to Cagliari in 2022 for a fee of €2.5 million. Although primarily a winger, Millico is often deployed in a wide midfield role to exploit his speed and crossing ability.
Millico’s ability to stretch defenses and deliver dangerous balls into the box makes him a valuable asset in Cagliari’s attacking Arsenal. His work rate and willingness to track back also make him a reliable option in defensive transitions. Millico’s versatility and attacking instincts provide the team with additional options in the final third.
Conclusion
Cagliari Calcio’s midfield for the 2024/25 season is a blend of experience, youth, and versatility. From the tireless Nahitan Nández to the promising Ibrahim Sulemana, each player brings unique qualities to the table. The combination of defensive solidity, creative flair, and physicality ensures that Cagliari’s midfield is well-equipped to compete in Serie A and beyond. As the season unfolds, the performances of these midfielders will be crucial in determining the team’s success. With a mix of established stars and emerging talents, Cagliari’s midfield is poised to be one of the most exciting aspects of the club’s campaign.