Cagliari Calcio Squad 2024/25

Cagliari Calcio, one of Italy’s most historic football clubs, has undergone a significant transformation ahead of the 2024/25 season. With a blend of experienced veterans and promising young talents, the Rossoblu are aiming to make a strong impression in Serie A and potentially secure a spot in European competitions. The club’s management has been proactive in the transfer market, bringing in players who can add depth, quality, and versatility to the squad. This post provides an in-depth look at the Cagliari Calcio squad for the 2024/25 season, breaking down the team into goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards. Each player’s profile includes their nationality, former clubs, transfer fees, and a detailed analysis of their skills and potential impact on the team.

Cagliari club squad

Goalkeepers

  1. Alessio Cragno

    • Nationality: Italian

    • Former Clubs: Brescia, Benevento (loan).

    • Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy product)

      Alessio Cragno remains a cornerstone of Cagliari’s defense. Known for his exceptional reflexes and commanding presence in the box, Cragno has been a reliable shot-stopper for the club since his debut. His ability to make crucial saves in high-pressure situations has earned him a reputation as one of Serie A’s most underrated goalkeepers. At 30 years old, Cragno brings experience and leadership to the squad, often organizing the defense and communicating effectively with his backline. His distribution has improved significantly over the years, making him a modern goalkeeper capable of initiating attacks from the back.

  2. Boris Radunović

    • Nationality: Serbian

    • Former Clubs: Voždovac, Crotone.

    • Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (2022)

      Boris Radunović serves as a dependable backup to Cragno. The Serbian goalkeeper joined Cagliari in 2022 and has since proven his worth in cup competitions and during Cragno’s occasional absences. Standing at 6’5”, Radunović is a towering figure in goal, excelling in aerial duels and one-on-one situations. While he lacks the same level of experience as Cragno, his potential is evident, and he continues to develop under the guidance of the coaching staff. Radunović’s calm demeanor and shot-stopping ability make him a valuable asset for the squad.

  3. Simone Aresti

    • Nationality: Italian

    • Former Clubs: Olbia, Sassari Torres.

    • Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2021)

      Simone Aresti, the third-choice goalkeeper, is a seasoned professional who provides depth and experience to the goalkeeping department. Although he rarely features in competitive matches, Aresti’s role in training and mentoring younger players is invaluable. His understanding of the game and ability to read opponents’ movements make him a reliable option when called upon. Aresti’s leadership qualities and dedication to the club have earned him respect within the squad.

Defenders

  1. Gabriele Zappa

    • Nationality: Italian

    • Former Clubs: Monza, Pescara.

    • Transfer Fee: €2 million (2023)

      Gabriele Zappa has established himself as Cagliari’s first-choice right-back. Known for his tireless work rate and defensive solidity, Zappa is equally adept at contributing to the attack. His overlapping runs and precise crosses have created numerous scoring opportunities for the team. Zappa’s versatility allows him to play as a wing-back or even in midfield, making him a key player in various tactical setups. At 26, he is entering his prime and continues to improve with each season.

  2. Alberto Dossena

    • Nationality: Italian

    • Former Clubs: Parma, Reggiana.

    • Transfer Fee: €3.5 million (2024)

      Alberto Dossena joined Cagliari in the summer of 2024 and has quickly become a fan favorite. The Italian center-back is known for his composure on the ball, strong tackling, and ability to read the game. Dossena’s leadership qualities have also shone through, as he often takes charge of organizing the defense. His aerial prowess makes him a threat during set-pieces, both defensively and offensively. Dossena’s arrival has added much-needed stability to Cagliari’s backline.

  3. Pantelis Hatzidiakos

    • Nationality: Greek

    • Former Clubs: AZ Alkmaar.

    • Transfer Fee: €4 million (2023)

      Pantelis Hatzidiakos is a versatile defender capable of playing as a center-back or right-back. The Greek international joined Cagliari in 2023 and has since become a key figure in the defense. Hatzidiakos is known for his physicality, tactical intelligence, and ability to intercept passes. His experience in European competitions with AZ Alkmaar has been invaluable, as he brings a winning mentality to the squad. Hatzidiakos’ adaptability and consistency make him a crucial player for Cagliari.

  4. Diego Coppola

    • Nationality: Italian

    • Former Clubs: Hellas Verona (youth).

    • Transfer Fee: €2.5 million (2024)

      Diego Coppola is one of the most promising young defenders in Serie A. The 21-year-old joined Cagliari in 2024 and has already shown glimpses of his potential. Coppola is a ball-playing center-back with excellent passing range and composure under pressure. His ability to carry the ball out of defense and initiate attacks has drawn comparisons to some of Italy’s finest defenders. While still developing, Coppola’s talent and work ethic suggest a bright future ahead.

  5. Tommaso Augello

    • Nationality: Italian

    • Former Clubs: Sampdoria, Frosinone.

    • Transfer Fee: €1.8 million (2023)

      Tommaso Augello is Cagliari’s first-choice left-back, known for his attacking prowess and defensive discipline. The Italian full-back joined the club in 2023 and has since been a consistent performer. Augello’s ability to deliver accurate crosses and link up with midfielders makes him a vital component of Cagliari’s attacking play. Defensively, he is reliable and rarely caught out of position. Augello’s experience and versatility make him an essential part of the squad.

Midfielders

  1. Nicolò Barella

    • Nationality: Italian

    • Former Clubs: Inter Milan, Cagliari (youth).

    • Transfer Fee: €25 million (2024)

      Nicolò Barella’s return to Cagliari in 2024 was a dream come true for the fans. The Italian midfielder, who began his career at Cagliari, rejoined the club after a successful stint at Inter Milan. Barella is a dynamic box-to-box midfielder known for his energy, vision, and technical ability. His passing range and ability to score from distance make him a constant threat. Barella’s leadership and experience at the highest level have elevated Cagliari’s midfield, making him the heart of the team.

  2. Marko Rog

    • Nationality: Croatian

    • Former Clubs: Napoli, Cagliari (loan), Dinamo Zagreb

    • Transfer Fee: €6 million (2021)

      Marko Rog is a versatile midfielder capable of playing in multiple roles. The Croatian international joined Cagliari permanently in 2021 after a successful loan spell. Rog is known for his work rate, ball-winning ability, and composure in possession. His ability to break up play and distribute the ball effectively makes him a key player in Cagliari’s midfield. Rog’s experience and tactical awareness have been instrumental in the team’s success.

  3. Antoine Makoumbou

    • Nationality: Congolese

    • Former Clubs: Dijon, Charleroi

    • Transfer Fee: €3 million (2023)

      Antoine Makoumbou is a powerful and athletic midfielder who joined Cagliari in 2023. The Congolese international is known for his physicality, tackling, and ability to drive forward with the ball. Makoumbou’s presence in midfield provides balance and stability, allowing more creative players to flourish. His ability to cover ground quickly and break up opposition attacks has made him a fan favorite. Makoumbou’s potential is immense, and he continues to grow with each game.

  4. Jakub Jankto

    • Nationality: Czech

    • Former Clubs: Sampdoria, Getafe, Sparta Prague.

    • Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)

      Jakub Jankto is a technically gifted midfielder known for his creativity and vision. The Czech international joined Cagliari on a free transfer in 2023 and has since been a key player in the team’s attacking play. Jankto’s ability to pick out passes and create chances makes him a valuable asset. His experience in top European leagues adds depth and quality to Cagliari’s midfield. Jankto’s versatility allows him to play in multiple positions, making him a tactical asset for the manager.

Forwards

  1. Gianluca Lapadula

    • Nationality: Italian-Peruvian

    • Former Clubs: Genoa, Benevento, Lecce.

    • Transfer Fee: €4 million (2022)

      Gianluca Lapadula is Cagliari’s talismanic striker, known for his work rate, finishing, and ability to hold up the ball. The Italian-Peruvian forward joined the club in 2022 and has since been the team’s primary goal scorer. Lapadula’s movement and positioning make him a constant threat in the box, while his ability to link up with midfielders adds another dimension to Cagliari’s attack. His leadership and experience have been crucial in guiding the team through challenging moments.

  2. Eldor Shomurodov

    • Nationality: Uzbek

    • Former Clubs: Roma, Genoa, Rostov.

    • Transfer Fee: €8 million (2024)

      Eldor Shomurodov joined Cagliari in 2024 and has quickly become a fan favorite. The Uzbek forward is known for his pace, dribbling, and clinical finishing. Shomurodov’s ability to play as a central striker or on the wing adds versatility to Cagliari’s attack. His experience in Serie A and European competitions has been invaluable, as he brings a winning mentality to the squad. Shomurodov’s partnership with Lapadula has the potential to be one of the most lethal in the league.

  3. Leonardo Pavoletti

    • Nationality: Italian

    • Former Clubs: Napoli, Genoa, Sassuolo.

    • Transfer Fee: €2.5 million (2017)

      Leonardo Pavoletti is a veteran striker known for his aerial ability and goal-scoring instincts. The Italian forward has been with Cagliari since 2017 and remains a valuable option off the bench. Pavoletti’s ability to score crucial goals in tight games has earned him a special place in the hearts of the fans. While he may no longer be a regular starter, his experience and leadership are invaluable to the squad.

  4. Nicolás Viola

    • Nationality: Italian

    • Former Clubs: Bari, Reggina, Palermo.

    • Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2021)

      Nicolás Viola is a versatile forward capable of playing as a striker or attacking midfielder. The Italian joined Cagliari in 2021 and has since been a reliable option in the final third. Viola’s technical ability, vision, and creativity make him a key player in Cagliari’s attacking play. His experience and understanding of the game allow him to adapt to different tactical setups, making him a valuable asset for the manager.

Conclusion

The 2024/25 Cagliari Calcio Squad is a well-balanced mix of youth and experience, with players capable of competing at the highest level. The club’s strategic signings and focus on developing young talents have laid the foundation for a promising season. With a strong defensive unit, a dynamic midfield, and a potent attack, Cagliari has the potential to challenge for a top-half finish in Serie A and potentially secure European qualification. The passion and dedication of the players, combined with the unwavering support of the fans, make this an exciting time for Cagliari Calcio. As the season unfolds, the Rossoblu will aim to build on their strengths and continue their journey toward success.