Cagliari Coach Rolando Maran believes hosting Inter is an ideal opportunity and reassures Radja Nainggolan “has nothing to prove.”
It kicks off at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“This game will not be decisive, but it probably will affect our confidence,” admitted the Coach in his Press conference.
Cagliari Coach Rolando Maran believes hosting Inter is an ideal opportunity and reassures Radja Nainggolan “has nothing to prove.”
It kicks off at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“This game will not be decisive, but it probably will affect our confidence,” admitted the Coach in his Press conference.
The Sardinians invested heavily this summer with players like Marko Rog, Nainggolan, Nahitan Nandez, Giovanni Simeone and Robin Olsen, but opened their account with a 1-0 home defeat to Brescia.
“We’ve got to change gear after that false start and wipe away the sense of disappointment. We welcome a strong test against one of the form teams in Serie A, because we have to be courageous and take the initiative against any opponent. It’s a chance to fight back with pride, heart, soul and aggression.
“Inter changed radically under Antonio Conte and have a completely different approach to their matches, increasing the quality level of the side too. They will be one of the three Scudetto challengers this season.”
It is a very special match for Nainggolan, who was not part of Conte’s Inter plans and loaned out to Cagliari.
“Nainggolan has nothing to prove, as he did very well with Inter last season and was decisive in ensuring a top four finish. He is concentrated and eager to put the poor performances behind him. He’s a professional and works hard, that’s enough for me.”
The injury crisis keeps growing at Cagliari, where Leonardo Pavoletti is expected to be out for three months with a knee ligament issue.
“Everyone knows what Leo means to this team. He has certain characteristics that, as the statistics show, we tried to make the most of. Again last week, we put more crosses in than any other Serie A side.
“We’ve got to reconsider some things without him, but aside from all that, I am really sorry for him as a person. He’s a lovely guy and we hope to have him back soon.”
Fabrizio Cacciatore, Alessio Cragno and Paolo Faragò are also absent, but new signings Simeone from Fiorentina and ex-Roma goalkeeper Olsen are immediately included.
It is unlikely either will start, but Rog is available after his ban against Brescia.
Cagliari squad for Inter:Aresti, Olsen, Rafael; Ceppitelli, Klavan, Lykogiannis, Mattiello, Pellegrini, Pinna, Pisacane, Romagna, Walukiewicz; Birsa, Castro, Cigarini, Deiola, Ionita, Nainggolan, Nandez, Oliva, Rog; Cerri, Joao Pedro, Ragatzu, Simeone