Leonardo Semplici admits Cagliari will miss Radja Nainggolan against Roma, but assures they have ‘little to lose and much to gain.’
It kicks off on Sunday at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
The Sardinians are desperate to claw their way out of the relegation zone, but must do without suspended Nainggolan against his old club.
Leonardo Semplici admits Cagliari will miss Radja Nainggolan against Roma, but assures they have ‘little to lose and much to gain.’
It kicks off on Sunday at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
The Sardinians are desperate to claw their way out of the relegation zone, but must do without suspended Nainggolan against his old club.
“It’s an important loss, but I hope those who fill in do a good job,” said the coach in his press conference.
“I think we’ve always shown that we take the initiative, with little to lose and much to gain. We mustn’t look at the names of our opponents, but rather at how we step onto the pitch.
“We have three games in a week, so we’ll see if there will be a few changes compared to Wednesday. Nahitan Nandez is a versatile figure who can play in three different midfield roles, so we’ll see tomorrow where we put him.”
Roma are expected to rotate the squad and could be distracted by the upcoming Europa League semi-final against Manchester United.
“Chance would be a fine thing, but I fear that won’t be the case,” shrugged Semplici.
“Roma have a large squad and care about both Serie A and Europe. Let’s not kid ourselves, they just drew 1-1 with Atalanta. Things are going our way more now because we have the right mentality and that little bit of extra determination to pounce on situations that are 50-50.
“I already experienced a similar situation when I was at SPAL and I hope it ends the same way here.”
Gaston Pereiro made the difference when he came off the bench against Parma, scoring a goal and setting up the winner for 4-3 in stoppages.
“Gaston is an important player, we’ll see whether to use him from the start. We need balance to sustain him from the start and I think we are close to getting there, but I want to choose the XI against Roma who give me the most guarantees.”