Giuseppe Amisani, Cagliari correspondent for the Corriere dello Sport-Stadio and columnist for TUTTOCAGLIARI.NET
The much feared triptych having been concluded, now it’s a matter of refining the aim to hit the big target called salvation. Cagliari obtained an unexpected 5 points. In a cycle at the end of which the result could have been very different. Because in the presence of Atalanta, Inter and Juventus no one would have cried foul if no point had been achieved. And even managing to conquer three would have meant taking a big step forward. “We would have signed with blood to average one point per game” confirmed Claudio Ranieri at the end of the match against Juventus. Which gave the rossoblù coach the confirmation that he had a team in his hands that could have achieved much more satisfaction if only they had moved into fourth gear early.
However, it is impossible to go back in time and for this reason it will be necessary to concentrate fully to face the last five days of this tournament in the best possible way. Because the others behind continue to run. And to get results. Frosinone’s success, foreseeable on the eve of the match, confirmed that the games at the bottom of the table are still open. It will therefore require maximum attention and a double psychological perspective: on the one hand, immediately leaving behind the compliments for having beaten Atalanta and coming close to the same result against Inter and Juventus. On the other hand, drawing awareness of one’s abilities and the character that led to those results from the same races.
To this, the usual Ranieri will have to add his tactical choices which will serve on the one hand to rein in Genoa and on the other to look for the decisive push to conquer the entire stake. With the complication that Zito Luvumbo, the sapper of the last few days, who was able to undermine some of the most ironclad defenses of the tournament, will not be there. The disqualification of the Angolan attacker could create some imbalances in the rossoblù lineup. But fortunately for the island coach, there is no shortage of alternatives at the moment. From Lapadula, who after a month on the bench wants to find his place as a starter again, to Petagna who returns after the injury to his right calf, passing through Oristanio and Gaetano who could provide the right flashes on the opposing midfield. But above all with Shomurodov who is currently the player most on the ball in the offensive department. His plays lit up Milan first and then Unipol Domus against the Bianconeri. And Ranieri will focus on him to try to close the deal with safety as soon as possible. Strong nerves, patience and tactical application will be needed in a Ferraris team that will be ready to push the home team.
But now that the goal is ever closer, Cagliari cannot let go. The appeal to stay in Serie A is still missing a handful of points, three or maybe four, and the island team wants to get its hands on the big target well in advance. To settle the matter first at Genoa’s home ground and then at the Unipol Domus to celebrate with its fans. Because, after the Ligurians, the home match against Lecce could be the right one to reach the long-awaited finish line.
