Having made a perfect start to their Scudetto defence with a confident victory last weekend, Napoli will return to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Saturday evening, eager to build on their early momentum and send a clear message to the rest of Serie A. Their opponents, Cagliari, arrive in Naples with far less certainty, having scraped a dramatic draw against Fiorentina in their season opener. The contrast between the two sides could not be more stark—Napoli, brimming with star power and tactical clarity under Antonio Conte, look poised to mount a serious title defence, while Cagliari, under the stewardship of rookie manager Fabio Pisacane, are still searching for identity and stability. The fixture also carries echoes of their dramatic meeting just three months ago, when Napoli clinched the title on the final day of the 2024–25 season with a narrow win over the Sardinians.
Napoli’s performance against Sassuolo last weekend was a masterclass in controlled aggression and clinical execution. From the opening whistle, they asserted dominance, pressing high and moving the ball with fluidity and purpose. The goals came in both halves, showcasing the depth and versatility of their attacking options. Scott McTominay, the reigning Serie A MVP and a fan favorite in Naples, opened the scoring with a powerful header that reminded everyone why he has become such a pivotal figure in Conte’s system. His ability to arrive late in the box and convert chances with precision has added a new dimension to Napoli’s midfield, and his leadership on the pitch continues to inspire those around him. Later in the match, debutant Kevin De Bruyne—one of the most high-profile summer arrivals—opened his account with a fortuitous free kick that wrong-footed the goalkeeper. Though the goal may have been lucky, De Bruyne’s overall performance was anything but, as he orchestrated play with the kind of vision and intelligence that has defined his career.
Napoli’s dominance extended beyond the scoreline. They struck the post twice and created numerous chances, underlining their intent to avoid the pitfalls of their previous title defence in 2023–24, when they slumped to a disappointing 10th-place finish. That campaign was marred by inconsistency, injuries, and managerial instability, but under Conte, the team appears to have rediscovered its identity. The former Juventus and Inter boss has instilled discipline and tactical clarity, and his side now boasts a 13-match unbeaten run in the league dating back to February. This resilience, combined with their attacking firepower, makes Napoli one of the most formidable teams in Italy at the moment.
Historically, Napoli have enjoyed a dominant record against Cagliari, losing just once in their last 28 Serie A meetings and winning 19 of those encounters. The Rossoblu have also lost on each of their last three visits to Naples, and the daunting atmosphere of the Maradona Stadium has often proved too much for them to handle. Given this context, few would bet against Napoli extending their perfect start and heading into the international break with maximum points. The psychological edge is firmly with the hosts, and the tactical matchup heavily favors Conte’s well-drilled unit.
Cagliari’s opening match of the season was a tale of grit and late drama. Hosting Fiorentina at the Unipol Domus, they looked destined for defeat until former Napoli defender Sebastiano Luperto rose to the occasion with a stoppage-time equalizer. Luperto’s goal continued Cagliari’s curious tradition of scoring late goals, a trait that has often helped them snatch points from seemingly lost causes. However, the draw also extended their winless streak in Serie A season-openers to ten games, a statistic that underscores their perennial struggles at the start of campaigns. While the point may offer a psychological boost, the performance left much to be desired, particularly in terms of attacking cohesion and defensive organization.
The Sardinian club narrowly avoided relegation last season, securing safety only on the penultimate matchday under the guidance of Davide Nicola, a manager renowned for his ability to rescue struggling sides. Nicola’s departure to newly promoted Cremonese left a void that the club chose to fill with Fabio Pisacane, a former player and youth coach with limited experience at the senior level. Pisacane’s appointment was met with cautious optimism, especially after he led Cagliari’s Primavera team to a Coppa Italia triumph over AC Milan’s youth side. However, transitioning from youth football to the top tier of Italian football is a monumental leap, and Pisacane’s tactical acumen will be severely tested against a side as polished and potent as Napoli.
Cagliari’s preseason preparations were far from convincing. They needed penalties to overcome Virtus Entella in the Coppa Italia, a result that highlighted their lack of cutting edge in attack. The departure of Roberto Piccoli to Fiorentina has further weakened their frontline, and with veteran striker Leonardo Pavoletti still sidelined due to injury, the burden of scoring falls on the shoulders of Sebastiano Esposito. Esposito, once considered one of Italy’s brightest young talents, has struggled to fulfill his potential in recent years, and this season could be pivotal for his career. Gennaro Borrelli started up front against Fiorentina, but his impact was minimal, and Pisacane may turn to Semih Kilicsoy or Zito Luvumbo to inject pace and unpredictability into the attack.
Defensively, Cagliari will rely on the partnership of Yerry Mina and Sebastiano Luperto to contain Napoli’s multifaceted offense. Luperto, who made his Serie A debut for Napoli back in 2015, has the added motivation of facing his former club, and his goal last week makes him the only defender to have scored in each of the last four Serie A seasons. Mina, known for his aerial prowess and physicality, will need to be at his best to deal with the movement and interplay of Napoli’s forwards. However, the challenge is immense, and Cagliari’s backline will need to remain compact and disciplined to avoid being overwhelmed.
Napoli’s squad depth gives them a significant advantage. Despite the absence of last season’s top scorer Romelu Lukaku, who is expected to be out for up to three months with a thigh injury sustained in their final preseason friendly, Conte has a wealth of options. Lorenzo Lucca has been tasked with deputizing for Lukaku, and while he lacks the Belgian’s pedigree, his physical presence and work rate make him a useful asset. With Giacomo Raspadori and Giovanni Simeone both departing during the summer, and the potential arrival of Rasmus Højlund still pending, Lucca’s role becomes even more critical in the short term.
In midfield, Napoli boast one of the most balanced and dynamic units in the league. Scott McTominay, fresh off his MVP season and a goal in the opener, continues to thrive in a box-to-box role, combining defensive tenacity with attacking instinct. Kevin De Bruyne adds world-class creativity and vision, while Frank Anguissa and Stanislav Lobotka provide stability and control. This quartet offers a blend of physicality, technique, and tactical intelligence that few teams can match, and their ability to dominate possession and dictate tempo will be key against a Cagliari side likely to sit deep and absorb pressure.
Conte’s tactical blueprint is clear: high pressing, quick transitions, and positional fluidity. Napoli’s full-backs are encouraged to push forward, creating overloads and stretching defenses, while the midfielders rotate to maintain balance and cover. Against Sassuolo, this approach yielded numerous chances, and the team’s ability to recover possession quickly and launch attacks was particularly impressive. Against Cagliari, the same principles will apply, with an emphasis on breaking down a compact defense and exploiting spaces in wide areas.
The emotional backdrop of the match adds another layer of intrigue. Napoli’s fans, still basking in the glow of last season’s title triumph, will pack the Maradona with expectations of another dominant display. The stadium, known for its passionate atmosphere, can be an intimidating venue for visiting teams, and Cagliari will need to show mental fortitude to withstand the pressure. For Napoli, the match is not just about three points—it’s about reinforcing their status as champions and building momentum ahead of the international break.
As the Serie A season begins to take shape, this fixture serves as a microcosm of the league’s broader narratives. Napoli, with their blend of experience and ambition, represent the elite, while Cagliari, battling against the odds, embody the struggle for survival. The tactical battle between Conte and Pisacane will be fascinating, though the disparity in experience and resources is evident. For Pisacane, the match is a learning opportunity and a chance to test his ideas against one of the best. For Conte, it is another step in a meticulously planned campaign aimed at retaining the Scudetto and restoring Napoli’s dominance.
In the end, the outcome will hinge on execution, discipline, and moments of individual brilliance. Napoli must remain focused and clinical, avoiding complacency and capitalizing on their superiority. Cagliari must be resilient, organized, and opportunistic, hoping to frustrate and counter. The match promises drama, intensity, and high-quality football, and whether it ends in triumph or upset, it will leave its mark on the unfolding story of the 2025–26 Serie A season.
