In a recent press conference, Cagliari’s head coach Davide Nicola shared valuable insights into the progress of young forward Zito Luvumbo as the team prepares for their upcoming match against AC Milan. Nicola expressed optimism about Luvumbo’s improvement, stating, “He is getting better. He has a specific position on the field, and his characteristics are functional to that.”
Nicola emphasized the importance of Luvumbo not relying solely on his individual skills but rather integrating into the team’s collective play. “We need to help him not to live only off his individual sparks but to engage in team play,” he explained. He highlighted a recent match in Rome where Luvumbo demonstrated greater awareness and composure, saying, “In Rome, he did well; he was much more attentive to his body orientation. When he reduced his frenzy, he found the goal.”
When addressing concerns about the team’s attacking struggles, Nicola was clear about his approach: “I don’t work on the players’ minds. I work on the quality of play, on choices, and on passing. We must persevere without excuses.” He believes that fostering a positive work ethic among his squad is crucial, noting that “the boys are working hard, and with the desire to improve, you don’t think about anything else.”
Discussing the identity of the team, Nicola affirmed their commitment to their initial intentions for the season. “We are respecting the intentions we set at the beginning of the season. It’s clear that developing automatism takes time,” he said. He expressed confidence in their tactical flexibility: “We have a precise identity that varies depending on the opponent. Now we embark on our second objective: improving automatism, quality, timing of play, and above all, not going backward.”
On another young player, Piccoli, Nicola acknowledged some challenges: “He seems too isolated and frantic in his choices,” he admitted. However, he remains optimistic about Piccoli’s potential: “He is born in 2002 and is playing a lot; we believe in him.” Nicola added that while Piccoli has an instinct for shooting—”If he doesn’t shoot, he feels bad”—he needs to learn when it’s appropriate to take risks versus making safer choices.
As Cagliari faces challenges with key players sidelined due to suspensions, Nicola remains confident in his squad’s depth. “The absences will undoubtedly weigh on us because they are important players,” he acknowledged. “But we have valid alternatives; we cannot afford to rely on a limited number of players.”
