Cagliari have officially promoted Fabio Pisacane to head coach, confirming the former defender will lead the team into the 2025–26 Serie A season.
The 39-year-old signs a deal through June 2026 with an automatic extension option if the club avoids relegation. After coaching the Primavera squad to Coppa Italia Primavera success this season, Pisacane now steps into the top job.
Pisacane Replaces Davide Nicola at Cagliari
Following the departure of Davide Nicola, Pisacane quickly emerged as the board’s preferred choice. Despite external links to Ivan Juric and Paolo Vanoli, sources tell us Pisacane was the only serious candidate throughout the process.
Juric has since taken over at Atalanta, while Vanoli was never formally approached. Cagliari president Tommaso Giulini was reportedly keen to build a new era from within, rewarding youth development and continuity over a big-name appointment.
Why Pisacane Was Chosen as New Cagliari Coach
Pisacane has long been considered a future first-team coach at Cagliari. Not only did he bring home silverware with the Primavera side in 2025, but he is also a deeply respected figure among fans and staff, having made 153 appearances for the club between 2015 and 2020.
Club insiders describe him as a “natural leader” with an “exceptional connection to the Cagliari identity,” and higher-ups have been impressed by his compact coaching style.
Cagliari First Game 25/26
The 2025–26 Serie A campaign will begin with Cagliari welcoming Fiorentina to the Unipol Domus. It’s a testing opening fixture, but one that Pisacane will relish as his first official match in charge.
Check out our full breakdown of the Serie A 2025–26 fixtures, including all matchday one lineups, derby dates, and key storylines heading into the campaign.
With pre-season just around the corner, the new Cagliari boss is expected to meet with sporting director Nereo Bonato this week to begin planning summer signings and defining tactical strategy.
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