Having been the victims of relegation for so many years, any season of Serie A survival is a success for Cagliari Calcio. The 2013-14 season has been no exception, as they flirted with the drop zone for much of the campaign.
The transfer window continued to be a period of resent for the Cagliari faithful, with their Serie A rivals eager to poach the likes of Victor Ibarbo and Davide Astori. As it turns out, neither of them would leave, but instead the Rossoblu finally lost their grip on Radja Nainggolan, who transferred to Roma in January.
The Sardinian outfit still has a fair bit of pull in world football, with Brazilian duo Danilo Avelar and Adryan the pick of their acquisitions. However, after a disastrous Christmas period that saw Antonio Adan join and leave the club in just a few months, it would be fair to say Cagliari’s business on the market has been commendable at the best of times.
As far as their league fixtures were concerned, Cagliari had a tough start to the season against some fearsome opposition. They registered just one win in their first five matches, which painted the picture for much of their season. After the final Serie A match of the season, the Rossoblu had won just nine games all season, drawing 12 and losing 17. They won only one game away from home.
Toward the end of the campaign, the Rossoblu began seeking some security and with wins over Genoa and Parma, their place in Serie A was confirmed for another season. The 2014-15 season could be a season of change for Cagliari, with Daniele Conti expected to depart along with Massimo Cellino after two decades as the club’s owner and President.
Player of the season
For being so consistent for his team week in and week out, Nicola Murru deserves Player of the Season. His rise to prominence has caught the eye of numerous clubs including Serie A’s finest. The 19 year-old has conducted himself very well with excellent spacial awareness, good pace and strong defensive traits. He finished the season with two assists in 21 appearances.
Goal of the Season
Although there were few to pick from, there is one that stands out as truly remarkable: Victor Ibarbo’s solo effort against Juventus. Picking the ball up on the edge of his own area, the Colombian powered his way up the field, only slowing down to dance his way past two defenders.
Though on goal with Claudio Marchisio on his shoulder, Ibarbo poked the ball at Marco Storari, who appeared to have initially saved his team, only for the ball to reappear behind him rolling over the line. The move was reminiscent of the great goal George Weah scored for AC Milan when he ran the length of the field to score.
Best and Worst of the Season
The worst part of the season was the soap opera surrounding Michael Agazzi’s demise at Cagliari. In a surprisingly similar situation to the one that saw Federico Marchetti depart in 2011, Agazzi was frozen out of the starting-eleven after refusing to extend his contract.
It was eventually concluded when the 29 year-old was loaned to Chievo Verona, but a sour ending to a four year relationship that has definitely left a mark on the season.
The best news of the season has perhaps been the potential new investment. President Massimo Cellino has been granted an opportunity to cut ties with Cagliari and pursue his English adventure with Leeds United.
The American investors have been in Sardinia in recent weeks, where they’ve begun assessing what needs to be done to refurbish the stadium. Fans will be treated to a fresh, new management with money to spend; guaranteed to create a summer of anticipation.
Follow Louis Gibberd-Thomas on Twitter: @mercutio156
