Cagliari have turned their back on the Stadio Is Arenas in nearby Quartu and are looking to play their games at the Stadio Sant’Elia next season.
After agreeing to start the season at Triestina’s Stadio Nereo Rocco, the club have decided to move back to their old stadium after a deal could not be brokered with mayor of Quartu, Gigi Ruggeri, to help aid the renovation of the Is Arenas, which falls under his area of jurisdiction.
A statement issued by the club on CagliariCalcio.net stated:
“This is not a free choice but a solution to which Cagliari was obliged, given the impossibility of being able to actually have the Is Arenas”
The Isolani last played at the Stadio Sant’Elia in February 2012, and considerable work is still needed before it can be used for Serie A matches. The Rossoblu will continue to play in Trieste for the duration of the work.
According to the director of Lega Serie A, Achille Serra, plans for the improvement of the stadium are detailed and ‘not fanciful’, before adding, “We are more optimistic than before, we are working to find a solution.”
The club’s official statement went on to thank the institutions who allowed them to move back to the Stadio Sant’Elia, before saying
“We are confident of being able to use the Stadio Sant’Elia, so Cagliari can play matches with the presence and cheering of their irreplaceable fans.”
