Cagliari weigh two-striker option as Pisacane warns against underestimating Monza

Cagliari could start with two forwards against Monza, but Fabio Pisacane will make the call after checking his players’ fitness. The fourth-placed side head into Monday’s trip with 13 points from six games; Pisacane says Monza’s position in the table must not influence their approach.

“Tomorrow could be the match to play with two strikers, yes,” Pisacane said before the game. He noted that Cagliari’s attackers know the tactical demands of playing in a pair, but said the decision could change if someone is not fully fit.

Monza sit 16th with four points, but Pisacane described them as a side with a clear identity under Ivan Juric. He praised the Monza coach as an inspiration and “a Gasperini 2,” and warned that focusing on the standings could leave Cagliari in trouble.

“We could hurt ourselves badly,” Pisacane said of getting the approach wrong or thinking about the table. He wants his team to bring responsibility, hunger and organisation, and to account for Monza’s strengths as well as its weaknesses.

Pisacane will not be on the touchline because of suspension. Assistant Giacomo Murelli will lead the team; Pisacane said he trusts Murelli and the staff, who work with him in preparing matches. The coach also thanked Murelli for joining his project despite having previously won a league title.

Cagliari will be without Mattia Felici, Riad Idrissi and Youssouph Trepy. The club’s other players are available, while Akarakiri, Grandu and Sugamele had played for Italy’s Under-20 side in Milan on Saturday.

Pisacane also addressed the defensive work that followed the goal conceded against Juventus. He said it came from a dynamic move, not a set piece, and pointed to the need to close down Alajbegovic better and organise the space in the box more carefully. He praised goalkeeper Elia Caprile and said improving those details would help Cagliari continue to concede little.

At right-back, Pisacane said Zé Pedro is doing well, while Sugawara remains in his plans and will get chances. He wants Sugawara to give opponents less time and space to cross. Pisacane also rejected the idea of a “Fazzini case,” saying the midfielder has played often and selections depend on each match’s needs. Alessandro Deiola, meanwhile, has impressed him in defence.

The two-forward setup is one decision still to settle before kick-off on Monday at 18:30 CEST. With Pisacane suspended, Murelli will oversee Cagliari’s attempt to protect fourth place against a Monza side the coach says should not be judged by its points tally alone.