Yanis Massolin says faster decisions are key to his Serie A adaptation

Yanis Massolin has identified the main adjustment facing him in Serie A: deciding quicker and involving himself more often. The Cagliari midfielder has made one league appearance, his debut against Juventus, and is looking to earn more minutes as his side prepare to visit Monza on Monday, 19 October.

In an interview with Cagliari’s official channels, the 22-year-old said the top flight’s intensity and speed are a step up from Serie B. “I need to be more present in the game,” Massolin said. He also wants to absorb the coach’s principles better and contribute more on the pitch.

That makes his next step clear. Massolin says he has both technical and physical qualities, but he knows he must make his choices more quickly to meet the pace of Serie A. He wants to play as often as possible and help Cagliari collect points and home wins; for now, his attention is on an away match against a Monza side he described as good, with all three points the priority.

The challenge comes as Cagliari start the season strongly: they are fourth with 13 points from six games. Massolin said he is not surprised by that form, pointing to the intensity of training and the squad’s discipline. He also singled out the team’s unity and mentality as its greatest strength. His own target is to contribute to that run rather than simply settle into the group.

His route to Sardinia was less conventional than that of many professionals. Born in Moulins and raised in Annemasse, Massolin said he began taking football seriously at about 17 and did not attend a professional youth academy. His father played in France’s second division, and Massolin credits his time at Modena with teaching him to adapt. He says that experience helped make his settling-in period at Cagliari shorter than his move from France to Modena had been.

Cagliari’s interest and playing principles made the move an “easy” choice, he said. He has also praised the welcome from teammates, including several French speakers, and recalled being surprised by the atmosphere when he watched Cagliari play Inter from the stands. He named Yaya Touré for his all-round midfield game and Mesut Özil for his passing and unselfishness.

For Massolin, the immediate test is translating that adaptation into a bigger role. Cagliari travel to Monza with a top-four position to defend, while the midfielder is aiming to turn his first league appearance into more regular involvement.