Napoli vs Cagliari

1. Core Players & Star Quality

Napoli 

• Strong defensive anchors: Rrahmani (3406 mins), Di Lorenzo (3330 mins) — both ever-presents. 

• Midfield balance via McTominay (12G, 4A, 2941 mins) and Anguissa (6G, 4A, 2858 mins). 

• Attack powered by Lukaku (14G, 10A, 2871 mins) and Politano (3G, 4A), though Lukaku is out until October. 

• Creative spark from Kvaratskhelia (5G, 3A), but he has left the club — a significant blow. 

• World-class boost from Kevin De Bruyne (1707 mins, 0G, 0A but elite creativity). 

Cagliari 

• Defensive reliability: Luperto (3240 mins), Zappa (3063 mins). 

• Attacking output modest — Piccoli (10G) was key but has left, weakening the frontline. 

• Midfield contributors: Zortea (6G, 2A) and Augello (7 assists, now departed). 

• Luvumbo (2G, 2A) and Viola (3G, 1A) provide rotation threat. 

• Overall, star quality is thinner compared to Napoli. 

2. Departures Impact

Napoli 

• Kvaratskhelia (5G, 3A) and Raspadori (6G, 1A) have left — reducing attacking diversity. 

• Still retain a balanced squad, but creativity and flair from the left side weakened. 

Cagliari 

• Major exits: Piccoli (top scorer, 10G), Augello (7A), Caprile (GK), Adopo, Makoumbou. 

• Significant loss of spine → goals, creativity, and defensive stability reduced. 

3. New Player Integration

Napoli 

• Beukema (3011 mins at Bologna) and Vanja Milinković-Savić (37 apps, Torino) bring Serie A-ready reinforcement. 

• De Bruyne → elite playmaker who lifts the attacking ceiling. 

• Billing, Ngonge add depth but need settling time. 

Cagliari 

• Semih Kılıçsoy (forward, 19 yrs) → young, untested in Serie A. 

• Folorunsho, Mazzitelli, Gaetano provide midfield options but not guaranteed impact. 

• Palomino (35) adds defensive experience. 

• Overall, integration looks patchy — no like-for-like replacement for Piccoli’s goals. 

4. Assists & Goals Output

Napoli 

• Core scorers: Lukaku (14G, 10A), McTominay (12G, 4A), Anguissa (6G, 4A). 

• De Bruyne expected to raise assist count. 

• Without Kvaratskhelia & Raspadori, Napoli risk overreliance on Lukaku (injured short term). 

Cagliari 

• Piccoli’s departure (10G) removes the main source of goals. 

• Midfielders like Zortea (6G) and Viola (3G, 1A) provide some output, but low compared to Napoli. 

• Heavy reliance now on Luvumbo and newcomers stepping up. 

5. Substitutes’ Experience & Depth

Napoli 

• Bench includes Simeone (1G, 1A), Neres (2G, 4A), Spinazzola, Juan Jesus. 

• Depth across defense and midfield is strong. 

• Attack thinner without Kvara/Raspadori, but Simeone/Neres can cover. 

Cagliari 

• Substitutes: Viola, Luvumbo, Felici, Gaetano offer some creativity. 

• Defensive cover with Palomino, Obert but older/less dynamic. 

• Quality and impact significantly weaker than Napoli’s rotation. 

6. Forecast & Expected Dynamics

1. Napoli Advantage: Superior attacking structure, midfield depth, and elite addition in De Bruyne. Even with Lukaku sidelined, McTominay + Anguissa provide surprising scoring presence. 

1. Cagliari Challenge: Losing Piccoli and Augello cuts their bite. They will rely on set pieces and direct counters. 

1. Likely Flow: Napoli to dominate possession (65%), Cagliari compact in defense and aiming for rare transitions. 

7. Predicted Strength Balance

• Napoli: ★★★★☆ — elite midfield, solid defense, slightly reduced attacking threat without Kvara but still strong. 

• Cagliari: ★★☆☆☆ — workmanlike, but loss of Piccoli/Augello leaves major gaps. 

Projected Result: Napoli win, likely 2–0 or 3–1, with De Bruyne orchestrating chances and McTominay/Politano covering Lukaku’s absence.