Cagliari coach Claudio Ranieri admits that his team will lack ‘physicality’ against Empoli, following the injury to Leonardo Pavoletti. The Sardinians travel to the Castellani Stadium, knowing that the Azzurri have pulled well ahead of them in the relegation fight. Speaking to the press ahead of the match, Ranieri confirmed he will be without Pavoletti, but will be able to count on Gaetano Oristanio and Eldor Shomurodov:
“Without Pavoletti and Petagna due to injury, we lose physicality, but with the returns of Oristanio and Shomurodov, we gain speed,” Ranieri stated. “We are entering a very important month, one that will likely determine our future. Against Empoli, we need concentration and humility because we’re facing a team that has pulled ahead. We must truly commend Nicola for their efforts. Does Empoli concede in defense? It doesn’t seem so to me; they close down well and help each other. We’ll need to put on a great performance.”
Ranieri also addressed the team’s dynamics, emphasizing the need for unity and determination.
“At home, we haven’t stabilized the hierarchy. I choose the players who can perform well for each individual match. We need to be determined and cohesive, avoiding mistakes,” he asserted. “Luvumbo’s goal gave us the awareness that, by fighting, you can change the outcome of a game that seemed sealed. Until Napoli’s goal, we had played well, but then we exposed ourselves. However, we’ve seen what Napoli is capable of against Sassuolo.”
Regarding individual players, Ranieri defended Deiola amid criticism on social media and expressed confidence in Lapadula’s ability to rediscover his scoring form. He also emphasized the team’s adaptability in terms of tactics.
“We don’t have a fixed system. For example, Empoli has played several games with a back three, but in the second half against Fiorentina and against Sassuolo, they played 4-3-3. Everyone changes,” Ranieri explained.
As the focus remains on the Empoli-Cagliari clash, Ranieri highlighted various options at his disposal, including the versatile Nandez and the improving Jankto.
“With Empoli, we must try to play our game,” Ranieri concluded.
