Cagliari secured a crucial victory against Empoli with a 1-0 win at the Castellani Stadium, and Claudio Ranieri is adamant that their survival lies in their own hands. The Rossoblu returned to winning ways after more than a month and a half, securing three vital points in a direct clash for survival. Jakub Jankto’s first goal of the season proved decisive in the encounter, and following the match, Ranieri, shared his thoughts on the game with DAZN:
“Three extremely important points; we are still in the relegation zone. Empoli was riding high on enthusiasm; they are a good team with physicality, speed, and strength. It was an ugly, dirty, and tough game, so to speak. But we had to play like this to prevent them from playing well. We knew their counterattacks could be deadly. In the first half, I wasn’t pleased; we couldn’t do what we wanted. We were too spread out, which is not good for us.”
The Cagliari coach continued, praising Jankto’s performance: “Jankto is a player who covers a lot of ground and is always tactically aware. Today, he also found the goal, and I’m happy for him. Attack? Lapadula is currently alone; the others are injured. But we did a good job of enduring because I believe Empoli is not far from pulling themselves out of the relegation battle; they have done excellent things. Luvumbo? It’s true; it’s the 24th injury, but almost all have been fractures, with few muscle injuries. I think he could be available as soon as next Saturday; he only felt some stiffness and came out immediately. I don’t think it’s anything serious, but we await the doctors’ verdict.”
Ranieri concluded by reflecting on Cagliari’s strengths in the relegation battle: “What sets Cagliari apart from the others fighting for survival? We have Serie B within us. At the moment, we are in Serie B, and it’s up to us to get out of it. The points to save ourselves are there; we must go and get them. I don’t know where, I don’t know how, but it depends on us, on how much desire we have to suffer and fight for every ball. Fans? I have no more words. We heard them; they are always close to us. And they are close to us knowing that we are in Serie B; this is important for us. They are there, and we will always give our all. We have this month to say what we want to do in the future.”
