This is his eleventh training camp for Cagliari, his first as captain . For Alessandro Deiola , it clearly won't be like the others. "This armband has a huge, very important meaning. It's a source of pride, and I'll try to do my best," said the San Gavino midfielder in the press conference that effectively opens the new Rossoblu season from the Crai Sport Center in Assemini, shortly before afternoon training. "I hope I'm ready for this role. There'll be work to do and a great deal of adaptation. I feel charged with a huge sense of responsibility."

If Deiola thinks of a Cagliari captain, Daniele Conti comes naturally. "Since I started in the youth academy, I've seen many, but he's always meant something special to me. Since I joined the first team, I've tried to take inspiration from everyone: Desse, Pavo, and everyone else." The current Cagliari captain, however, is keen to point out: "The armband is a formality you wear on the pitch. The true leader is the group. There are many captains in this team."

A new role in the locker room and a new challenge on the pitch with new teammates. "Change is made for growth, the hope is always to improve both as a team and as a club." A thought for those who have left: "I want to thank them all because they honored the shirt until the last day." On the new arrivals: "They are all technically prepared, even if they are young. It's no coincidence that they come from important clubs. They are making themselves available and are adapting quickly within the group."

One person who hasn't changed, however, is coach Fabio Pisacane . "He's very well-prepared, he's not satisfied with what happened the day before, he always looks ahead to find better solutions ," Deiola emphasizes. "He's given us so much, we thank him for the season he's helped us have, and I'm sure we'll do well next season as well."