Three months later, Serie A is back. Cagliari restarts at 6:30 PM today against Fiorentina, and they do so with a number of changes compared to their competitive (and winning) debut eight days ago in the Coppa Italia against Virtus Entella : Roberto Piccoli and Nadir Zortea, last season's top and second goalscorers, are no longer present. The former was sold to the Viola, but will not play as an opponent because it's not yet official; the latter made his debut yesterday against Bologna in the 1-0 defeat to Roma . Fabio Pisacane, in his first Serie A coaching role, suddenly finds himself—or almost—without two key players from the team's last relegation effort and will have to adapt accordingly. But, compared to preseason, he can at least count on the recovered Sebastiano Luperto : he'll be at the center of defense.

Up front, it's Sebastiano Esposito's turn, and he'll now have most of the weight of Cagliari's attack on his shoulders . He won't be alone, as Zito Luvumbo will be alongside him, eager to revitalize his side after a disappointing season. Gianluca Gaetano, Semih Kılıçsoy, and Gennaro Borrelli will be on the bench. Gabriele Zappa returns on the right, playing both as a full-back (in a 3-5-2 formation) and as a right-back (in a 4-3-1-2 formation, with Michael Folorunsho as an attacking midfielder). The return of the four-man defense, however, is easier, with Adam Obert starting left-back and Alessandro Deiola returning to midfield after a summer spent as a central defender . Fiorentina has seen little turnover compared to the team that won 0-3 in the Conference League against Polissya on Thursday: the result is secure, allowing Stefano Pioli to make significant changes in four days. Moise Kean is certain to have a place in attack, but he will be suspended for the return match.

Simone Sozza of the Seregno refereeing team will referee Cagliari-Fiorentina. Kick-off is at 6:30 p.m. Follow matchday one live on unionesarda.it, and Lele Casini will provide pre- and post-match commentary on Radiolina, along with interviews and commentary . Here are the probable lineups.

Cagliari (4-3-1-2): Caprile; Zappa, Mina, Luperto, Obert; Deiola, Prati, Adopo; Folorunsho; Luvumbo, Esposito. Coach: Pisacane.

Fiorentina (3-5-2): De Gea; Comuzzo, Pongračić, Ranieri; Dodô, Sohm, Fagioli, Ndour, Gosens; Guðmundsson, Kean. Coach: Pioli.

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