"This match against Napoli is definitely not like any other. I was born there, my roots are there. My family is there, my parents, my brothers, my childhood friends. Even though my friend Genny tells me I'm Cagliari now. So it will be special. But I have the advantage of having already experienced it as a player. And from a footballing perspective, nothing changes; what matters are the three points we'll try to bring home." This is Fabio Pisacane's first away match as a Serie A manager in his hometown, keeping an eye on the calendar and fate, but he's so focused on Cagliari and the match that his emotions slip away.

And it's no coincidence, he then points out: "During my years as a player, football-wise, I wasn't very close to Napoli. Also because other clubs gave me a chance. My greatest debt of gratitude goes to Genoa, who signed me at 13 and took me far from my hometown, trying to make a dream come true . And the team that gave me the most satisfaction at the highest levels was Cagliari."

Keep your guard up, but with a constructive spirit. "We all know Napoli's strength and quality, which has further strengthened, not just with De Bruyne. He's added many more strings to his bow," recalls the Rossoblu coach. "We prepared for this match to overcome the difficult moments and, at the same time, to try to cause them problems." Regarding the latest arrival, Palestra : "He's already in excellent condition; the right flank is his comfort zone, but he can easily play on the left." Regarding the final days of the transfer window: "I'm optimistic. I'm in constant dialogue with the club. I've made some very specific requests; one player has arrived, and I expect more to arrive ."

Pisacane opened the press conference at the Crai Sport Center in Assemini by congratulating the Primavera team he coached until a few months ago, now led by Francesco Pisano, for their Super Cup final defeat on penalties against Inter on Tuesday in Milan : "It's disappointing how it ended; they deserved more. I congratulate the coach, the staff, and the players for their display of tenacity and courage ."

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