Fiorentina's most challenging debut in Cagliari: a tough (re)test of character. Kean wants to make amends right away.

Cagliari, August 24, 2025 – Let's be clear: Cagliari is not and will not be Polissya . And on the blackboard in Pioli 's locker room, somewhere, this concept will be emphasized not once, but three times. Yet Fiorentina 's second debut—after Thursday's Conference debut, now this one in the league—is undoubtedly a sort of litmus test for the season. The Viola, in short, despite being cautious (necessary) and respectful of their opponents (equally necessary), have only one thing on their minds and in their sights: to win, to beat Cagliari, and to show everyone (and immediately) that Fiorentina is one of the bright spots of the season.

There are, however, a couple of takeaways —self-critical analysis, we're talking about—that Pioli and the team have brought to Sardinia directly from the cup trip: first, watch out for lapses in concentration that can give the opponent spaces—otherwise occupied, covered, and in their own way difficult to break down—when the team applies the full-field pressing that Pioli considers the cornerstone of his game. Second, precisely because Cagliari is certainly something (if not much) more than Polissya, giving them something or even just meters of pitch could mean, in addition to having to rely on De Gea 's miracles, conceding what the Ukrainians failed to convert, namely, a goal.

Between indications or feelings of rotation and the fact that Kean would have taken charge of the attack regardless of his suspension for the next Conference game, Fiorentina, who make their league debut today in Cagliari, will have to rely on the tactical situations they studied and recited like a mantra this summer. Therefore, whether it's a 3-4-1-2 or a 3-5-2, the work of the flankers will be the heart of the Viola's attack. Dodo must and will have to push like hell, Gosens must also appear in the finishing area. Then there are Gud and Fagioli, who certainly put in precious minutes in the Conference to get closer to the end of their season, and they did so by providing Pioli with a list of recommendations that already raise their start to the season to a passing grade. And then keep an eye on Ndour . A valuable and pleasant surprise in the Conference game, and a player whose tactical versatility could help Pioli make on-the-fly changes to the formation.

Cagliari-Fiorentina also represents the somewhat surreal scenario of what has been the most intriguing situation of the summer transfer market (in absolute terms).

We're talking about Piccoli , the Sardinian team's attacking gem, who is already a top-tier signing for Fiorentina. A major deal worth around thirty million overall for a young man—or, let's just say, a top-tier striker—who will spend Sunday amidst memories, farewells, satisfaction, and ambition. His farewell to Cagliari will land him on the Fiorentina plane, right after the 90th minute of a match that promises to be exciting.