Optimistic Cellino targets building a great Cagliari

Bisoli’s replacement, Roberto Donadoni, was looking to relaunch his own managerial career after an unsuccessful Euro 2008 as Coach of the Azzurri and his subsequent disastrous six month spell in charge at Napoli. He eventually led the Isolani to 14th position and the start he made, winning seven out of his first 11 games as boss, proved crucial in Cagliari’s survival bid.

By the time that seventh win had come in early February, Donadoni had been shorn of his star striker Alessandro Matri, who had joined Juventus on loan in January for €2.5m after scoring 11 goals in 19 games for the Sant’Elia outfit. A risky move by Cellino turned out to be a savvy one at the campaign’s end in May, as Matri continued his good form at Juventus resulting in the Bianconeri stumping up the remaining €15.5m to sign him permanently.

Matri’s loss was covered by an all-round team contribution though. Davide Astori starred at the back, Davide Biondini and Andrea Lazzari performed well in midfield while Nene, Robert Acquafresca and captain Daniele Conti weighed in with vital goals. However, nobody contributed more than serial snood and short-shinguard wearing trequartista Andrea Cossu.

The 31-year-old scored all four of his goals in the second half of the season, on top of his 13 assists during the campaign, improving each total by one from his previous season effort. Cossu declared in April that he intended to spend the rest of his career with his hometown club, arguably the best bit of news Cagliari could’ve wished for ahead of the summer mercato. Donadoni will no doubt be delighted to hear such words, as he will to learn of the club’s outright signing of Davide Astori from Milan.

That transfer raised eyebrows given Astori’s progress playing for the Isolani, but while his development as a defender is something to watch, Cossu will be the key man for the Rossoblu next season. Sides struggle to deal with his movement, creativity and vision. If his performances playing in a 4-3-1-2 or 4-3-2-1 formation under Donadoni continue to flourish, an Azzurri recall could be on the cards too.

When Donadoni returns to work with his side during pre-season later this month, his focus will be on integrating new striker Moestafa El-Kabir into the squad and getting Brazilian striker Nene, Portuguese league top scorer with unfancied Nacional in 2009, fully fit once more following Robert Acquafresca’s return to Genoa. And with Cellino’s promise of two additional presents, Sardinia may prove to be the place for excitement in Serie A next season.

Ionian Islands or Sardinia - which one should we go to ? | Europe ...

We were in Sardinia for about 10 days a year ago and really liked it. It was quieter than mainland Italy but still things to do. We flew into Olbia and out of Alghero and just travelled across the top bit of the island. A day trip to Bonifacio in Corsica, from Santa Teresa Gallura was a highlight of the trip. Bonifacio has to be seen to be believed. The ferry takes about 30-40 mins. The beaches up near Stintino have a good reputation as the sand is white and the water a clear aqua. The only thing that is missing in terms of your spec is the architectural side. There is history in Cagliari and Alghero but basically Sardinia is not Tuscany. However, we have travelled much of Italy and I am sure that Sards are the warmest Italians we have encountered. It is painful at times (bit like Eire) you can't get anything done for chatting to friendly locals. Finally, be very , very careful when renting a scooter. I am not sure about the current stats but some years back the British press researched the number of Brits being killed in the southern Med whilst using scooters on holiday. The results were shocking (nearly one of the highest killers of young Brits (full stop)). The EU does not collate figures and clearly the Spanish/Italian/ Greek authorities feel comfortable covering the issues up. Bascially, without good experience, protective clothing and local knowledge they can be lethal. We travelled most of northern Kefalonia by car and really struggled to find any sort of good beach. I had always wanted to visit Myrtos out of interest. From 5 miles away it looked amazing. Actually on the beach : it was all pebble, very hot due to the cliffs and the sea was pretty dirty. I think there are some better beaches further south but we couldn't find any in the north.

Many thanks to all those who have responded, and especially to humptynumpty for the insightful comments. I have made my choice, and rather trying to catch ferries with stopovers between the Greek islands, I have decided to fly to Sardinia. However, now I need a recommendation for a town/place to stay. I am checking out holidaylettings.co.uk for villas, and the towns suggested are all all over the island, and I am wondering which town would be the best - given that I am to avoid the stretch between Palau and Olbia. I am to book within the next 12 hours so your instant replies are appreciated ! I wouldn't look any further than the area between Palau and Santa Teresa.

The Island of Sardinia,, including pictures of the manners and customs of the Sardinians, and notes on the antiquities and modern objects of interest in the island: to which is added some account of the House of Savoy

The Island of Sardinia, including pictures of the manners and customs of the sardinians and notes on the antiquities and modern objects of the interest in island ...

The Island of Sardinia, Including Pictures of the Manners and Customs of the Sardinians, and Notes on the Antiquities and Modern Objects of Interest in the Island

The island of Sardinia, including pictures of the manners and customs of the Sardinians

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