There was drama at Cagliari before a ball was even kicked this season. Roberto Donadoni was unceremoniously sacked from his position as manager by notorious President Massimo Cellino. The former Italian national team coach was apparently too vocal about the club's transfer policy which has always been rather miserly. Italian international goalkeeper Federico Marchetti was sold after also falling out with Cellino, leading to him being exiled for the whole of last season. Andrea Lazzari and Robert Acquafresca were also allowed to leave. The replacements weren't too exciting either. Massimo Ficcadenti, who had successfully kept Cesena up the previous season, was the man charged with the task of doing the same and potential more with this club. The early signs were promising with consecutive victories to start the season, including over Roma at Olimpico on the opening day. All three new forwards - Joaquin Larrivey, Thiago Ribeiro and Moestafa El Kabir - were on the scoresheet. However the results soon began to dry up along with the goals. Larrivey has never been a consistent scorer, El Kabir spent most of the rest of the season on the treatment table along with Nene whilst Ribeiro struggled to carry the load in his first season in Italy. Ficcadenti was shown the door in early November after his team went without a win for five matches, including four blanks in front of goal. Cellino called on an old favourite, bringing back Davide Ballardini for a third stint at the club. Things barely improved with just one win from his first six in charge and a further three games without a goal to end the year.
The winter break seemed to revitalise the Islanders and they picked up some excellent results at the turn of the year including draws at Juventus Stadium and Stadio Friuli. A 4-2 hammering of Roma was Ballardini's highlight but a 6-3 defeat to Napoli represented his lowest point as he was sacked in March. Cellino's mood swings brought Ficcadenti back and the prodigal son achieved safety with an excellent home record - despite several home games being played in Trieste. Mauricio Pinilla, signed in January, finally provided a goal threat whilst Radja Nainggolan continued to look imperious in central midfield. However, the breakout star of the year was exciting Colombian forward Victor Ibarbo, who offered some scintillating cameos which have attracted the eye of bigger clubs.
