Having achieved safety comfortably in their first term back in Serie A, Cagliari seemed to suffer from "second season syndrome" this time around.
Massimo Rastelli took charge for his third consecutive campaign but it was clear after the first eight games, of which the Islanders lost six, that the manager had failed to address the issues from last season. Diego Lopez returned to Sardinia for a second spell in charge and just about managed to keep the club above water with two crucial wins to end the season.
A big issue for Cagliari seemed to be the move into their new temporary stadium, The Sardegna Arena. The Islanders have traditionally been very strong at home but they suffered 10 league defeats at their new ground this season. Luckily for them, their away form improved.
Cagliari lost a key facet which kept them up last year and that was their ability to score goals. Marco Borriello, who netted 20 times for the Sardinians in all competitions last season, left the club under strange circumstances, amid rumours of a falling out with Rastelli. Whilst Borriello's absence was certainly reflected in the huge drop-off in goals scored, the arrival of Leonardo Pavoletti made sure it wasn't a complete disaster up front for Cagliari. The on-loan striker finished the season with 11 league goals and the club will hope they can keep him longer.
Despite their troubles this season, Cagliari achieved their main objective of survival and now they will be looking to establish themselves fully as a top flight club.
