# Daniel Maldini finds his feet at Cagliari

> Daniel Maldini scores for Cagliari after years in family’s Serie A shadow.
- Title: Daniel Maldini finds his feet at Cagliari · the Guardian
- Summary: Daniel Maldini scores for Cagliari after years in family’s Serie A shadow. Daniel Maldini scored his 25th birthday goal for Cagliari, showing potential after…
- Keywords: daniel maldini, cagliari, fabio pisacane, serie a, milan, paolo maldini, cesare maldini, yerry mina, harry winks, elia caprile, juventus, roma
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/football/2026/oct/12/daniel-maldini-cagliari-fabio-pisacane-serie-a
- Published: 2026-10-12T11:56:59+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: daniel maldini, cagliari, fabio pisacane, serie a, milan, paolo maldini, cesare maldini, yerry mina, harry winks, elia caprile, juventus, roma
## Daniel Maldini’s critics label him a nepo baby
Daniel Maldini’s critics label him the ultimate nepo baby but he has shown potential to Cagliari faithful.

> un raccomandato
## Cagliari’s strong start to season
Cagliari began this season with four wins from five matches, their best start to a top-flight campaign in over half a century.
## Fabio Pisacane’s coaching journey
Fabio Pisacane, a former player, returned as assistant coach in 2022 and led Cagliari’s first team in 2025.
## Pisacane’s player development
Pisacane has shown himself to be a canny tactician and adept at getting under the skin of his players.
## Harry Winks praises Pisacane
Harry Winks, a former England international, said Pisacane is at the very top level and has improved everyone, including himself.
## Daniel Maldini’s birthday goal
Daniel Maldini scored his fourth consecutive Serie A goal for Cagliari on his 25th birthday.
## Maldini’s recent challenges
Maldini had his driving licence confiscated after crashing his car and failing a breathalyser test.
## Maldini’s Italy appearances
Maldini lined up with teammate Alessandro Romano for Italy’s 3-1 win over Turkey.
## Cagliari’s recent form
Cagliari has six wins and a draw from their last eight matches, dating to last season.
## Elia Caprile’s performance
Elia Caprile made key saves to help Cagliari hold a 1-1 draw against Juventus.
## Post-match scuffle
Pisacane and Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti were both shown red cards after the final whistle.
## Cagliari’s league position
Cagliari sits fourth in Serie A with 13 points after six matches.
## Key takeaway

Daniel Maldini scored his 25th birthday goal for Cagliari, showing potential after years in family’s Serie A shadow.