TIME MACHINE: CAGLIARI v AC MILAN

Our first match of 2026 takes us to Sardinia to face Cagliari – just as it did in 2025, when Serie A resumed after the Supercup with the same fixture, though that time at San Siro. From Cagliari to Cagliari, then, as we aim to begin the new year with the right momentum. It will also be a kind of reunion for Coach Allegri, who started his top-flight managerial career with the Rossoblù before moving to AC Milan. As kick-off draws closer, we look back to a meeting from over twenty years ago – 17 October 2004, at the old Sant'Elia Stadium.

This time, the setting is the Unipol Domus, built right next to the historic Sant'Elia, but in 2004 it was Carlo Ancelotti's AC Milan – reigning Italian champions and fresh from their 17th Scudetto – who travelled to Sardinia. The Rossoneri lined up in a 4-3-1-2, resting a few regulars: Inzaghi, Gattuso, and Kaká started on the bench, replaced by Tomasson, Brocchi, and Rui Costa. Alongside them were Shevchenko in attack, Seedorf and Pirlo in midfield, and a back four of Costacurta, Nesta, Maldini, and Kaladze shielding Dida. Cagliari made an early attempt through Langella, but without troubling the AC Milan keeper. Moments later, the Rossoneri struck decisively.

Andrea Pirlo, driving the ball towards the edge of the box, found space and – with his left foot – unleashed a precise, powerful shot into the far corner, leaving Greek goalkeeper Theofanis Katergiannakis with no chance. The hosts, managed by Daniele Arrigoni and missing both Suazo and Esposito, struggled to respond. Before the break, Seedorf came close to doubling the lead after a clever dummy from Rui Costa, while in the second half chances fell to Shevchenko and substitute Inzaghi. However, Pirlo's strike remained the only goal of the game.

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