Cagliari coach Pisacane dubs Inter target ‘an asset to Italian football’ as transfer window looms | OneFootball

Cagliari coach Fabio Pisacane has hailed the rapid rise of young wing-back Marco Palestra, describing him as “an asset to Italian football” amid growing transfer interest ahead of January.

Speaking to Sky Sport after Cagliari’s win away to Torino, Pisacane praised the youngster’s impact this season, while also offering a balanced assessment of his recent performances. Palestra, currently on loan from Atalanta, has attracted attention from several top clubs, including Inter, thanks to an impressive start to the campaign.

“Palestra is a real asset to Italian football,” Pisacane said, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb. “He has physical dominance, can use both feet, and works well in both phases. What struck me immediately was his personality on the ball, you never know where he’s going to go. That’s a rare quality.”

CAGLIARI, ITALY – OCTOBER 19: Marco Palestra of Cagliari in action during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Sant’Elia on October 19, 2025 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)

Pisacane hopes Palestra will stay at Cagliari in January

The coach highlighted the wing-back’s unpredictability and technical versatility, noting his ability to reach the byline and deliver crosses with either foot. However, Pisacane also stressed that development remains ongoing. “Because he listens and wants to improve, I’ll say that in the last two matches I wasn’t completely satisfied with his work in both phases.”

With the winter transfer window approaching, Pisacane was asked whether he fears losing the youngster midway through the season. His response was measured but hopeful. “I’m not afraid,” he said. “It’s the same belief that allowed me to put him straight into the team. We think the right path for him is the one we laid out in July, and I hope he can stay with us.”

CAGLIARI, ITALY – DECEMBER 07: Cagliari’s coach Fabio Pisacane looks on during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and AS Roma at Stadio Sant’Elia on December 07, 2025 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)

As interest builds, Cagliari remain keen to continue Palestra’s development in Sardinia, even as bigger clubs circle ahead of January.