Cagliari the surprise package of Serie A

A two-horse race for the Serie A title looks to be on the cards in Italy, but Cagliari have also caught the eye in the early part of the season. Juventus moved back to the top of the table on Wednesday night with a win over Genoa and sit just one point ahead of Inter Milan, who won on Tuesday, and unless there is a major turnaround, one of those two will win the Scudetto.
Napoli, who were seen as contenders are way off the pace, and the closest challengers to the top two as things stand are Atalanta, who are in third four points behind Inter.
Atalanta were very much the surprise package of last season when they finished in the top four to qualify for the Champions League. This season that accolade could potentially be handed to Cagliari, who have started the season in fine style.
The Isolani (Islanders), as they are nicknamed due to them being the main club from the island of Sardinia, are seventh in Serie A, but just three points separate them from Atalanta in third, and one point from AS Roma, who occupy the final Champions League spot.
A 3-2 victory against Bologna on Wednesday sees them right in the mix for the Europa League places and possibly Champions League if they can repeat the heroics of Atalanta last season.
Question is, do they now have what it takes to stay in the mix.
This season was always going to be a big one for the club due to it being their centenary year and there was a big outlay in the transfer market to try and ensure they had a good campaign to celebrate.
The powers that be claimed that staying in Serie A would be the main aim for the season, but considering the players that were brought in, behind the scenes they set their goals much higher.
Radja Nainggolan was drafted in from Inter Milan on a season-long deal and forms part of an impressive midfield, which also includes Marko Rog, on loan from Napoli, former Chievo star Lucas Castro and Nahitan Nandez.
They have been the supply line to strikers Joao Pedro and Giovanni Simeone, who have filled in well for the injured Leonardo Pavoletti, when providing the goals.
Despite a great start, Cagliari will struggle to stay the course, and it could come down to keeping their star players fit.
However they have good momentum and are more likely to finish in the stop six than be relegated.