The feud continues between Sebastiano Esposito and Cagliari, as the striker presented another medical certificate to delay his attendance at pre-season training.
The row erupted when the player left the training camp in Ponte di Legno on August 1, and the club released a statement promising disciplinary action.
Esposito and Cagliari at loggerheads
CAGLIARI, ITALY – MARCH 07: Sebastiano Esposito of Cagliari celebrates his goal 1-1 with team mates during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Como 1907 at Stadio Sant’Elia on March 07, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
His agent responded publicly, insisting that the decision to have time out had been both mutual and agreed to by the directors.
He also accused Cagliari of regretting the obligation to buy him from Inter for €4m plus add-ons and a 40 per cent cut of the profit of any future sale after the initial loan spell.
Esposito’s representative Mario Giuffredi insisted that Cagliari just wanted to sell him this summer and were trying to force an exit.
CAGLIARI, ITALY – APRIL 11: Sebastiano Esposito of Cagliari celebrates his goal 1-0 during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and US Cremonese at Stadio Sant’Elia on April 11, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
The situation seems to be dragging on, because today it’s reported the forward presented another medical certificate giving him the right to not attend training due to ‘emotional stress and anxiety.’
Once that expires, it means he will have missed 25 days of pre-season work with his squad.
Everyone involved is stuck in a holding pattern, because if Cagliari wanted to sell, then no concrete offers have yet arrived.
“There are people dealing with it, but I cannot deny that this situation disturbs me,” confessed coach Fabio Pisacane in a press conference.
Cagliari begin their competitive season tomorrow with the Coppa Italia First Round tie against Arezzo.