Cagliari vow to keep Romano despite Inter and Juventus interest

Cagliari director Pietro Accardi has ruled out any January move for 20‑year‑old Alessandro Romano, despite growing interest from Inter and Juventus. The Rossoblu will host Juventus at the Unipol Domus in Serie A round six on Sunday, reinforcing their stance on the young ITALY debutant.

Romano's rapid rise

Romano has quickly become a key figure for Cagliari. He earned his first Italy call‑up during the international break and debuted against Belgium, now holding three caps for the national side. The 20‑year‑old’s performances have sparked interest from several top clubs.

From Roma to Cagliari

The midfielder arrived from Roma over the summer on an initial loan that included an obligation to buy. Accardi recalled his previous spell at Spezia, noting that Romano adapted swiftly and featured in all nineteen matches despite a difficult situation. That consistency impressed the Rossoblu director.

“He impressed me last season with how quickly he adapted to a difficult situation at Spezia,” Accardi told Tuttosport. “A young player who, in his first experience at senior level, managed to establish himself and play all 19 matches despite the difficulties shows what kind of mentality he has.” He added that other teams were interested but the Cagliari project and coach made the difference.

Romano resumed training with Cagliari earlier this week, and Accardi said his humility remains unchanged. “He’s exactly the same as on his first day,” the director added, noting that the Italy experience has added something but his focus stays at Cagliari.

Interest from Juventus and Inter

Both Juventus and Inter have been linked with the player, although Accardi said no club has approached Cagliari directly. He highlighted Romano’s birth in 2006 and his considerable room for improvement as reasons for the buzz. With the seventh‑largest fan base in Italy, the club is unwilling to let the prized asset depart in January.

Cagliari have collected twelve points from five games, winning four of those matches. Head coach Fabio Pisacane praised the start, while Accardi warned the squad must stay level‑headed and keep the primary aim of avoiding relegation. The director stressed that the season is only beginning.

Accardi will meet Juventus goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario on Sunday, a player he signed from Cagliari to Empoli in 2021 before selling him to Tottenham two years later. He described Vicario as always focused, hardworking and professional, expressing no surprise at his Juventus move.

Reflecting on past transfers, Accardi mentioned the signings of Di Lorenzo from Matera and Parisi from Avellino, both from Serie C. He noted that one of those youngsters went on to win the European Championship and become Napoli’s captain, underscoring the reward of investing in lower‑division talent.