Les Verts defeated in Cagliari

Context

With one week to go before the start of the competition in Laval, ASSE traveled to Sardinia to face Cagliari, a Serie A team. The match was organized as part of the first edition of the Gigi Riva Trophy, designed to pay tribute to one of the legends of the Sardinian club and the Squadra Azzura's all-time leading scorer.

Starting XI

On the eve of the launch of Ligue 2 BKT, Eirik Horneland relied on two of his new recruits, Chico Lamba and Mahmoud Jaber, as well as Joshua Duffus, who started up front for Saint-Étienne alongside Augustine Boakye and Irvin Cardona.

👥 Le XI stéphanois, le bon, pour #CagliariASSE, dernier match de prépa’ ! 🙏

Coup d’envoi donné dans quelques minutes en Sardaigne ! 👊 pic.twitter.com/Ijp6qasB5Z

— AS Saint-Étienne (@ASSEofficiel) August 2, 2025

Match 

Seeking reassurance after a defeat against Paris FC (0-3), Les Verts attempted to take control of the game early on. However, Eirik Horneland's men were unable to create any chances, failing to penetrate the opposition's penalty area. Without being much more incisive, Cagliari took advantage of their first opportunity to beat Gautier Larsonneur. On the lookout for a ball that fell at his feet, Adopo unleashed a shot that left the Verts' goalkeeper with no chance (Cagliari 1-0 ASSE, 20'). The rest of the first half offered few opportunities, except for a shot by Irvin Cardona, who was found by Aïmen Moueffek on the right wing (43').

After the break, Joshua Duffus was the first Saint-Étienne player to pick up the pace, but his shot ended up in the side netting (50'). Cagliari responded and came close to forcing Mickaël Nadé into an own goal, saved by his goalkeeper (61'), but the second half again proved to be lacking in clear-cut chances. At the end of a tight game, with few attempts on goal from either side, Les Verts finally lost to Cagliari.

What's next

It's back to league action for Les Verts, who will be in Laval in exactly one week's time (8pm). The hard work begins now.