"Dear Cardinale, it’s easy to say that 'Cagliari-Lecce interests no one' when you know Sardinia only as a tourist." This was the message posted on X, with the hashtag "#forzacasteddu," by Cagliari president Tommaso Giulini, aimed at Milan owner Gerry Cardinale.
The response from the Sardinian club president came after the American businessman’s interview on the podcast 'The Varsity. In that interview, Cardinale discussed his business approach, the new stadium issue, and the possibility of taking a Serie A match abroad (Milan-Como in Australia).
"In the United States, no one wants to watch Cagliari against Lecce, and that's a problem." Cardinale said, "Competition is the essence of sport, but it is not rewarded financially."
This statement clearly did not sit well with Giulini because it referenced the club he leads. The pointed reply from the Cagliari president followed: "The eighth club in Italy by number of fans deserves attention and respect, and, who knows, some in the USA might support Cagliari more than Milan," as relayed via Calcio e Finanza today.
Caro Cardinale, facile dire che ‘Cagliari-Lecce non interessa a nessuno’ quando si conosce la Sardegna solo da turista. L’ottavo club d’Italia per tifosi si guarda, si rispetta e - chissà - qualcuno in USA forse tifa più Cagliari che Milan. 🧏♂️ #forzacasteddu
— Tommaso Giulini (@tommasogiulini) October 28, 2025
