Cagliari triumphs over Saint Etienne via a victory in beating
Cagliari Wins First Gigi Riva Trophy Against Saint-Étienne
In a historic moment, Italian football club Cagliari secured their first win in the Gigi Riva Trophy against French club Saint-Étienne. The match, held at the Unipol Stadium, was a significant preseason fixture for Cagliari and a tribute to the late Italian striker Gigi Riva.
Before the match, the center circle of the stadium was dedicated to Luigi "Gigi" Riva, a legendary footballer known for his prolific scoring. Riva, who passed away on January 22, 2024, made his debut against Saint-Étienne 55 years ago in a European Cup (now Champions League) game.
The match, which took place on an unspecified date in the past, was the first edition of the Gigi Riva Trophy. It was a celebratory event shortly after Cagliari won their historic Serie A title ("Scudetto") in the 1969-1970 season. The French team was a prominent opponent, with Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso and Gianluigi Buffon among the spectators.
The lone goal of the match was scored by Frenchman Michel Adopo. This victory marked Cagliari's first international win of the preseason, coming after losses to Galatasaray and Hannover.
Currently, Cagliari is coached by Fabio Pisacane. The team, which was part of the "azzurra" delegation, will face the winner of the Virtus Entella (Serie B) and Ternana (third division) match in the round of 32 of the Italian Cup on Saturday.
The Gigi Riva Trophy was organized in honor of the late striker, a symbol of Cagliari's rich football history. The trophy serves as a reminder of Riva's contributions to the sport and his lasting impact on the club.
In the spirit of honoring Gigi Riva's contributions to sports, particularly football and soccer, the first edition of the Gigi Riva Trophy saw Cagliari triumph once again on the pitch, defeating Saint-Étienne in a memorable preseason fixture. The lone goal of the match was netted by Michel Adopo, emulating the prolific scoring he witnessed from Riva.
