Due to the injuries and suspensions Cagliari suffered this week, Zola started Longo as the head of their makeshift trident with Cossu and Farias as left and right forwards, respectively.
I have to say that of all the forwards in their squad, Samuele has been the most eager striker to prove himself on the pitch whenever he got a chance to play, and those were scarce this season. I'd even argue that Zeman's decision not to play him more alongside Ibarbo and Farias or Cossu, even as a regular rotation sub, has been unwise.
Against Palermo, Longo suffered from the lack of support from the disjointed midfield and isolated partners on each flank. Cossu had to, repeatedly, drop deeper to aid Crisetig in moving the ball forward and that positional readjustment left them stranded upwards as Palermo regrouped. Farias on the other hand was wasteful with the chances he got. In particular, when Longo snatched the ball from Maresca (Palermo's CB) and laid it selflessly to Farias, the Brazilian skyrocketed the ball over the crossbar with a reckless touch. Another would be a similar chances when he hassled Morganella and won the ball on Palemo's right flank, before he crossed it in the box only for Joao Pedro and Dessena to glance it flying by.
This hunger from Longo continued throughout the match as he tackled, fought, and drove his team forward. It would be a real shame if Zola dropped him for another alternative option now. The latest news from Sardinia suggest that he may start once more against Cesena because of an injury to Cossu and the continued absence of an injured Ibarbo.
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