Exclusive: Relegation is Not an Option for Cagliari’s Zito Luvumbo

Cagliari striker Zito Luvumbo has voiced his optimism about the club’s goal of staying in Serie A, despite currently being in the relegation zone.

Similar to last season, when they fought against relegation for much of the Italian top-flight campaign, the Islanders are again struggling at the bottom of the table due to a poor start to the 2024-25 season.

After 20 matches, Davide Nicola's team sits 18th in the standings, having earned 18 points with just four wins and six draws.

However, they seem to have improved based on their last two league matches. After a five-match losing streak, the 1970 league champions secured a solid 2-1 win at fellow relegation battlers Monza, followed by a 1-1 draw at AC Milan.

CAGLIARI DETERMINED TO AVOID RELEGATION

Assessing his team's performances so far, the Angola international believes Cagliari are making progress and will do everything possible to avoid relegation.

The 22-year-old states that his team's current position is a result of a slow start, but they are drawing motivation from their recent performances at Stadio Brianteo and San Siro.

"I believe it’s too early to discuss relegation, as there are still many matches to play," Luvumbo told SportsBoom.com.

"Cagliari are in this position due to a slow start to the season, but our recent results show we’re making progress."

"We’ve been working really hard since the start of the season, and we’ll keep going until we achieve our goal."

"Our recent results show how much we’ve improved as a team. Against all odds, we won at Monza and got another good result against AC Milan."

"We’re happy with these results, but we’re staying focused as we aim for more good performances in the upcoming games. Serie A is where we belong, and relegation is not an option."

Cagliari will look to extend their unbeaten run to three matches when they host Lecce at Unipol Domus on January 19. A win over the Yellow and Reds could lift them out of the relegation zone, depending on the results of Como, Parma, and Verona.

LUVUMBO VOWS TO REGAIN SCORING FORM

The Angola international has faced difficulties in front of goal for Cagliari but has promised to keep working hard, stating that he is not feeling any pressure.

Despite making 16 appearances (12 starts and 4 as a substitute) and playing 998 minutes, he has scored just one goal, which came in the 2-1 loss to Lazio on November 4, 2024.

He added: "Football is like that; not scoring doesn’t mean I’m not playing well. Every striker wants to score, but when it doesn’t happen, I just keep working hard."

"I’m doing everything I can to prove my place in the squad, and I can assure you the goals will come soon. There’s no issue with me; it’s just a phase that all footballers go through. I’m happy here, and I have fantastic teammates."

"My manager has been very supportive, and I’m grateful for his trust. I just hope to repay his faith in me. I'm not worried, as I know where the back of the net is."

"If a chance comes, I’ll take it. However, the most important thing is for my team to win, and that will make me even happier."

Luvumbo is currently sidelined after spraining his left ankle in a Serie A match against Atalanta, a game they lost 1-0 due to Nicolo Zaniolo’s goal.

Last season, the African player made 30 Serie A appearances, scoring four goals and providing five assists. Luvumbo returned to Cagliari in January 2022 after a loan spell at Como, where he made three league appearances.