Davide Ballardiini is delighted taking the Cagliari job.

Ballardini was drafted in after Massimo Ficcadenti's dismissal last night.

"I heard from President Massimo Cellino yesterday afternoon. Then I heard from director general Francesco Marroccu and here I am," smiled the man who already sat on the Sardinian bench in 2005-06 and 2007-08.

"I am excited by this return to Cagliari and very determined in facing the work that awaits us.

"Cellino asked if I felt like coming back and the truth is I always harboured that desire, but I couldn't imagine when. I am in love with this land and the people in it.

"The President simply asked me to behave the way I always do, without setting objectives. Cagliari have not changed too much since I was here.

"They still set out with the same 4-3-1-2 we experimented for the first time with the 'old' Daniele Conti, Andrea Cossu, Davide Biondini, Alessandro Agostini and Michele Canini.

"Those names are joined by new players, some of whom I already knew, like Davide Astori, Lorenzo Ariaudo, Radja Nainggolan and Nene.

"I saw Thiago Ribeiro on television and he seems like an interesting player, so I can't wait to see him in action up close. I will have time to get to know players like Rui Sampaio and Victor Ibarbo."