Zambian teenage sensation Joseph Liteta is optimistic about the upcoming season after making his senior debut for Italian Serie A side Cagliari.

Liteta, 19, was the youngest player in Cagliari’s starting lineup against Turkish giants Galatasaray last Wednesday. He played an impressive 72 minutes, completing 15 of his 17 passes, making three tackles, and winning 75% of his duels.

The young midfielder, who featured for Cagliari’s U19 side last season, also came on as a second-half substitute in the team’s 2-0 loss to Bundesliga side Hannover 96 last Saturday, in their second pre-season friendly.

“The experience of moving here was exciting and also tough because there were a lot of adjustments that needed to be made, but yeah, it’s been good,” Liteta told BolaNews in an exclusive interview, reflecting on his move from Athletico Lusaka to Cagliari.

Cagliari’s new head coach, Fabio Pisacane, who coached Liteta in the youth team last season, has pledged to give more game time to young players in Serie A.

Following the team’s performance against Galatasaray, Pisacane expressed satisfaction with Liteta and other youth players. He said in a post-match interview, “They are our future and the energy they brought to the pitch today is clear. It’s vital fuel. With me, they will always have space and an open door.”

Liteta excited about upcoming season

Liteta is excited about the new challenge ahead. He said, “I am excited to play in Serie A. I think I am well prepared to take on this next challenge…. It’s going to be a tough experience, but an exciting one as well.

“I have spoken to the coach and he is really excited too about the upcoming season. I will do my best and just leave everything to God,” he added.

Cagliari continue their preparations for the upcoming Serie A campaign and will face French side Saint-Étienne tomorrow, where Liteta will hope to make another first-team appearance.

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