M’Bala Nzola, former RCLens striker, has finally received a positive signal from his new club, Cagliari, after an unsatisfactory 2025-2026 season in Italy. The 30-year-old Angolan player, who left Fiorentina to join Cagliari freely, had not yet played an official match with the Sardinian due to a lack of rhythm and physical condition. A first goal in a friendly against Rayo Vallecano in Madrid, in a match that ended 1-1 before winning on penalties, marks an important step in his return to form.
Nzola has experienced a period of transition since leaving Lens. After a 2024-2025 loan to the city of Artois, he returned to Fiorentina, then had two loans in 2025-2026, first to Pisa where he scored three goals, then to Sassuolo where he only scored once. These disappointing figures pushed him to change course in the summer, leaving Fiorentina permanently to join Cagliari. His late arrival, at the beginning of September, delayed his official debut, but the friendly goal shows that he is gradually regaining his level.
Nzola's return to competition is already materialized by his inclusion in the group of 26 players selected for the match against Juventus, scheduled for this Sunday evening. Cagliari, who are in fourth place in the championship with 12 points in five days, offer Nzola an opportunity to find a place in the offensive rotation. The club has started the season well, and the striker's call-up marks a turning point after several months of difficulties.
The player also had a sometimes tense relationship with coach Will Still during his time at Lens, which added to the complexity of his situation. However, the friendly goal and his inclusion in the squad for the match against Juventus show that he is closing in on a full return to competition. The match against Juventus will therefore be an opportunity for Nzola to make his official debut with Cagliari and to complete the journey through the desert started after his departure from RCLens.