Naples Horror: Cagliari Boss Fabio Pisacane's Brother Shot in 'Warning' Attack

Serie A has been rocked by violence off the pitch this weekend. While Fabio Pisacane prepares his Cagliari side for their next Serie A challenge, his family in Naples has been targeted in a brutal attack that bears the hallmarks of a local warning. Gianluca Pisacane, the 28-year-old brother of the Cagliari manager, was shot multiple times in the legs during an ambush in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The Incident: Night Terror in Quartieri Spagnoli

The attack occurred in the heart of the Spanish Quarter (Quartieri Spagnoli), a historic Neapolitan district where the Pisacane family runs a local business. According to police reports, three men approached Gianluca outside the venue, with one opening fire. The victim was struck twice in the right leg—a tactic known locally as gambizzazione, often used by criminal groups to send a message rather than to kill.

Emergency services rushed Gianluca to the Vecchio Pellegrini Hospital. While the psychological trauma is immense, doctors have confirmed his condition is stable and his life is not in danger. Initial chaotic reports suggesting Pisacane’s father was also targeted have been firmly debunked by authorities.

Pisacane: A Career Defined by Resilience

This shooting is yet another hurdle in the extraordinary life of Fabio Pisacane. The 39-year-old, who was permanently appointed Cagliari head coach in June 2025 after saving the club from relegation battles, is no stranger to life-altering adversity.

Long before he stood in the dugout, Pisacane defeated Guillain-Barré syndrome at age 14—a nervous system disorder that left him paralyzed and in a coma, with doctors predicting he would never walk, let alone play football. He didn't just recover; he became a symbol of integrity in Italian football. In 2011, he famously rejected and reported a €50,000 bribe to fix a match while playing for Lumezzane, an act of courage that earned him a FIFA Fair Play appointment and The Guardian’s Footballer of the Year award.

The Coach Breaks His Silence

Despite the shock, Pisacane addressed the media storm via Instagram to protect his team's focus and clarify the facts. He wrote:

"As reported, my brother was involved in an attack and wounded by gunfire. I want to reassure everyone: his life is not in danger. He was hit in the leg, but considering what he went through, he is okay. Thank you to everyone for the messages of support in this moment of great shock for my family."