The former defender spent the majority of his playing career with the Sardinian club, becoming one of the most respected figures in Rossoblù history while also representing clubs including Torino and Sampdoria. Decades after hanging up his boots, Sanna remains a passionate observer of Italian football and a man deeply invested in the fortunes of the clubs he once served.
In an exclusive interview with Football Presse, Sanna offered his views on everything from Cagliari's future and the emergence of Marco Palestra to Torino's frustrations, Sampdoria's decline and the challenges facing the Italian national team.
Despite Cagliari securing another season in Serie A, Sanna believes expectations should remain realistic.
"I think Cagliari had a season that reflected their true technical level," he told Football Presse. "In my opinion, they were a team whose main objective was survival, and they managed to achieve that. Overall, I believe their campaign was in line with expectations."
One of the brightest aspects of the season has been the work of Fabio Pisacane, who has continued to build his reputation as one of Italy's most promising young coaches.
Sanna has been impressed by what he has seen.
"Pisacane has done a respectable job considering it is his first season coaching at such a high level," he said. "One of his greatest merits has been his ability to develop young players, especially those he had previously worked with in the youth sector."
Sanna believes Pisacane has already demonstrated qualities that could take him much further in the game.
"He has shown good qualities as a coach, and it will be interesting to see how his career develops in the coming years."
The strongest praise of all, however, was reserved for one of Italian football's most exciting emerging talents. At a time when clubs across Europe are searching for the next generation of stars, Sanna believes Marco Palestra stands above the rest.
"At the moment, I believe Palestra is the best young player in Italy," he says.
The endorsement is significant from a man who has spent a lifetime around elite football.
"He has enormous potential and a very bright future ahead of him."
With Cristian Chivu now leading Inter Milan, speculation continues about the club's recruitment plans and the profile of players who could fit his project. Sanna believes Palestra would be a perfect addition.
"If Inter were to sign him, it would be a fantastic piece of business," he said. "He has the qualities to adapt to a top club, and I think he could become a very important player at the highest level."
Sanna also discussed two players who have become increasingly influential for Cagliari: goalkeeper Elia Caprile and striker Sebastiano Esposito.
Rather than encouraging them to leave, he hopes both remain in Sardinia.
"Personally, I like them both very much and I hope they can remain at Cagliari," he said. "They have shown their quality and have become important figures for the team."
Away from Cagliari, Sanna remains concerned by the situation at Torino, another club close to his heart.
The Granata have once again found themselves stuck in mid-table, unable to challenge consistently for European places.
"Unfortunately, it has been another anonymous season for Torino," Sanna told Football Presse. "I hope that in the future the club can build a squad capable of fighting for meaningful objectives rather than simply focusing on survival.
"Torino is a historic club that deserves much more."
That frustration extends to the long-running tensions between supporters and president Urbano Cairo.
"This dispute has been going on for many years now," he said. "I hope Cairo can strengthen the squad with better players and build a team capable of competing for European qualification."
Sanna also backed coach Roberto D'Aversa to continue his work.
"Since Roberto arrived, there has definitely been a positive change in the team's performances," he explained. "I hope he stays and is given the opportunity to continue his project because I believe he can achieve better results in the future."
The former defender was equally saddened when discussing Sampdoria's decline.
"It is sad to see a club with Sampdoria's history going through such difficulties," he said. "They deserve to return to the level where they belong."
Sanna's concern extends beyond individual clubs to Italian football as a whole.
He expressed sympathy for Massimiliano Allegri following his disappointing spell at Milan.
"Massimiliano Allegri is an excellent coach and I am sorry things did not work out," he told Football Presse.
Yet he remains convinced Allegri could quickly rebuild his reputation elsewhere.
"I think he could do very well at Napoli.
"Allegri is a very empathetic coach who knows how to manage players and dressing rooms."
Those qualities, Sanna believes, could bring success to the reigning Italian champions. Ultimately, though, his greatest concern is the national team. Italy's struggles in recent years have frustrated supporters and former players alike, and Sanna believes meaningful reform is needed.
"Italy has changed coaches several times in recent years and has struggled to qualify for major tournaments consistently," he said. "I hope there will be a genuine revolution within Italian football."
For Sanna, the solution is bigger than any individual manager.
"The priority is finding the right long-term project and restoring confidence throughout the entire system."
Those words perhaps best capture the outlook of one of Cagliari's most respected figures. Whether discussing his beloved Rossoblù, the future of Marco Palestra or the state of the Azzurri, Sanna remains driven by the same desire that defined his playing career: to see Italian football return to the standards it once set for the world.