KEITA BALDE NEWS

Two shots in defeat Keita registered two shots (one on goal) in Saturday's 2-0 defeat against AC Milan.

Impact Keita continued to provide the offensive pressure with a shot on target for a third consecutive outing. This was also the third time this season that he finished with more than 25 completed passes. He played in 11 matches for Monza this year, showing well in his first Serie A campaign since 2021, when he was with Cagliari.

MAY 25 • ROTOWIRE

Strikes in Udinese fixture Keita scored one goal to go with one shot (one on target) and one interception and drew one foul in 25 minutes in Sunday's 2-1 win over Udinese.

Impact Keita was fielded midway through the second half and won the game for his side at the buzzer with a tap-in after a cross and a flick-on. It's his second goal since transferring in January. He'll likely be back in the starting lineup versus Empoli, replacing either Omari Forson or Gianluca Caprari (thigh). He has logged 11 shots (three on target), one key pass, four crosses (one accurate) and two interceptions in his past seven outings.

MAY 11 • ROTOWIRE

Begins as a sub Sunday Keita (thigh) will come off the bench in Sunday's game versus Udinese.

Impact Keita won't reclamin his starting job right away after dealing with a thigh injury. Without Dany Mota Carvalho (thigh), the coach has opted for a light frontline formed by Gianluca Caprari and Omari Forson.

MAY 11 • ROTOWIRE

Fit for Udinese game Keita (thigh) "will be available Sunday," coach Alessandro Nesta stated.

Impact Keita has recovered after missing three matches due to a thigh problem. He could be eased into action to avoid a relapse, but Monza will likely be depleted offensively, as Dany Mota Carvalho and Silvere Ganvoula are doubtful due to undisclosed injuries. He has scored once in his last five displays, adding eight shots (two on target), one key pass and two crosses (zero accurate).

MAY 9 • ROTOWIRE

Out against Juventus Balde (thigh) won't return versus Juventus on Sunday, coach Alessandro Nesta announced.

Impact Balde will skip the second contest in a row and likely more, although the club or the gaffer haven't provided a timetable. Gianluca Caprari, Andrea Petagna and Omari Forson will pick up the slack next to Dany Mota Cavarlho since Silvere Ganvoula (undisclosed) got hurt as well.

APRIL 25 • ROTOWIRE

Will miss time Keita (thigh) hasn't been selected for Saturday's clash with Napoli.

Impact Keita could be sidelined for further fixtures as the team has yet to disclose the full extent of his injury. Gianluca Caprari, Silvere Ganvoula and Andrea Petagna are candidates to step in next to Dany Mota Carvalho.

APRIL 18 • ROTOWIRE

Exits Venezia match in first half Keita left Saturday's game against Venezia after just 26 minutes due to an apparent thigh injury, Gianluca Di Marzio reported.

Impact Keita didn't record stats during his time on the pitch and was in significant pain after pulling up during a sprint. He'll take some tests in the next few days. Gianluca Caprari was picked over other attackers to replace him in this one.

APRIL 12 • ROTOWIRE

Scores in Inter clash Keita drew one foul and scored one goal to go with three shots (one on target) and one corner in Saturday's 3-2 defeat to Inter Milan.

Impact Keita ran the offense in his second consecutive start and hit the net with a gorgeous curled shot late in the first half. He needed a couple of weeks to work on his conditioning after joining, but he quickly established himself as Monza's best weapon. He has notched five shots (one on target), three crosses (two accurate) and one chance created in four showings.

MARCH 9 • ROTOWIRE

Signs with Monza Keita Balde has agreed to a contract with Monza until June 2025, the side announced.

Impact Keita Balde was a free agent after spending time in Turkey with Sivasspor and was therefore able to join past deadline day. He signed once in 11 appearances in his last stop. He last played a game in early December so he might need time to be in shape. Monza are depleted up front after the departures of Milan Djuric and Daniel Maldini. He also played for Spartak Mosco and Espanyol after leaving Cagliari in 2021.

FEBRUARY 13 • ROTOWIRE

Fires five shots in Sassuolo match Keita created one scoring chance, drew six fouls, won six duels and took five shots (two on target) in Saturday's 1-0 win over Sassuolo.

Impact Keita drew his first start since mid-December and followed it up with a quality outing, leading his team in chances, although he was not super clutch in the box. The good showing could keep him in the XI over Leonardo Pavoletti and Gaston Pereiro. He had not produced much in his recent appearances off the bench. Cagliari will face Genoa away next Sunday.

APRIL 16, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Returns from Cameroon Keita practiced fully Thursday after heading back from AFCON, Cagliari announced.

Impact Keita will resume being an option after lifting the trophy with Senegal. He will face increased competition since Gaston Pereiro has blossomed in recent matches. Leonardo Pavoletti is also a threat to his minutes, although he is currently banged up. He has scored three times, provided an assist and added 15 shots and seven chances in 15 appearances (11 starts).

FEBRUARY 10, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Unavailable against Atalanta Keita will be back in Italy in mid-February as Senegal qualified to the AFCON semifinals.

Impact Keita will miss Sunday's road game against Atalanta, where Cagliari will have Leonardo Pavoletti back from suspension, but not Joao Pedro, who is out for the same reason. Gaston Pereiro will most likely get another start.

FEBRUARY 1, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Will play in AFCON Keita has been called up by Senegal for the African Cup of Nations.

Impact Keita will miss the next four Serie A matches because of the competition. Cagliari will lean on Leonardo Pavoletti and Gaston Pereiro to replace him unless they bring in a new striker in the first few days of the January window.

JANUARY 1, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Scores against Sassuolo Keita (illness) took one shot on target, drew one foul, won one tackle and scored a goal in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Sassuolo.

Impact Keita drew the start after shaking tonsillitis and made the most of his limited opportunities by bagging a stunning overhead kick. He had not scored in three matches. He is now up to three goals, one assist, 11 shots and five crosses in nine appearances. He will keep competing with Leonardo Pavoletti moving forward. Cagliari will host Salernitana Friday.

NOVEMBER 23, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Will start versus Sassuolo Keita (tonsillitis) is in the initial XI to face Sassuolo Sunday.

Impact Keita missed some time before the break due to an illness and a procedure, but he has been training fully for a couple of weeks. He has been picked over Leonardo Pavoletti. He has recorded two goals, one assist, ten shots and three chances created in eight games.

NOVEMBER 21, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Resumes practicing Keita (tonsillitis) went into full training Friday, Cagliari announced.

Impact Keita had to rest for about a week after a minor procedure, but he has been cleared to get back on the pitch. He will resume alternating with Leonardo Pavoletti after the third break. He has posted two goals, one assist, ten shots and three chances created in eight games (six starts). Cagliari will face Sassuolo away next Sunday.

NOVEMBER 13, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Will stay out versus Atalanta Keita has been hospitalized to receive proper treatment for his recent tonsillitis and will have to rest for a few days, Cagliari announced.

Impact Keita developed an abscess that required some extra attention and will spend a few days at a local clinic, but it is a standard situation in these cases, the club specified. He will look to return on the pitch during the next break. Leonardo Pavoletti and Joao Pedro will once again form the attacking pair in Saturday's match against Atalanta.

NOVEMBER 3, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Will miss Bologna game Keita (tonsillitis) was not named in Cagliari's squad list to face Bologna Monday.

Impact Keita will stay home due to tonsillitis. Leonardo Pavoletti is set to join Joao Pedro up front, while Diego Farias and Gaston Pereiro will be the top offensive backups in this one.

OCTOBER 31, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable for Bologna match Balde is in doubt for Monday's game versus Bologna due to tonsillitis, coach Walter Mazzarri announced.

Impact Balde will continue to be assessed in the lead-up of the game and is at risk of being ruled out in advance. Leonardo Pavoletti could get the second start in a row after scoring in the midweek round.

OCTOBER 31, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Registers assist in win Keita provided one assist, took two shots (one on target), created one chance, delivered two crosses and drew two fouls in Sunday's 3-1 win versus Sampdoria.

Impact Keita had a great offensive outing Sunday as he provided one assist to help his side take home all three points. The striker is going through a great scoring form as he has found the back of the net twice and provided one assist in his last five appearances, along with producing nine shots, two chances created and three crosses in the same time span.

OCTOBER 19, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Scores against Venezia Keita took one shot on target, drew one foul, won three duels and scored a goal in Friday's 1-1 draw with Venezia.

Impact Keita had a clutch performance as he bagged the only good feed he received in the box with a precise header. He has hit the net twice in five matches, adding eight shots, one chance and two crosses. Cagliari will host Sampdoria in two weeks.

OCTOBER 2, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

First goal for Cagliari Keita scored once on three shots (one on goal) during Sunday's 2-2 draw with Lazio.

Impact Keita scored vs. his old team for the first time, a smooth finish past Pepe Reina. The forward looked good and is quickly gelling with his new club. Next up is a Wednesday clash with Empoli.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Moves to Cagliari Keita has agreed to a contract with Cagliari after resciding his deal with Monaco, the club announced.

Impact Keita played on loan to Sampdoria last season, tallying seven goals and one assist in 25 appearances (12 starts). He added 44 shots and 21 chances created. He will replace Giovanni Simeone on the roster and will compete for minutes with Leonardo Pavoletti.

AUGUST 31, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Scores versus Spezia Keita scored one goal on three shots (one on target) and drew one foul in Wednesday's 2-2 draw versus Spezia.

Impact Keita came off the bench in the second half and found the back of the net minutes later. The striker has now scored twice in the last two appearances, along with producing five shots and two chances created. His playing time, however, is a concern as he has started only twice in the last nine games. He will push to be included in the starting XI Sunday versus Udinese after his strong recent offensive form.

MAY 13, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Ranieri makes the right moves in Sampdoria win

Claudio Ranieri’s halftime substitutions paid off in a 3-1 win over Hellas Verona in a midtable Serie A clash

APRIL 17, 2021 • Associated Press