Since then, Cagni mostly served for Serie B teams, with the exception of Piacenza, who rehired him in 2002–03, in place of sacked Andrea Agostinelli, in an unsuccessful attempt to avoid relegation.

His contract with Empoli was extended in March 2007 for another year, following impressive performances which led the team to fight for and eventually gain a spot in the next UEFA Cup, the first appearance in a continental competition for both the small Tuscan club and Cagni himself.

However a poor start in the Serie A 2007–08, and a UEFA Cup elimination in the first round to FC Zurich convinced Empoli's management to sack Cagni, appointing Alberto Malesani as replacement.

On 12 March 2017, he was named new head coach of his hometown club Brescia in the Serie B league, taking over from outgoing manager Cristian Brocchi.

[7] Under his tenure, he managed to save Brescia from relegation, and left by the end of the season to make room for new head coach Roberto Boscaglia.