Cagliari vs Lazio: Preview, Predictions, Team News, Lineups
Cagliari will face Lazio in a Serie A clash in Sardinia this Saturday evening. Currently, Cagliari is only five points behind Lazio, marking this contest more competitive than anticipated. The Rossoblu, however, are aiming to end a 12-year winless streak against their Roman rivals.
Cagliari’s Recent Performance
Cagliari has been on a journey toward safety in Serie A, with key victories over teams like Juventus, Fiorentina, and Hellas Verona. These wins had them on the verge of securing a fourth consecutive season in Italy’s top flight.
Unfortunately, this positive trend was halted by a 2-0 defeat to AS Roma, followed by another disappointing loss against Lecce. These back-to-back defeats mark only the second time this season that Cagliari has stumbled in consecutive matches. Currently, they sit four points clear of the relegation zone, but still look towards a potential top-half finish.
Lazio’s Woes
Lazio, sitting ninth with 33 points, has also struggled this season. Their last match ended in a 2-0 defeat to Atalanta BC, marking only one win in their last seven Serie A home games. With a nine-point gap to a potential Conference League qualifying spot, Lazio hopes to improve their fortunes as the season progresses.
Historically, Lazio has performed well against Cagliari, remaining unbeaten in their last 21 Serie A meetings, winning eight and drawing two. Their last loss to Cagliari in league play dates back to May 2013.
Team News
Cagliari has several players sidelined, including Andrea Belotti, Mattia Felici, Gennaro Borrelli, and Alessandro Deiola. However, Michael Folorunsho makes a return just in time as Gianluca Gaetano is likely out for three weeks due to a thigh injury. Semih Kilicsoy, Cagliari’s top scorer, is expected to play, while veteran Leonardo Pavoletti’s recent starting appearance raises questions about tactical choices.
Lazio welcomes back Alessio Romagnoli after suspension but will miss key players like Pedro, Manuel Lazzari, and Mario Gila. Captain Mattia Zaccagni is also doubtful due to fitness issues. Toma Basic might return to the starting lineup as well, potentially displacing Fisayo Dele-Bashiru in midfield.
Possible Lineups
| Cagliari | Lazio |
|---|---|
| Caprile | Provedel |
| Zappa, Mina, Ze Pedro | Marusic, Romagnoli, Provstgaard, Pellegrini |
| Palestra, Adopo, Sulemana, Mazzitelli, Obert | Basic, Cataldi, Taylor |
| Esposito, Kilicsoy | Isaksen, Maldini, Noslin |
Match Prediction
This match is expected to be low-scoring as neither team has shown prolific goal-scoring abilities recently. A likely outcome may be a 1-1 draw, with both teams sharing the points in an important encounter. The tense atmosphere in Sardinia will add to the stakes for both sides.
