Serie A | Cagliari v Inter: Match Preview

Cagliari and Inter Milan are set to face off in a crucial Serie A encounter at the Sardegna Arena on Saturday evening. The match presents a stark contrast between two teams experiencing vastly different fortunes this season.

Inter Milan, the defending champions, are in the thick of another title race, currently sitting third in the Serie A table. They’ve been in scintillating form, winning their last four league matches and looking to make it five in a row. The Nerazzurri have been Italy’s dominant force in 2024, winning 26 out of 37 top-flight games and losing only twice.

Cagliari, on the other hand, find themselves in a precarious 18th position, firmly entrenched in the relegation zone. The Sardinian side has struggled for consistency, winning just one of their last nine league matches. Their recent form is particularly concerning, with three consecutive losses leading up to this fixture.

History favours Inter Milan in this matchup. The Nerazzurri have won seven of their last eight league matches in Cagliari, including all of the last four. Moreover, Cagliari have lost 10 of their last 13 top-flight meetings with Inter, conceding an average of 2.5 goals per game.

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The timing of this fixture also bodes well for Inter. In Serie A year-ending fixtures, Inter are unbeaten in their last eight, while Cagliari have failed to win any of their last six.

For Inter Milan, the dynamic duo of Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez will be the focus of attention. Thuram has been in excellent form, scoring crucial goals, including a brilliant strike in their recent victory over Como. Martinez, the team captain, has an impressive record against Cagliari, netting nine goals in as many league games against them.

Cagliari will look to Roberto Piccoli to lead their attack, with support potentially coming from Nicolas Viola, who is vying for a starting position. Veteran striker Leonardo Pavoletti, who recently moved to fifth in the club’s all-time Serie A goals list, could provide an impact from the bench.

Given the contrasting forms and historical head-to-head record, Inter Milan enter this match as strong favourites. Their potent attack, led by Thuram and Martinez, should prove too much for Cagliari’s struggling defence. While the home side may find the net, Inter’s quality and determination to maintain pressure in the title race should see them through.

Team News

Inter Milan are still without Benjamin Pavard due to injury, and Francesco Acerbi’s return remains uncertain. However, Matteo Darmian is expected to be available after missing the Como match.

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Cagliari’s only confirmed absentee is Zito Luvumbo, sidelined with a sprained ankle. Manager Davide Nicola may make several changes to his lineup in an attempt to spark a turnaround.

Expected Starting XIs

Cagliari: Sherri; Zappa, Luperto, Palomino; Zortea, Adopo, Makoumbou, Marin, Augello; Viola; Piccoli

Inter Milan: Sommer; Bisseck, De Vrij, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Martinez, Thuram

Match Prediction

Expect an entertaining match with Inter Milan likely to emerge victorious, potentially by a shoreline of 3-1. This result would further cement Inter’s title credentials while deepening Cagliari’s relegation worries as we head into 2025.

Prediction: Cagliari 1-3 Inter

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