Serie A | Fiorentina v Cagliari: Match Prediction, Preview, Team News and Lineups

The Artemio Franchi stadium in Florence is set to host a captivating Serie A clash this Sunday as high-flying Fiorentina welcome Cagliari in what promises to be an intriguing matchup. The Viola are riding an impressive wave of form, having won their last seven league matches, and are now on the cusp of equaling a club record that has stood for over six decades.

Fiorentina’s recent performances have been nothing short of spectacular. Under the guidance of manager Raffaele Palladino, the team has surged up the Serie A table, amassing 28 points thus far. A victory on Sunday would see them surpass the 30-point mark at this stage of the season for the first time in their illustrious history.

The Viola’s success can be attributed to their balanced approach, with a solid defense complemented by a potent attack. Moise Kean has been a standout performer, nearing double figures in league goals. The potential return of Albert Gudmundsson from injury could provide additional firepower to an already formidable offensive line.

Cagliari, under the stewardship of Davide Nicola, arrive in Florence with growing confidence. The Rossoblu have shown resilience in recent weeks, going unbeaten in their last three outings. This run has helped them climb away from the relegation zone and into a congested mid-table position.

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Roberto Piccoli has been a key figure for Cagliari, with his goals proving crucial in their recent upturn in form. The striker has the unique distinction of scoring against 17 different Serie A teams without netting more than once against any single opponent – a record he’ll be keen to maintain or break against Fiorentina.

The midfield battle could prove decisive in this encounter. Fiorentina’s experiment with Lucas Martinez Quarta in a midfield role adds an intriguing tactical dimension. Cagliari will look to counter this with the industrious pairing of Makoumbou and Adopo, who will aim to disrupt the Viola’s rhythm and launch counter-attacks.

History favors the home side in this fixture. Fiorentina are unbeaten in their last seven league matches against Cagliari, a statistic that will boost their confidence. Moreover, the Viola have been particularly effective against teams from the bottom half of the table this season, accumulating more points than any other Serie A side in such matchups.

Interestingly, both teams have shown a penchant for late goals this season. Cagliari and Fiorentina have gained the most points in Serie A via goals scored after the 70th minute, with 10 and 8 points respectively. This suggests that the match could remain competitive until the final whistle, with the potential for late drama.

Team News

Fiorentina are expected to field a strong lineup, with David de Gea likely to return between the posts after being rested in their midweek Coppa Italia fixture. The only absentee for the hosts is midfielder Edoardo Bove, who is still recovering from his recent health scare.

Cagliari have a near full-strength squad to choose from, with Gianluca Lapadula being the only doubt due to a minor injury. Alen Sherri is set to continue in goal, having recently displaced Simone Scuffet as the first-choice goalkeeper.

Expected Starting XIs

Fiorentina: De Gea; Dodo, Comuzzo, Ranieri, Gosens; Adli, Cataldi; Colpani, Gudmundsson, Sottil; Kean

Cagliari: Sherri; Zappa, Mina, Luperto, Augello; Makoumbou, Adopo; Zortea, Gaetano, Luvumbo; Piccoli

Match Prediction

Given Fiorentina’s impressive form and home advantage, they enter this match as favorites. However, Cagliari’s recent resilience means they cannot be underestimated. The combination of Fiorentina’s attacking prowess and Cagliari’s fighting spirit could result in an entertaining, closely-fought contest.

Prediction: Fiorentina 2-1 Cagliari

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