Cagliari and newly-promoted Como are set to face off at the Unipol Domus on Monday evening, with both teams eager to secure their first victory of the new Serie A season. Cagliari, under the guidance of survival specialist Davide Nicola, began their campaign with a solid defensive display, earning a 0-0 draw against Roma. Meanwhile, Como, returning to the top flight after two decades, suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to Juventus in their opening match.
Starting their season with back-to-back home games, Cagliari first triumphed over Carrarese in the Coppa Italia before holding Roma to a draw. Roberto Piccoli made his league debut in the match against Roma, though he was unable to replicate his goal-scoring form from the cup. Nonetheless, keeping a clean sheet against a top Italian side marks a promising start for Nicola’s tenure.
Cagliari aim to remain unbeaten in their first two Serie A fixtures for the first time since 2011, with the advantage of playing at home once more. Como, on the other hand, are making their Serie A comeback under head coach Cesc Fabregas, backed by the wealthiest owners in Italian football. Despite their ambitions and high-profile signings like Raphael Varane, Pepe Reina, and Sergi Roberto, Como has yet to secure a win this season, having also lost to Sampdoria in the Coppa Italia.
Team News
Cagliari could have a full squad available, with Colombian center-back Yerry Mina returning from suspension and Nadir Zortea potentially fit after missing the opener. Paulo Azzi is expected to continue on the right flank, with Tommaso Augello on the left. Zito Luvumbo, who was involved in more goals than any other Cagliari player last season, is set to partner with Piccoli up front.
For Como, Andrea Belotti will lead the attack. Despite his struggles since leaving Torino, Belotti has a strong record against Cagliari, with eight goals and involvement in 13 goals across 14 league games. Alberto Dossena, who excelled in clearances last season, reunites with his former club, while Daniele Baselli may be sidelined due to a thigh injury. Raphael Varane is out with a knee injury, but Alessio Iovine returns from suspension.
Expected Starting XI’s
Cagliari: Scuffet; Zappa, Mina, Luperto; Azzi, Marin, Prati, Deiola, Augello; Luvumbo, Piccoli
Como: Reina; Iovine, Goldaniga, Dossena, Moreno; Braunoder, Engelhardt; Strefezza, Cutrone, Da Cunha; Belotti
