As the Serie A season reaches its midpoint, Cagliari and Lecce prepare to face off in a pivotal match that could have significant implications for both teams’ survival hopes. The clash at Unipol Domus on Sunday afternoon pits two sides desperately fighting to avoid relegation, with just two points separating them in the table.
Cagliari enter the match in a precarious 18th position, having slipped into the relegation zone despite earning a commendable 1-1 draw away to AC Milan last weekend. The Isolani have struggled for consistency, managing just one win in their last six league outings. Their home form has been particularly concerning, with back-to-back losses without scoring at Unipol Domus.
Lecce, meanwhile, have shown signs of improvement under new manager Marco Giampaolo. The Salentini climbed out of the bottom three last weekend with an impressive 3-1 victory over Empoli, moving up to 13th place. However, their position remains tenuous, as they sit only two points above the drop zone in a tightly packed lower half of the table.
While recent form favours the visitors, history is on Cagliari’s side when it comes to this fixture. The Sardinian club has an excellent record against Lecce at home, having lost just once in Serie A encounters at Unipol Domus, with that defeat coming over a decade ago in 2012.
However, Lecce enters the match on a six-game unbeaten streak against Cagliari across all competitions. A win or draw for the Giallorossi would see them equal a club record for the longest unbeaten run against a single opponent in Serie A. Additionally, Lecce has the opportunity to complete their first-ever league double over Cagliari, having won the reverse fixture 1-0 in August.
Team News
Both sides are grappling with injury concerns heading into this crucial encounter. Cagliari’s defense has been hit particularly hard, with Yerry Mina and Jose Luis Palomino both doubtful. The hosts will also be without Zito Luvumbo and Jakub Jankto.
Lecce’s injury list is even more extensive, featuring Hamza Rafia, Medon Berisha, Kialonda Gaspar, Lameck Banda, and Joan Gonzalez. Despite these absences, the visitors will look to striker Nikola Krstovic to continue his good form against Cagliari, having scored in his last two meetings with the Isolani.
Expected Starting XIs
Cagliari: Caprile; Zappa, Wieteska, Luperto, Obert; Zortea, Adopo, Makoumbou, Felici; Viola, Piccoli
Lecce: Falcone; Guilbert, Baschirotto, Jean, Dorgu; Helgason, Coulibaly, Pierret; Pierotti, Krstovic, Tete Morente
Match Prediction
Considering the defensive nature of both teams and the importance of the fixture, a low-scoring draw seems the most likely outcome. Cagliari’s desperation for points at home will be balanced by Lecce’s newfound resilience under Giampaolo.
Prediction: Cagliari 0-0 Lecce
