Cagliari and Parma are set to face off in a high-stakes encounter at the Unipol Domus on Sunday. With both teams teetering on the brink of the relegation zone, separated by just a single point, this match could prove pivotal in determining their top-flight futures.
Cagliari, currently sitting 17th in the table, have experienced a downturn in form after a promising start to the new year. Despite a three-game unbeaten run that included victories over fellow strugglers Lecce and Monza, the Sardinian side has since suffered back-to-back defeats, conceding twice in each match. Their most recent setback came against high-flying Lazio, where a brief moment of hope provided by Roberto Piccoli’s equalizer was quickly extinguished.
Parma, occupying 18th place, find themselves in an equally precarious position. The Emilian outfit have endured a torrid run since November, losing eight of their last 13 league fixtures. Their recent form has been particularly concerning, with just a single point collected from their previous five away games.
History favours the hosts in this fixture, with Cagliari winning four of their last five Serie A home games against Parma. The Rossoblu will be keen to maintain this dominance, especially given their overall record of six unbeaten matches against Parma in top-flight meetings.
Cagliari manager Davide Nicola faces a selection dilemma in midfield, with Razvan Marin, Alessandro Deiola, Michel Adopo, and Antoine Makoumbou all vying for starting berths. The home side will likely aim to exploit Parma’s defensive frailties, which have seen them concede the most second-half goals in the league.
Parma coach Fabio Pecchia welcomes back captain Enrico Del Prato from suspension, providing a much-needed boost to their backline. The Gialloblu will need to address their vulnerability in the latter stages of matches if they hope to secure a positive result.
Team News
Cagliari received a boost with the return of Zito Luvumbo to full training following an ankle injury. The Angolan attacker could feature from the bench, while Roberto Piccoli, who recently set a unique scoring record in Europe’s top five leagues, is expected to lead the line.
Parma, on the other hand, are grappling with a significant injury list. Defensive stalwarts Yordan Osorio and Alessandro Circati are sidelined, along with Mateusz Kowalski and Gabriel Charpentier. Midfield dynamo Hernani is doubtful with a muscular issue, while Romanian wingers Dennis Man and Valentin Mihaila face late fitness tests.
Expected Starting XIs
Cagliari: Caprile; Zappa, Mina, Luperto, Augello; Makoumbou, Adopo; Zortea, Viola, Felici; Piccoli
Parma: Suzuki; Del Prato, Valenti, Vogliacco, Valeri; Keita, Sohm; Cancellieri, Haj, Almqvist; Djuric
Match Prediction
Given both teams’ defensive struggles and the high stakes involved, this encounter could produce an exciting, goal-filled spectacle. Cagliari’s home advantage and slightly better recent form may give them the edge in what promises to be a closely fought battle. The match could mirror the thrilling 3-2 result from their previous meeting this season, with Cagliari potentially emerging victorious in front of their home supporters.
Prediction: Cagliari 3-2 Parma
