Two mid-table sides looking to climb the Serie A standings will face off on Tuesday evening as Cagliari host Bologna at the Unipol Domus. Both teams enter the match level on 8 points after 7 rounds, though Bologna have a game in hand.
Cagliari come into this fixture on the back of a 2-0 away defeat to high-flying Udinese last Friday. The Sardinians were reduced to 10 men after just 30 minutes when Antoine Makoumbou was sent off for a second bookable offense. Despite battling valiantly, Cagliari were unable to hold on and conceded goals either side of halftime.
The loss ended a mini-resurgence for Davide Nicola’s side, who had taken 7 points from their previous 3 matches including an impressive 1-1 draw with Juventus. Cagliari now sit 16th in the table, just two points above the relegation zone.
Bologna, meanwhile, had their weekend fixture against AC Milan postponed due to flooding in the Emilia-Romagna region. Their last Serie A outing was a disappointing 2-2 draw at Genoa, where they squandered a two-goal lead. Vincenzo Italiano’s men have drawn 5 of their 7 league games so far, winning just once.
The Rossoblu have struggled to replicate last season’s impressive 5th place finish and currently occupy 13th spot. Their European debut has also been underwhelming, with just 1 point from 3 Champions League group stage matches.
With Cagliari likely to adopt a counter-attacking approach at home, the pace and trickery of Angolan forward Luvumbo could be crucial. The 21-year-old has impressed in his debut Serie A campaign with 2 goals and 2 assists already.
He’ll be up against Bologna’s creative spark Orsolini, who has 3 goals to his name this term. The Italian international’s delivery from wide areas and set-pieces will be a major threat to the Cagliari defense.
Cagliari boss Nicola emphasized the need for a response after the Udinese defeat: “We showed good spirit with 10 men but ultimately fell short. Now we must regroup quickly and produce a big performance in front of our fans.”
Italiano bemoaned Bologna’s inability to see out games: “Drawing so many matches we should have won is frustrating. We need to be more clinical and manage leads better. Cagliari will be tough but it’s a great chance to get back to winning ways.”
Team News
Cagliari will be without the suspended Makoumbou following his red card against Udinese. Alessandro Deiola or Matteo Prati are likely to deputize in midfield. Coach Nicola may recall Zito Luvumbo and Nadir Zortea to the starting lineup after they were benched last time out. Jakub Jankto and Leonardo Pavoletti face late fitness tests.
Bologna have no fresh injury concerns and have benefited from a rare midweek off. Nicolo Cambiaghi, Oussama El Azzouzi, Martin Erlic and Lewis Ferguson remain sidelined but Michel Aebischer could return from an adductor issue. Italiano must decide between Santiago Castro and Thijs Dallinga to lead the line.
Expected Starting XIs
Cagliari: Scuffet; Zappa, Mina, Luperto; Zortea, Marin, Adopo, Prati, Augello; Luvumbo, Piccoli
Bologna: Skorupski; Posch, Beukema, Casale, Miranda; Freuler, Moro; Orsolini, Fabbian, Ndoye; Castro
Match Prediction
While Bologna have the stronger squad on paper, their struggles to convert draws into wins could continue here. Cagliari have shown resilience at home and may frustrate the visitors. A tight, low-scoring draw seems the most likely outcome.
Prediction: Cagliari 1-1 Bologna
