Cagliari will be desperate to secure their first Serie A victory of the season when they host an in-form Empoli side on Friday evening at the Unipol Domus.
The home team has struggled mightily so far, collecting just two points from four matches and sitting 19th in the table. Their woes were compounded by a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Napoli last weekend. Manager Davide Nicola will be hoping his side can finally find their scoring touch, having netted just once in league play.
In contrast, Empoli arrive in Sardinia riding high after an impressive unbeaten start to their campaign. The visitors have drawn three and won one of their opening four fixtures, including creditable stalemates against Bologna and Juventus. New coach Roberto D’Aversa has his team playing with confidence as they aim to extend their undefeated run.
Cagliari may take some solace from their 1-0 away victory over Empoli last season when both clubs were battling relegation. However, the hosts have failed to score in their last two home meetings with the Tuscany outfit.
Team News
Nicola should have a full squad to choose from, with midfielder Matteo Prati likely to shake off an ankle issue. The manager may opt to shuffle his lineup after the heavy Napoli defeat, with summer signings Michel Adopo and Nadir Zortea pushing for starts.
Empoli have some injury concerns, with Samuele Perisan, Szymon Zurkowski, Tyronne Ebuehi and Jacopo Fazzini all sidelined. However, Norwegian forward Ola Solbakken could return to the bench after recovering from a muscle problem.
Expected Starting XIs
Cagliari: Scuffet; Zappa, Mina, Luperto; Zortea, Marin, Deiola, Augello; Gaetano, Luvumbo; Piccoli
Empoli: Vasquez; Goglichidze, Ismajli, Viti; Gyasi, Henderson, Grassi, Pezzella; Maleh, Esposito; Colombo
