Cagliari welcome Torino to the Unipol Domus on Sunday as Serie A action resumes following the international break. The hosts will be looking to extend their recent upturn in form, while Torino aim to halt a two-game losing streak.
Cagliari entered the international break on a positive note, having gone three matches unbeaten across all competitions. Davide Nicola’s side secured their first league victory of the season with a thrilling 3-2 win over Parma, before earning a creditable 1-1 draw against Juventus. These results have lifted the Sardinians to 15th in the table, one point clear of the relegation zone.
In contrast, Torino’s strong start to the campaign has faltered in recent weeks. After going unbeaten in their first six matches, the Granata have suffered back-to-back 3-2 defeats against Lazio and Inter Milan. Despite this, Paolo Vanoli’s men remain in 7th place as they look to challenge for European qualification.
The midfield battle could prove crucial, with Cagliari’s Razvan Marin looking to continue his goalscoring form against Torino’s Samuele Ricci. Marin has netted in consecutive games and will aim to pull the strings for the hosts, while Ricci will be tasked with disrupting Cagliari’s rhythm and launching counter-attacks.
Cagliari boss Davide Nicola will be hoping the international break hasn’t disrupted his side’s momentum. The former Torino manager knows the importance of extending their unbeaten run as they look to climb further away from the relegation zone.
Paolo Vanoli will be demanding a response from his Torino side following consecutive defeats. The manager was encouraged by his team’s fighting spirit in the loss to Inter and will be targeting a return to winning ways.
Recent meetings between these sides have often ended in stalemates, with five of the last ten encounters finishing level. Two of the previous four clashes have also ended in draws.
Team News
Nicola has several injury concerns to contend with. Jakub Jankto, Leonardo Pavoletti, Gianluca Lapadula, Mateusz Wieteska, and Adam Obert are all expected to miss out through various ailments.
On a more positive note, midfielder Razvan Marin will be aiming to continue his goalscoring form after netting in Cagliari’s last two league outings.
The visitors will be without suspended defender Guillermo Maripan following his red card against Inter. Adam Masina is likely to deputize in the back three.
Goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic is expected to shake off a minor knee issue to start. However, Ivan Ilic, Duvan Zapata, Perr Schuurs, and Emirhan Ilkhan remain sidelined through injury.
Expected Starting XIs
Cagliari: Scuffet; Zappa, Mina, Luperto, Augello; Marin, Adopo; Zortea, Viola, Luvumbo; Piccoli
Torino: Milinkovic-Savic; Walukiewicz, Coco, Masina; Lazaro, Ricci, Vlasic, Gineitis, Sosa; Adams, Sanabria
Match Prediction
Given the recent history between these teams and Torino’s determination to avoid a third straight defeat, another closely-fought draw seems likely. Cagliari’s home advantage could be negated by Torino’s superior league position, setting the stage for an evenly-matched contest.
Prediction: Cagliari 1-1 Torino
