Two teams entangled in Serie A’s intense relegation battle are set to clash as Torino host Cagliari at the Olympic Stadium in Turin on Friday night. With only four points separating the teams between 11th and 18th place, this match could prove crucial in determining both sides’ fate for the season.
Torino, currently sitting in 11th place, have been struggling to find form. Despite being unbeaten in their last four matches, all of these games have ended in draws. Their recent performance against Fiorentina, where they managed to equalize despite being a man down, shows signs of resilience. However, the team will be eager to break their streak of draws and secure a much-needed win.
Cagliari, on the other hand, enter this match with renewed confidence following their impressive 4-1 victory over Lecce last weekend. This win propelled them out of the relegation zone to 14th place. Under the guidance of manager Davide Nicola, Cagliari will be looking to capitalize on their recent form and potentially leapfrog Torino in the standings with a win.
The head-to-head record favors Cagliari, with Torino managing only two wins in their last 11 meetings. Cagliari also won the reverse fixture earlier this season, presenting them with an opportunity to complete a league double over Torino for the first time since the 2012-13 season.
Team News
Torino will be without suspended Ali Dembele, while long-term absentees Duvan Zapata and Emirhan Ilkhan remain sidelined. However, they welcome back Karol Linetty and Sebastian Walukiewicz from suspension.
Cagliari have fewer injury concerns, with Zito Luvumbo being their only notable absentee. New goalkeeper Elia Caprile, recently acquired on loan from Napoli, is expected to start after impressing in his first two appearances for the club.
Expected Starting XIs
Torino: Milinkovic-Savic; Lazaro, Walukiewicz, Maripan, Coco, Sosa; Ricci, Linetty, Vlasic; Adams, Karamoh
Cagliari: Caprile; Zappa, Mina, Luperto, Obert; Zortea, Deiola, Marin, Gaetano, Felici; Piccoli
Match Prediction
While Torino have shown signs of improvement in recent matches, Cagliari’s confidence boost from their last win could prove decisive. However, playing at home might give Torino the edge they need to secure a victory. The match promises to be a closely contested affair, with both teams desperate for points in their bid to avoid relegation.
Prediction: Torino 2-1 Cagliari
