Venezia’s manager Eusebio Di Francesco faces a defensive reshuffle for Sunday’s Serie A encounter, following Michael Svoboda’s season-ending ACL injury sustained in the recent 2-2 draw against Juventus. Giorgio Altare, on loan from Cagliari, is expected to fill the gap in Venezia’s three-man backline.
The home side’s injury woes extend beyond Svoboda, with Alfred Duncan sidelined due to a calf problem, while Richie Sagrado and Antonio Raimondo are both out with thigh injuries. However, Venezia’s attack looks set to benefit from the inclusion of Gaetano Oristanio, a former Cagliari loanee, who is likely to partner with Gianluca Busio in supporting lone striker Joel Pohjanpalo. Oristanio has already surpassed his goal involvement tally from last season, contributing to four goals in the current campaign.
For the visitors, Roberto Piccoli is poised to return to the starting lineup after being rested for Cagliari’s midweek cup fixture. Piccoli, who has netted four times in Serie A this season, including Cagliari’s last two league goals, will be crucial to the team’s offensive efforts.
Cagliari’s manager Davide Nicola is set to make defensive adjustments as well, with Sebastiano Luperto and Yerry Mina expected to start in central defense. A change in goal is also anticipated, with Alen Sherri likely to replace Simone Scuffet.
The only confirmed absence for Cagliari is Zito Luvumbo, who is unavailable due to an ankle sprain. This match presents an opportunity for both teams to improve their positions in the Serie A table, with tactical adjustments potentially playing a decisive role in the outcome.
Venezia (3-4-2-1): Stankovic; Altare, Idzes, Sverko; Zampano, Andersen, Nicolussi Caviglia, Ellertsson; Oristanio, Busio; Pohjanpalo
Cagliari (4-3-2-1): Sherri; Zappa, Mina, Luperto, Obert; Zortea, Adopo, Makoumbou, Augello; Gaetano; Piccoli
