Cagliari CalciovsAS Roma

Cagliari's Struggles and Injury Woes

Cagliari Calcio is currently navigating a challenging season, sitting precariously close to the relegation zone in Serie A. With only five wins in their first 21 games, their form has been inconsistent, marked by a recent 2-0 loss to Torino. The team is plagued by injuries, with key players like Zito Luvumbo and Yerry Mina having been sidelined, although Mina has recently returned. The January transfer window saw them swap goalkeepers with Napoli, bringing in Elia Caprile, who might debut soon. Despite these challenges, Cagliari has managed to score in most of their games, with Roberto Piccoli leading their attack.

AS Roma's Resurgence Under Ranieri

AS Roma, under the guidance of Claudio Ranieri, has shown signs of resurgence. The team is unbeaten in their last five matches, including a significant win against Lazio. However, their away form remains a concern, as they have yet to secure an away victory this season. Paulo Dybala's rejuvenated form has been a bright spot, and with contract extension talks underway, he seems committed to the club. Roma's transfer window activity is focused on strengthening their squad, with potential exits and new signings on the horizon.

Historical Context and Head-to-Head

Historically, AS Roma has dominated the head-to-head encounters against Cagliari, winning 27 out of 51 meetings. Cagliari has not won against Roma in their last five encounters, with Roma winning four of those. The most common result when Cagliari hosts Roma is a 2-2 draw, but given Cagliari's current form, a similar outcome seems unlikely. Cagliari has not won in their last nine games, and they have struggled to score consistently at home.

Prediction and Tactical Insights

Given the current form and historical dominance, AS Roma is favored to win this encounter. Cagliari's defensive vulnerabilities and Roma's attacking prowess, especially with Dybala in form, suggest that Roma will likely score. However, Cagliari's tendency to be involved in high-scoring games and their ability to score at home means both teams are likely to find the net. Expect a competitive match with Roma edging out Cagliari, possibly with a 2-1 scoreline.