Match Overview

The Serie A Matchday 1 fixture between Cagliari and Fiorentina is scheduled for August 24 at the Unipol Domus stadium. This detailed preview covers the Cagliari vs Fiorentina match prediction, relevant statistics, and key insights.

Cagliari Team Analysis

Cagliari’s Recent Form and Season Outlook

Last season, Cagliari finished 15th with 36 points, narrowly avoiding the relegation zone by just five points. This performance largely aligns with the club’s recent history, as they have not ranked higher than 14th in Serie A over the past eight seasons. The team experienced a challenging end to the previous campaign, suffering five defeats in their last seven matches. Their pre-season preparations also yielded modest results, with only two wins in six friendly matches (2 draws, 2 losses).

Cagliari: Squad Updates and New Management

During the summer transfer window, Cagliari strengthened their midfield with Michael Folorunsho and their attack with forwards Sebastiano Esposito and Semih Kılıçsoy. Meanwhile, defender Nadir Zortea and midfielder Răzvan Marin departed the club. Cagliari will also start the new season under the guidance of a new head coach, Fabio Pisacane.

Cagliari Key Home Statistics

• The team avoided defeat by more than one goal in nine of their last ten home matches in Serie A.
• Exactly three goals were scored in 6 of the club’s last 8 home league games.
• Both teams found the net in 5 of Cagliari’s last 7 home fixtures in Serie A.

Cagliari Predicted Lineup (3-5-2)

Elia Caprile – Alessandro Deiola, Yerry Mina, Sebastiano Luperto – Gabriele Zappa, Ndari Adopo, Matteo Prati, Michael Folorunsho, Riyad Idrissi – Zito Luvumbo, Sebastiano Esposito.

Fiorentina Team Analysis

Fiorentina’s Strong Finish and Away Form

Fiorentina concluded the previous championship in sixth place with 65 points, marking their best Serie A performance in nine seasons. The team’s strong finish was pivotal in securing a European qualification spot, as they surpassed Lazio in the standings. In their last ten league matches, the club suffered only two defeats (6 wins, 2 draws). Fiorentina also demonstrated potent attacking play away from home last season, scoring 28 goals, a tally surpassed by only three other teams. Their summer pre-season saw them play five friendlies, losing just once (2 wins, 2 draws).

Fiorentina: Key Arrivals and Coaching Change

During the off-season, the squad welcomed midfielders Jacopo Fazzini and Simon Zom, alongside forward Edin Džeko. Importantly, the club avoided any significant departures. Fiorentina has also appointed a new head coach, Stefano Pioli.

Fiorentina Away Statistics Highlights

• The team failed to win in 6 of their last 8 away matches in Serie A (1 draw, 5 losses).
• Both teams scored in 9 of the club’s last 11 away league games.
• At least three goals were scored in 9 of Fiorentina’s last 11 away Serie A matches.

Fiorentina Predicted Lineup (3-5-2)

David De Gea – Pietro Comuzzo, Marin Pongračić, Luca Ranieri – Dodô, Nicolò Fagioli, Albert Gudmundsson, Simon Zom, Robin Gosens – Edin Džeko, Moise Kean.

The Referee

Simone Sozza (Italy)

Referee Statistics (Simone Sozza)

Matches officiated – 17 (Serie A, 2024/25);

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 59;

Average yellow cards per match – 3.5;

Red cards shown – 1;

Average fouls per match – 24;

Penalties awarded – 47% of decisions.

Match Prediction: Cagliari vs Fiorentina

Analyzing the Offensive Potential

In this encounter, I anticipate a high-scoring game with both teams likely to find the back of the net. Cagliari typically plays with an attacking mindset at home, often pushing forward. In their last nine home Serie A matches, the team only failed to score once, netting 16 goals in that period. However, their defensive record at home is less consistent: in their previous 11 home league games, they only managed clean sheets against last season’s struggling teams – Venezia and Monza.

Fiorentina’s Attacking Approach and Defensive Vulnerabilities

Fiorentina also favors an offensive playing style, even when on the road. In their last 11 Serie A away fixtures, the team only failed to score twice, and in five of those matches, they scored at least two goals. Nevertheless, Fiorentina’s defense frequently makes costly errors, failing to keep a single clean sheet in their last 12 away league games.

Final Prediction and Betting Tip

Considering the attacking prowess and defensive fragilities of both sides, I expect an exchange of goals in this match. Therefore, my prediction is: “Both Teams To Score – Yes” with odds of 1.80