Starting this round of matches with just a single point above the relegation zone, Cagliari finds themselves deeply involved in the battle to stay in Serie A for the second consecutive season. The team managed by Davide Nicola had a good start to the year 2025, going unbeaten in three games (winning two and drawing one), which helped alleviate some of the pressure. However, the 2-0 loss against Torino last weekend has once again raised concerns and left them nervously looking over their shoulders.
The defeat suffered last weekend marked the eleventh loss for Cagliari in the league this season, and it was also the twelfth time they have conceded two or more goals in a Serie A match. The team is showing worrying signs both in attack and defense, as it was also their ninth loss in the league without managing to score a single goal – an unfortunate joint-record for the club at this stage of a Serie A season. It comes as no surprise, therefore, that Cagliari is currently the team in Italy’s top flight that has lost the most games without scoring this season.
Lazio enters this match following back-to-back losses, but they have already secured automatic qualification in the UEFA Europa League before Thursday night’s game. Marco Baroni took advantage of this opportunity to rest some of his key players during their midweek defeat against Braga in Portugal (1-0). Currently sitting fourth in Serie A, with the top three teams already pulling away, Lazio’s main focus is on securing the final UEFA Champions League spot.
A victory in this match would certainly be beneficial to their cause. And if manager Baroni is searching for a positive sign, history is on their side. Lazio has won each of their last five away league matches against Cagliari and remains unbeaten in the last 19 Serie A head-to-head encounters (16 wins, 3 draws). If they manage to avoid a loss in this match, it will set a new club record for the longest unbeaten streak against a single opponent in Serie A.
Players to keep an eye on: Roberto Piccoli has scored three out of his five goals in the league this season during or after the 75th minute. Mario Gila has already faced a suspension this season, receiving three of his five yellow cards before halftime. Additionally, he was shown a yellow card on Thursday night.
Interesting statistic: In 14 out of Lazio’s 22 league games this season, both teams managed to score, which is the second-highest number in the division before this round.
