Cagliari hope to return to winning ways as they host Verona in the Serie A clash tomorrow.
A late penalty beyond the 85th minute resulted in a 2-2 draw for Cagliari last weekend, but it was not enough to end their winless streak (D2, L3). They stand merely a point above the relegation zone prior to this encounter with Hellas Verona. With just a single point separating these teams in a closely contested lower half of the table, the victor will temporarily climb into the top-12. This should motivate the Sardinians to strive for their first top-flight head-to-head win since November 2017 (D4, L5 thereafter).
That triumph occurred during a home match, and Cagliari will aim to emulate that success at the Unipol Domus, where they have suffered only one defeat in their last four outings (W2, D1). Four of those points were secured in league matches against Torino (3-2) and Milan (3-3), during which they had to rally from behind, showcasing a resilience that could prove beneficial this season.
Verona suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat to Inter last weekend, with all the goals conceded in just 41 minutes, marking their fifth loss in six matches (W1). This poor form poses a significant threat to their bid to maintain a top-flight status for a seventh consecutive season. Worryingly, defensive errors have been a persistent issue, as they have allowed 32 goals—at least seven more than any other team in the league this season.
The Yellow and Blues have lost their last five league away games but are aiming for a turnaround, boasting a 50% win rate in away top-flight head-to-heads (P18, W9). Even securing a draw would be beneficial, as Verona is currently enduring its joint-worst away losing streak since suffering eight consecutive away defeats in Serie A during the 2017/18 season, which led to their relegation.
Key players to monitor: Cagliari’s Roberto Piccoli may make a late impact, as eight of his recent 11 Serie A goals have been scored after the 80th minute, including the crucial equaliser against Genoa. Trying to thwart him could be Verona’s goalkeeper Lorenzo Montipò, who has failed to secure a clean sheet in his last nine league matches, yet managed two in his last four personal head-to-heads.
Important statistic: Verona conceded the opening goal in seven of their previous nine away league fixtures.
