The Matchday 1 clash in Serie A between Cagliari and Fiorentina will take place on August 24 at the Unipol Domus Stadium. Cagliari vs. Fiorentina: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Cagliari
Last season, the team finished in 15th place, collecting 36 points and narrowly avoiding relegation by just five points. Overall, Cagliari performed to their usual standard: in the past eight seasons, the club has never finished above 14th in Serie A. Notably, the team had a poor finish to the last championship, suffering five defeats in the final seven rounds. In the off-season, Cagliari played six friendly matches, winning only two (2 draws, 2 losses).
During the summer transfer window, midfielder Michael Folorunsho, as well as forwards Sebastiano Esposito and Semih Kılıçsoy, joined the team. Meanwhile, defender Nadir Zortea and midfielder Răzvan Marin left the club. Additionally, Cagliari will be led by a new head coach, Fabio Pisacane.
- The team has not lost by more than one goal in their last nine home matches in Serie A.
- Exactly three goals have been scored in 6 of Cagliari's last 8 home league matches.
- Both teams scored in 5 of Cagliari's last 7 home Serie A games.
Predicted lineup for Cagliari (3-5-2)
Elia Caprile – Alessandro Deiola, Yerry Mina, Sebastiano Luperto – Gabriele Zappa, Ndary Adopo, Matteo Prati, Michael Folorunsho, Riyad Idrissi – Zito Luvumbo, Sebastiano Esposito.
Fiorentina
Last season, the club finished in sixth place with 65 points. Consequently, Fiorentina achieved their best result in Serie A in nine seasons. The team had a strong finish, overtaking Lazio in the standings and securing a spot in European competitions: in the last ten rounds, the club suffered only two defeats (6 wins, 2 draws). Moreover, Fiorentina was effective away from home last season, scoring 28 goals, a figure bettered by only three teams. In the summer, the club played five friendly matches, losing just once (2 wins, 2 draws).
During the off-season, midfielders Jacopo Fazzini and Simon Zom, as well as forward Edin Dzeko, joined the squad. The club avoided significant losses in the lineup. Fiorentina also appointed a new head coach, Stefano Pioli.
- The team has not won in 6 of their last 8 away Serie A matches (1 draw, 5 losses).
- Both teams scored in 9 of Fiorentina's last 11 away league matches.
- At least three goals have been scored in 9 of Fiorentina's last 11 away Serie A matches.
Predicted lineup for Fiorentina (3-5-2)
David De Gea – Pietro Comuzzo, Marin Pongracic, Luca Ranieri – Dodo, Nicolo Fagioli, Albert Gudmundsson, Simon Zom, Robin Gosens – Edin Dzeko, Moise Kean.
Referee
Simone Sozza (Italy)
Matches – 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 – 47%.
Cagliari vs. Fiorentina: Match Prediction
In this matchup, I expect a high-scoring game from both opponents. Cagliari plays boldly at home, spending a lot of time on the attack. In their last nine home Serie A matches, the team has failed to score only once, netting 16 goals in that period. However, they rarely manage to keep a clean sheet: in 11 previous home league matches, the club only kept a clean sheet against last season's bottom teams – Venezia and Monza.
Fiorentina also favors an attacking style, even when playing away. In their last 11 away Serie A matches, the team failed to score only twice, and in five instances, they scored at least two goals. However, Fiorentina regularly makes defensive errors and has not kept a clean sheet in their last 12 away league matches.
I anticipate both teams will score in this encounter, so my prediction: Both teams to score – Yes
