Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Serie A match.
Not long ago, Fiorentina were firmly involved in the battle for a top-four finish in Serie A. However, a run of disappointing results in an extremely competitive league has seen them slip down to eighth. Despite the gap, they still hold a game in hand, which could prove crucial.
Cagliari
Cagliari have managed just two wins in their last ten outings, with those victories coming against AC Monza (3:0) and Parma Calcio 1913 (2:1) — both of whom are fighting to avoid relegation. They have consistently struggled against higher-ranked opponents. In the previous round, they were comfortably beaten by Inter Milan (1:3), even though their opponents had played shortly after a Champions League match. Prior to that, they offered little resistance in a narrow defeat to AS Roma (0:1). Their most pressing concern remains the lack of attacking threat, with just 32 goals scored across 32 league matches. The absence of key midfielder Alessandro Deiola only adds to their problems.
Fiorentina
Fiorentina’s recent drop in form can largely be attributed to a demanding fixture schedule. They have advanced to the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa Conference League, and playing two matches per week has clearly taken its toll. When the calendar was less congested, they delivered impressive performances — including a 1:0 home victory over third-placed Atalanta, in which they did not allow a single shot on target. That result was followed by a 2:2 draw at the San Siro against a resilient AC Milan, where Fiorentina produced 1.96 xG.
Cagliari vs Fiorentina Prediction
The decision to reschedule this fixture to Wednesday has addressed Fiorentina’s most significant issue — the lack of rest. After a full six-day break, the squad should be in peak condition. Given the circumstances, it’s hard to see Cagliari taking anything from this match.
