Cagliari and Hellas Verona have started the current campaign differently. The Sardinians recorded two clean-sheet wins before their match against Inter (0:1), while the Mastiffs have yet to win a match in Serie B. The head-to-head meeting should see the Islanders in control — home support and the gap in quality give them an advantage.
Cagliari
The opening game of the season against Arezzo (1:0) in the Coppa Italia showed that Cagliari will continue to play on the counter. The Sardinians find it difficult to control matches without relying on counter-attacks — Deiola scored the only goal from the penalty spot, while Pisacane's team generated only 0.78 xG from open play. Their Serie A matches against Parma (1:0) and Inter (0:1) followed a similar pattern. Against the reigning champions, Cagliari generated only 0.48 xG despite conceding just once from 3.67 xGA.
Hellas Verona
Hellas Verona were emphatically relegated to Serie B in the spring and have yet to win a match there. Before their matches against Ascoli (1:2) and Padova (1:1), the Mastiffs scraped past Virtus Entella in the Coppa Italia (3:2 on penalties). Baroni has squad problems — six players are injured. With a three-man defence, Hellas Verona find it easier to sit deep rather than open up.
Cagliari vs Hellas Verona Prediction
Since autumn 2024, Cagliari have beaten Hellas Verona in three of their four head-to-head meetings, including a 4:0 thrashing of their opponents in Sardinia in January. The cup tie should be played at a slow tempo — it is time to back a combo in favour of the hosts.
