Cagliari hosts AC Milan at the Unipol Domus in what promises to be an intriguing clash in Serie A’s 12th round. Milan, currently 7th with 17 points, aims to close the gap with league leaders, whereas Cagliari sits 17th with 9 points, hovering just above the relegation zone.
The weather forecast predicts a chilly evening with a few clouds at 8°C, under referee Michael Fabbri’s watchful eye. Milan recently clinched a stunning 3-1 victory against Real Madrid, signaling their return to form. However, they face squad challenges with key players like Álvaro Morata sidelined due to a head injury.
Cagliari, recovering from three straight losses, will be without players due to suspensions. The bookmakers favor Milan to win, and rightly so, given their superior form and head-to-head record, which includes consistent victories over Cagliari since 2017.
Recommended bet: AC Milan to win, with odds of 1.8.
Cagliari vs AC Milan Prediction & Betting Tip
The recommended betting tip for this match is to back AC Milan to win. This choice stems from several factors:
- Milan’s recent form: They are on an upward trajectory, exemplified by a b 3-1 victory against Real Madrid.
- Historical dominance: Milan consistently defeats Cagliari, with their recent encounters showing a clear pattern of wins.
- Squad strength: Despite a few injuries, Milan’s squad depth and overall quality provide a significant advantage.
- AC Milan has a better recent performance record.
- The away team has dominated head-to-head encounters.
- Cagliari is dealing with crucial suspensions and low defensive form.
Cagliari vs AC Milan Odds
Let’s take a look at the odds for this upcoming Serie A clash between Cagliari and AC Milan. With Milan being the bookmaker’s favorite, here’s how the betting landscape looks:
| Cagliari vs AC Milan Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Cagliari to win | 4.86 |
| Draw | 3.89 |
| AC Milan to win | 1.69 |
AC Milan’s dominant form and Cagliari’s struggles in recent matches heavily influence these odds. Cagliari, positioned 17th in the league, faces uphill odds at Unipol Domus. Milan’s steady performances and historical dominance further solidify their favor at 1.69. If you’re feeling adventurous, a draw at 3.89 also provides an interesting option.
Cagliari vs AC Milan Live Streaming
Unfortunately, there is no live telecast of Serie A in India. However, the new OTT platform GXR has the Serie A live streaming rights. Fans can watch Cagliari vs AC Milan live streaming on GXR.world at 10:30 PM on Saturday.
Cagliari Team Analysis
Cagliari Recent Performance LLLWD
Cagliari has had a challenging run recently, reflected in their current form: LLLWD. They have struggled to find consistency, which is evident from their last five performances:
| Cagliari | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Lazio | Cagliari | 2-1 (Loss) |
| Cagliari | Bologna | 0-2 (Loss) |
| Udinese | Cagliari | 2-0 (Loss) |
| Cagliari | Torino | 3-2 (Win) |
| Juventus | Cagliari | 1-1 (Draw) |
Recent Form: LLLWD
Cagliari has conceded an average of 1.8 goals per game in the last 11 Serie A matches while managing to score an average of 1 goal per game in their last five. Additionally, they have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five fixtures. Their defense will need to tighten up, especially in the crucial last 15 minutes of the game, where they’ve conceded the most goals this season.
Cagliari Key Players
For Cagliari, top scorer Roberto Piccoli will be pivotal. With his two goals this season, he’ll aim to capitalize on Milan’s defensive lapses. Key support will come from the likes of Gianluca Gaetano in midfield, who can orchestrate plays, and Zito Luvumbo, who has shown moments of brilliance. Expected lineup for Cagliari:
- Goalkeeper: Simone Scuffet
- Defenders: Gabriele Zappa, Jose Luis Palomino, Sebastiano Luperto, Tommaso Augello
- Midfielders: Nadir Zortea, Antoine Makoumbou, Răzvan Marin, Zito Luvumbo, Gianluca Gaetano
- Forward: Roberto Piccoli Watch for individual battles like Piccoli against Milan’s experienced center-back Fikayo Tomori.
Cagliari Suspensions & Injuries
Cagliari will be without two key players for this match due to suspensions, which could significantly impact their performance against AC Milan.
Suspensions:
| Player | Suspension | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Michel Adopo | After 2nd yellow card | One match (next round) |
| Yerry Mina | After 2nd yellow card | One match (next round) |
Their absence leaves coach Davide Nicola with fewer options in the midfield and defensive areas. Adopo’s suspension weakens the midfield, while Mina’s absence in defense is also crucial.
As of now, Cagliari does not have any current injury concerns, which should allow them to field a relatively b lineup despite the suspensions. Still, the lack of depth could expose them against a formidable Milan side. Watchkeepers Gianluca Gaetano and Sebastiano Luperto will need to step up to cover these gaps.
Cagliari Tactics and Formation
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Roberto Piccoli
- Midfield Backbone: Antoine Makoumbou, Răzvan Marin
- Defensive Setup: Without Yerry Mina, José Luis Palomino steps into central defense alongside Sebastiano Luperto.
Cagliari will likely adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation under coach Davide Nicola. With suspensions impacting the squad, the team is expected to rely on Roberto Piccoli for goals. The midfield will see Răzvan Marin and Antoine Makoumbou anchoring alongside Nadir Zortea and Zito Luvumbo on the flanks.
Defensively, Gabriele Zappa and Tommaso Augello will occupy the full-back positions. The absence of Yerry Mina will be filled by José Luis Palomino, partnering with Sebastiano Luperto to fortify the backline. This shape aims to create defensive stability while offering width and support for counter-attacks.
AC Milan Team Analysis
AC Milan Recent Performance WWLWW
AC Milan has shown impressive form recently, winning four of their last five matches across all competitions. Their only setback was a home loss to SSC Napoli, reflecting their occasional vulnerability.
- Recent Form: WWLWW
- Average goals scored: 1.60
- Clean sheets in last 5 games: 2
Here’s a look at their last five results:
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Real Madrid | AC Milan | 1-3 (Win) |
| Monza | AC Milan | 0-1 (Win) |
| AC Milan | SSC Napoli | 0-2 (Loss) |
| AC Milan | Club Brugge | 3-1 (Win) |
| AC Milan | Udinese | 1-0 (Win) |
AC Milan has been solid defensively, with clean sheets in two of their last five games. They’ve averaged 1.6 goals per match, thanks to a potent attack led by Christian Pulisic and contributions from other key forwards. Their recent performance showcases their resilience and ability to secure results both away and at home, making them favorites against Cagliari.
AC Milan Key Players
AC Milan’s key players will look to continue their impressive form against Cagliari. Leading the charge is Christian Pulisic, the team’s top scorer with 5 goals this season. His combination of speed and creativity makes him a constant threat. Expected lineup for AC Milan:
- Goalkeeper: Mike Maignan
- Defenders: Emerson Royal, Malick Thiaw, Strahinja Pavlovic, Theo Hernandez
- Midfielders: Youssouf Fofana, Tijjani Reijnders, Christian Pulisic
- Attackers: Samuel Chukwueze, Rafael Leão, Tammy Abraham
In this encounter, watch out for the battle between Rafael Leão and Cagliari’s right-back, as well as Pulisic against Cagliari’s central defense. These duels could play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the match.
AC Milan Suspensions & Injuries
AC Milan is facing several injury challenges that could influence their strategy and performance against Cagliari.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Alessandro Florenzi | Cruciate ligament injury | Mid-February 2025 |
| Ismaël Bennacer | Ankle injury | Late November 2024 |
| Matteo Gabbia | Muscle injury | Mid-November 2024 |
| Álvaro Morata | Head injury | Late November 2024 |
Notably, the absence of Álvaro Morata, a key forward, may impact their attacking options. Additionally, the loss of Bennacer and Florenzi will test their squad depth.
Currently, AC Milan has no players suspended, ensuring that they have a full roster available in this respect.
AC Milan Tactics and Formation
AC Milan’s Tactical Breakdown for the upcoming match:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Tammy Abraham
- Midfield Trio:
- Defensive midfielders: Youssouf Fofana and Tijjani Reijnders
- Attacking midfielder: Christian Pulisic
- Wingers:
- Right wing: Samuel Chukwueze
- Left wing: Rafael Leão
- Defensive Strength:
- Two clean sheets in their last five games
- Strong central defense with Malick Thiaw and Strahinja Pavlovic.
- Notable Strategy:
- AC Milan tends to play an expansive game, utilizing their attacking midfield and wingers to create opportunities.
- Look for b pressing and quick transitions, especially targeting the likely weak points in Cagliari’s defense during the latter stages of the game.
Cagliari vs AC Milan Head-to-Head Statistics
Analyzing the last five meetings between Cagliari and AC Milan, it’s clear that AC Milan has dominated these encounters.
| Home | Away | Result |
|---|---|---|
| AC Milan | Cagliari | 5-1 |
| AC Milan | Cagliari | 4-1 |
| Cagliari | AC Milan | 1-3 |
| Cagliari | AC Milan | 0-1 |
| AC Milan | Cagliari | 4-1 |
AC Milan’s attacking prowess has been evident, with high goal counts in recent matches. Their superior form in this fixture makes them a formidable opponent. Expect Milan to leverage their history of success against Cagliari to aim for another decisive victory.
Venue and Weather
The match will take place at Unipol Domus, the home ground of Cagliari. This stadium can accommodate around 16,416 passionate fans, creating an electric atmosphere that’s sure to boost the home team. The weather forecast for the matchday points to a crisp evening. With a temperature of 8°C and humidity at 77%, it’s going to be a bit chilly, which might favor the players’ endurance.
Wind speeds are low at 1.03 m/s, so wind interference is minimal. A few clouds are expected, but overall, the clear conditions should aid visibility and ball control. Both teams will need to stay warm, and Cagliari might look to use their familiarity with the local climate to their advantage. However, AC Milan’s professional squad depth and recent form suggest they’ll adapt well.
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