Bologna vs Cagliari – News and Probable Lineups

In their effort to secure Serie A survival for another year, Cagliari will head to Bologna, who are sitting in mid-table, for a lunchtime kickoff this Sunday.

This encounter will see two Rossoblu teams face off at Stadio Dall’Ara, but only the visitors have substantial stakes at play, as their opponents have drifted away from European qualification.

Match overview

After suffering the disappointment of a Europa League exit in the quarter-finals, Bologna’s domestic form has begun to wane, following a sequence of consecutive defeats.

Indeed, Vincenzo Italiano’s team has experienced back-to-back defeats in their last two Serie A matches, failing to score in either – a 2-0 loss against Juventus away and another defeat at home to Roma last weekend.

Currently in ninth place, they find themselves six points behind seventh-placed Atalanta with just four matches left to play, most likely missing out on a return to European competition.

Poor home form has significantly contributed to their struggles: including the setback against Roma, they have lost seven out of nine league matches at Dall’Ara this year.

A further loss would mean the Emilian club would suffer 10 home defeats in a single Serie A season for only the second time, underscoring the extent of their difficulties.

On the bright side, they have historical success against Cagliari to lean on, having gone unbeaten in their last twelve home fixtures against them, winning the last four in a row.

Following a 2-0 loss at home in the previous meeting in October, Cagliari has suffered defeat in their last three encounters at any venue, with a combined score of 6-1.

Nevertheless, they arrive in Emilia-Romagna with a boost in morale, having secured a 3-2 victory against Atalanta on Monday.

Two quick goals from debutant striker Paul Mendy caught La Dea off guard, and despite Atalanta equalizing, Cagliari clinched the win through Gennaro Borrelli’s goal along with some impressive goalkeeping from Elia Caprile.

This win has propelled them close to safety, with the Sardinian outfit winning two of their last three fixtures – equaling their total wins in the prior ten – and they sit eight points clear of relegation.

As Fabio Pisacane’s first season as head coach comes to a close, his side enjoys a significant buffer above the drop zone – yet their work is not finished.

Pisacane’s team has a challenging run ahead, with three consecutive losses in away matches and conceding eight goals in that span before making the trip to Bologna.

Team News

Bologna will continue to be without Nicolo Cambiaghi, Nicolo Casale, and their starting goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski due to injuries. Additionally, forwards Thijs Dallinga and Jon Rowe are uncertain for this match.

Joao Mario has been ruled out for the remainder of the season following a thigh strain sustained against Roma, but Federico Bernardeschi is expected to return to action on Sunday.

This gives him the chance to challenge top scorer Riccardo Orsolini for a spot on the right flank, although Orsolini has a preference for playing against Cagliari, having scored six goals in their last six Serie A clashes.

On the other hand, the visitors are hopeful for the return of midfielder Luca Mazzitelli, but last week’s heroes will miss out.

Borrelli (hamstring) and Mendy (thigh) are set to be sidelined due to muscular issues, joining Mattia Felici, Riyad Idrissi, and veteran forward Leonardo Pavoletti on the injury list.

In light of an available position in attack, either Semih Kilicsoy or Andrea Belotti could seize the opportunity, unless Pisacane opts to strengthen his midfield instead.

Bologna probable starting XI:

Devastation; Zortea, Lucumi, Heggem, Miranda; Ferguson, Freuler, Pobega; Orsolini, Castro, Dominguez

Cagliari probable starting XI:

Caprile; Ze Pedro, Mina, Dossena; Palestra, Deiola, Gaetano, Adopo, Obert; Folorunsho; Esposito

Securing at least a draw would likely finalize Cagliari’s quest for survival, but Bologna could seek an increasingly rare home victory, having had time to recuperate from a hectic April.

Interestingly, both teams have dropped the most points in the league, ten, during the final 15 minutes of matches this season, hinting at a possibly thrilling finish.