Cagliari vs Como – News and Probable Lineups

In an attempt to break into Italy’s top four, big-spending Como will be traveling to mid-table Cagliari this Saturday afternoon.

The Lariani are on pace for their most successful Serie A season yet—and they could still clinch the Coppa Italia—while their hosts have been gradually getting closer to safety.

Match overview

Como’s two-legged cup semi-final kicked off on Tuesday, starting with a visit from Inter de Milão at Stadio Sinigaglia, where the Lombardy rivals ended in a drab goalless draw.

Neither team was willing to take significant chances, and the hosts squandered a golden opportunity when Alex Valle missed a clear chance shortly after the half-time break.

The overall winner of the second leg next month will face either Lazio or Atalanta in the Coppa Italia final, but Como must first focus on their pursuit of a top-four finish in Serie A.

Under the leadership of Cesc Fabregas, the Lariani are already in contention for European competition after their return to the top flight just under two years ago, with recent back-to-back victories boosting their campaign.

Following a second 2-0 victory over Juventus this season, they triumphed against Lecce last weekend; consequently, they are currently fifth in the table, narrowly above Juventus.

A substantial budget has certainly contributed, but Fabregas is enacting a significant turnaround, with his squad accruing 20 more points than at the same time last season.

Only Roma have allowed fewer goals, while Como recently secured four wins from their last five away fixtures, netting 12 times and conceding just once.

Another win would see them level on points with fourth-placed Roma, who are set to play on Sunday; however, history is not in their favor, as they have never won a top-flight fixture in Cagliari.

Most of their previous Serie A encounters occurred decades ago, although the teams did draw 0-0 at the Sinigaglia earlier this season.

Last week, Michael Folorunsho’s stunning strike ended Cagliari’s distressing goal drought, having failed to score in their previous three matches, but it was not sufficient to secure a win.

After conceding a late equalizer against Parma, the Rossoblu remain at risk of relegation; despite sitting in 13th place in the standings, only six points separate them from the relegation zone.

Working to ensure their fourth consecutive season in Serie A, the Sardinian club needs to enhance their meager home record to steer clear of possible danger.

To date, Fabio Pisacane’s side has only managed four victories from 13 league matches played in Cagliari, with their upcoming home fixtures against top-four contenders Como and Napoli.

Team News

Como’s attacking capabilities have been bolstered with the recent return of Assane Diao, Alvaro Morata, and Martin Baturina, the latter of whom came on as a substitute against Inter after an injury interrupted his best season so far.

The only unavailable player is Dutch winger Jayden Addai, while Jesus Rodriguez is expected to recover from a knock and Marc-Oliver Kempf is set to return from a hip injury.

Tasos Douvikas is likely to return to the starting role up front after Nico Paz featured as a false nine in midweek. The latter made his Serie A debut away to Cagliari 18 months ago and has been involved in five goals in his last four away matches.

In contrast to their well-equipped visitors, Cagliari faces a lengthy list of absentees.

Although Colombian center-back Yerry Mina is back after a one-match ban and is expected to play alongside Como loanee Alberto Dossena, Pisacane’s options elsewhere are restricted.

Luca Mazzitelli, Alessandro Deiola, Gennaro Borrelli, Andrea Belotti, and Mattia Felici remain unavailable, while Gianluca Gaetano continues to struggle with an adductor issue.

Cagliari probable starting XI:

Caprile; Ze Pedro, Mina, Dossena; Palestra, Adopo, Sulemana, Folorunsho, Obert; Esposito, Kilicsoy

Como probable starting XI:

Butez; Smolcic, Ramon, Kempf, Valle; Perrone, Da Cunha; Vojvoda, Paz, Rodriguez; Douvikas

Como have continued to impress, demonstrating admirable composure in the first leg of their cup semi-final—but Cagliari are equally fighting for vital points and rarely back down at home in Sardinia.

The hosts could strive for another draw to keep themselves clear of the relegation zone, while simultaneously hindering Como’s Champions League aspirations.