Cagliari vs Inter Milan – News and Probable Lineups

Following victories in their respective opening Serie A matches, Cagliari is set to face Inter Milan in Sardinia on Sunday evening.

While Inter commenced their title defence with a decisive win over Monza, the Rossoblu secured their opening three points with a victory in Parma.

Match overview

After an impressive first season as head coach for Cristian Chivu, during which he led his side to the club’s first domestic double since 2010, expectations are higher for Inter’s head coach this time around.

With their 10th Coppa Italia added to a 21st Scudetto, the Nerazzurri enter this season as clear favorites to defend both titles, and they launched their campaign in impressive fashion.

Despite Monza managing to equalize after a stunning opener from Hakan Calhanoglu, second-half goals by Yann Bisseck, Piotr Zielinski, and Pio Esposito ensured a 4-1 triumph.

Now, having comfortably secured a home victory, Chivu’s players are on their way south for their first away game of the 2026-27 season.

Inter achieved 13 wins out of 19 in away fixtures last season, but they have failed to win their opening away match for the last two consecutive years.

Nonetheless, they have amassed 28 points from the last 30 available against Cagliari, averaging 2.6 goals per game, and will be looking for another win this weekend.

Cagliari has suffered six consecutive losses against Inter at home, with the last three of these matches resulting in them failing to score.

However, confidence will likely be high among the home team after a commendable display against Parma in their opener.

Seeking their first opening-day victory since 2013, the Rossoblu hit the woodwork three times before Alessandro Romano netted a brilliant goal in his league debut.

Fabio Pisacane’s first season in senior management culminated in a commendable 14th place finish for Cagliari, marking their best placing in the top tier in nine years.

This success earned the rookie coach a contract extension until 2028, providing him with another chance to challenge tactically against leaders like Chivu.

Pisacane’s squad has seen four consecutive wins in all competitions since the end of last term, but they need to elevate their performance significantly to continue that momentum on Sunday.

Team News

Inter bolsters its squad as Henrikh Mkhitaryan returns from suspension this weekend, while both Marcus Thuram and new acquisition Curtis Jones have been involved in full training.

Djed Spence, however, remains short of fitness, meaning converted midfielder Andy Diouf will likely continue on the right flank for the Nerazzurri.

Thuram, now available, will compete with Esposito for a spot in the starting XI, while captain Lautaro Martinez is guaranteed a starting position.

Lautaro Martinez, the league’s top scorer last season with 17 goals, boasts an impressive record of 12 goals in 12 Serie A matches against Cagliari.

For the home side, they are likely to lose Esposito’s elder sibling Sebastiano to Sassuolo, which means Paul Mendy and Daniel Maldini should lead their attacking line.

Romano is expected to continue alongside Harry Winks in central midfield and has the chance to become the first Cagliari player to score in both of their initial two top-flight appearances since 2016.

The Rossoblu still face absences, including French attacker Yael Trepy—currently recovering after being placed in an induced coma—and long-term absentee Riyad Idrissi.

Cagliari probable starting XI:

Caprile; Pedro, Mina, Rodriguez, Obert; Adopo, Winks, Romano; Maldini, Fazzini; Mendy

Inter Milan probable starting XI:

J. Martinez; Bisseck, Akanji, Bastoni; Diouf, Barella, Calhanoglu, Zielinski, Dimarco; Esposito, L. Martinez

While historical precedents suggest a simple victory for Inter in this matchup, Cagliari has made strategic signings and could present challenges for the defending champions.

However, the depth and overall strength of the champions is anticipated to be sufficient to secure another three points.