Before a big European game, Lazio seeks to improve their Serie A performance by playing against Cagliari, who are fighting to avoid relegation, this Saturday.
Lazio, preparing for a match against Bayern Munich, have only gained one point in their last two games, while Cagliari, just defeated by Roma, faces another team from the capital.
Match Preview
Lazio’s coach, Maurizio Sarri, has been reassured by the club’s president that his job is safe despite recent poor performances. However, there’s increasing pressure on him to bring more stability to his team.
After a series of wins, Lazio faced a setback with a loss in the Supercoppa Italiana to Inter Milan, followed by a draw with Napoli and a defeat to Atalanta. This has raised concerns, especially with their away game performance, prompting Sarri to challenge his players to speak up if they’re unhappy with his management.
Yet, Lazio still has chances to improve, having beaten Roma in the Coppa Italia and facing Bayern Munich in the Champions League soon. They are also close to breaking into the top four in Serie A.
Cagliari, on the other hand, hasn’t won against Lazio in their last 17 league matches and is struggling in the relegation zone. Despite a brief period of better defense, they’ve recently suffered heavy losses.
Cagliari has been stronger at home, which might give them some advantage against Lazio, who have been inconsistent away from home.
Cagliari Serie A Form: D D W L L L
Cagliari Form (All Competitions): L D W L L L
Lazio Serie A Form: W W W W D L
Lazio Form (All Competitions): W W W L D L
Team News
Danilo Cataldi is back for Lazio after a suspension, but Nicolo Rovella is out due to his own ban. With Patric injured, Mario Gila will likely partner with Alessio Romagnoli in defense, and Mattia Zaccagni remains a doubt.
Ciro Immobile, who has a strong scoring record against Cagliari, aims for his 200th Serie A goal.
Cagliari might play Zito Luvumbo, back from the Africa Cup of Nations, as they seek better results in attack. They’ll be without Gaetano Oristanio, Eldor Shomurodov, and Marco Mancosu due to injuries.
Possible Starting Lineups
Cagliari:
Scuffet;
Wieteska, Mina, Dossena;
Zappa, Nandez, Makoumbou, Prati, Azzi;
Luvumbo, Petagna
Lazio:
Provedel;
Lazzari, Gila, Romagnoli, Marusic;
Guendouzi, Cataldi, Alberto;
Isaksen, Immobile, Anderson
Prediction: Cagliari 1-1 Lazio
Despite their struggles away from home, Cagliari has shown they can challenge teams at their ground, and Lazio has been off their game. It looks like both teams might end up sharing points, leaving neither completely happy.