Verdict: Both teams score
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Serie A continues on Sunday when Cagliari hosts AS Roma. The match is scheduled to begin Sunday night at the Unipol Domus where many Roma fans are expected to cross the Sea and make their presence noticed on Sardinia Island.
Cagliari
After two years at Empoli, the Romanian international ace who had a great Euro tournament, Razvan Marin, returns to the Islanders and welcomes the Europa League semi-finalists, AS Roma. The Giallorossi triumphed easily in the Italian capital last season, winning 4-0 at home and 4-1 on the road. More so, Cagliary struggled against the visitors securing a single win in the previous 19 battles across all competitions, a record they aim to improve Sunday night.
Gli Isoleani finished 16th in Serie A with 36 points the previous term, one point ahead of the 18th-place squad under Claudio Ranieri s leadership. Cagliari was on the verge of relegation with 68 goals conceded and only 42 goals scored, but miraculously avoided the drop in the last rounds with a 2-0 win away at Sassuolo.
However, the tides were about to change as the former Empoli coach Davide Nicola took over the helm from legendary manager Claudio Ranieri who retired at the end of the season. The newly installed boss had a perfect start with the Islanders who defeated Carrarese 3-1 in the Coppa Italia to advance to the competition s final 16 ahead of the Serie A clash against AS Roma.
Razvan Marin who spent two years on loan at Empoli, made a successful return to Cagliari finishing with a 7.7, the third-best score in the Sardinian camp in the Cup game. Marin had a crucial role in the game with a solid recovery game and great passing upfront, confirming his great output displayed during the Euro 2024.
Team News
The new Cagliari sensation, Roberto Piccoli made a statement at his debut by scoring and assisting a goal against Carrarese. The young Italian player loaned from Atalanta will spearhead the attack, looking to prove his worth against AS Roma.
The former Europa League semifinalist placed sixth in Serie A the previous year. The Giallorossi parted ways with Jose Mourinho earlier in February making a shocking appointment by giving credit to inexperienced and former AS Roma legend, Daniele de Rossi.
While the new coach impressed at this debut following an impressive run at the helm in the first 15 competitive games (W11D2L2), an unexpected fall in the last part of the season had Roma finish on their knees. Being knocked out from the Europa League semifinals by Bayer Leverkusen, the Captiolini gave away their Serie A 5th place that guaranteed Champions League football.
However, despite failing to reach an agreement with Chelsea for Romelu Lukaku and the imminent shocking departure of Paolo Dybala towards Saudi Arabia, Roma pulled off a miraculous move by acquiring Artem Dovbyk. Although last season s La Liga Golden Booth winner was not short of options, the Ukrainian ace was convinced by Roma s long-term project.
The visitors started their pre-season tour at the end of May, playing six games before their debut in Serie A. Roma took the preparations seriously as they tested their squad against top European sides. Starting their preparations with a 5-2 win against AC Milan, Daniele de Rossi s team secured another success in the next five games.
Despite playing against weaker sides like Barnsley and Kosice, the visitors failed to make an impression pointing out to a difficult start this season. Furthermore, Daniele de Rossi needs more time to fine-tune his side with so many changes in the team happening during the summer transfer window.
Team News
Romelu Lukaku, Leonardo Spinazzola, and Paulo Dybala are among the seasoned players who may have departed Roma this summer; nonetheless, new arrivals Matias Soule, Enzo Le Fee, and Artem Dovbyk are expected to be handed a start on Sunday.
Furthermore, Artem Dovbyk has the difficult task of replacing Romelu Lukaku, while Soule is tipped to adapt quickly and make countryman Dybala forgotten. However, Leandro Paredes s absence due to match suspension from the middle of the park will be noticeable as the former PSG star was instrumental last term.
Key factors to consider
Cagliari won the first competitive game this season in the Coppa against Carrarese (3-1)
The hosts lost the last two games played against AS Roma at Unipol Domus
The visitors defeated 5-2 AC Milan in pre-season
Roma lost a single friendly match this summer (0-1 against Toulouse)
Conclusion
With the season just beginning, predicting a full-time result is more difficult. However, witnessing both teams playing attacking football and scoring goals during the summer, we expect the same pattern on Sunday night at Unipol Domus.
Verdict: Both teams score
Best odds:
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