Sabasports Match Preview
Italian Serie A: Cagliari vs Napoli
Kickoff Time: 2024-02-25 22:00 (HKT)
Source:REUTERS/REMO CASILLI
Newly promoted Cagliari have struggled in their performance this
season. In their most recent league match, they drew 1-1 with Udinese in an
away game. Over the last five rounds, Cagliari have only managed one draw and
suffered four losses, indicating a sluggish form. Currently, they are second to
last in the Serie A standings with a record of four wins, seven draws, and 14
losses. However, they are just one point away from the safety zone. Cagliari
employ a relatively simple and direct tactical approach. They often utilize
long passes and lobs to launch their attacks, capitalizing on the strength and
speed of their players to disrupt the opponent’s defense. This method serves as
their primary scoring strategy. Notably, Cagliari tend to perform better at
home compared to away games. In their 12 home matches in the league so far,
they have achieved four wins, three draws, and five losses, which can be
considered a decent performance.
In the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, Napoli
played a 1-1 draw at home against Barcelona. This match was also the debut of
their new coach, Francesco Calzona. Calzona is an Italian coach who previously
served as an assistant coach under former Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti during
the 2021-2022 season. He is well acquainted with the workings of Napoli. Calzona
has continued with the 4-3-3 formation that Napoli have employed in the past.
He utilized the speed and explosiveness of Victor Osimhen to put pressure on
the opponent’s defense and create space for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Additionally, the versatility of Napoli’s three midfielders provides them with
good ball retention, which in turn allows for effective distribution to the
forwards. Considering the outcome of the match, Calzona’s start as the coach of
Napoli can be regarded as positive. The 1-1 draw against Barcelona demonstrates
a solid performance by them under his guidance.
Both Napoli and Cagliari are currently facing challenges, but
historically, Napoli have been regarded as the stronger side in terms of
overall strength and performance. Since Francesco Calzona took charge as the
head coach of Napoli, they have shown significant progress at the tactical
level, reigniting their fighting spirit as the defending Serie A champions. On
the other hand, Cagliari have been struggling with a series of lackluster
performances, and they don’t hold a clear advantage in a matchup against
Napoli. Considering these factors, Napoli, with their impressive strength, can
be considered the more reliable team in this comparison.
Cagliari’s Last 5 Games: DLLLL
24-02-18 Udinese 1-1 Cagliari
24-02-10 Cagliari 1-3 Lazio
24-02-06 Roma 4-0 Cagliari
24-01-27 Cagliari 1-2 Torino
24-01-21 Frosinone 3-1 Cagliari
Napoli’s Last 5 Games: DDLWD
24-02-22 Napoli 1-1 Barcelona
24-02-17 Napoli 1-1 Genoa
24-02-12 AC Milan 1-0 Napoli
24-02-04 Napoli 2-1 Verona
24-01-29 Lazio 0-0 Napoli
Head To Head Record:
23-12-17 Napoli 2-1 Cagliari
22-02-22 Cagliari 1-1 Napoli
21-09-27 Napoli 2-0 Cagliari
21-05-02 Napoli 1-1 Cagliari
21-01-03 Cagliari 1-4 Napoli
Prediction: Napoli to win