Cagliari began 2025 with a promising three - game unbeaten run, during which they achieved victories over direct rivals Lecce and Monza. However, they have subsequently lost their last two matches, conceding two goals in each of those defeats.

On Monday evening, the Sardinian team briefly posed a threat to the high - performing Lazio. Roberto Piccoli scored an equalizer early in the second half. By doing this, the striker increased his career total to 19 Serie A goals. Notably, all of these goals have been scored against different clubs, setting a record across Europe's top five leagues. Nevertheless, Lazio quickly retaliated.

A 2-1 defeat means that Cagliari have only kept two clean sheets kept so far, and such a dismal defensive record could ultimately cost them their top-tier status.

The Rossoblu have now lost six of their last 10 home matches, and coach Davide Nicola will be acutely aware that another reverse on Sunday would drop his team into the bottom three.

Having won four of their last five Serie A games against Parma in Sardinia - as many as throughout the previous 11 - at least history will be on their side this weekend.

In fact, following a 3-2 home defeat in September's reverse fixture, Parma have won none of their last six top-flight meetings with Cagliari.

Losing on this occasion could see the Emilian outfit fall as many as four points adrift of safety, depending on other results around the Italian peninsula.

Since November, Fabio Pecchia's side have lost eight of their 13 league fixtures, and only rock-bottom Monza have suffered more Serie A defeats during that period.

Last week's 3-1 home loss to Lecce also continued a worrying trend for last term's second-tier champions, as Parma have conceded the most goals of any team during the second half of matches.

Furthermore, the Gialloblu have picked up just a single point from their last five road trips: after going unbeaten for five consecutive away games, they have since lost four of the next quintet.

Cagliari coach Davide Nicola could have a full squad to choose from this weekend, as Zito Luvumbo has returned to full training after several weeks on the sidelines with an ankle injury.

The Angolan attacker may be named on the bench, while top scorer Roberto Piccoli continues to lead the Rossoblu's front line.

Once again, Nicola's main selection dilemma will come in central midfield, where Razvan Marin vies with Alessandro Deiola, Michel Adopo and Antoine Makoumbou for a place in the engine room.

In contrast to their hosts, Parma, which made several new signings during the winter transfer window, has a long list of absentees to contend with.

Defenders Yordan Osorio and Alessandro Circati, along with Mateusz Kowalski and Gabriel Charpentier, are sidelined. Hernani continues to battle a muscular issue, and Romanian wingers Dennis Man and Valentin Mihaila are both highly doubtful for selection.

However, there is positive news for Fabio Pecchia. Captain Enrico Del Prato has completed his suspension and is set to resume his position at right - back immediately.

Cagliari possible starting lineup:

Caprile; Zappa, Mina, Luperto, Augello; Makoumbou, Adopo; Zortea, Viola, Felici; Piccoli

Parma possible starting lineup:

Suzuki; Del Prato, Valenti, Vogliacco, Valeri; Keita, Sohm; Cancellieri, Haj, Almqvist; Djuric