Serie A | Gameweek 28

Mar 7, 2025 at 7.45pm UK

Sardegna Arena

Cagliari vs Genoa

Match preview

Despite seizing an early lead at the Stadio Dall'Ara, with Roberto Piccoli's opening goal silencing the home crowd, Cagliari ultimately succumbed to a 2 - 1 defeat against Bologna in their most recent outing.

This outcome likely didn't shock supporters of the Sardinian outfit. After all, Cagliari have managed just two victories from 13 league fixtures away from home this season.

Consequently, Davide Nicola's team, currently sitting in 15th place, is separated from the relegation zone by a mere three points. Lecce is level on 25 points, while Parma trails by two in 17th position.

Nevertheless, Nicola, a seasoned survival expert in the world of football, has guided his present club to gradually distance itself from immediate peril. This is attributable to a marked improvement in results since the start of 2025.

Since the new year began, Cagliari's average points per game have increased significantly. They've risen from 0.78 over the initial 18 matchdays to 1.22 as of the start of January.

Having played out a 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture in November, with Piccoli scoring a late consolation for the Isolani, the Rossoblu now travel to Genoa, who also traditionally wear the red and blue.

To date, no fewer than 14 of Cagliari's 17 Serie A victories over the Rossoblu have come on home soil, and history suggests that this week's hosts will be hoping for the best.

While Friday's opponents let a potential three points slip away last week, Genoa snatched a point from Coppa Italia semi-finalists Empoli when Johan Vasquez equalised in the 81st minute at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

The Grifone have enjoyed a fine start to life under Patrick Vieira, who has taken 21 points from 15 league games since taking over a struggling side in November.

In fact, Vieira's average of 1.4 points per game is the best of any Genoa manager in the last three decades. Such has been his influence that 68% of the points have come under the Frenchman's watch.

Defensive discipline has helped keep a number of clean sheets and the Ligurian club have climbed to 12th in the standings, nine points clear of the relegation zone.

Instead of looking nervously over their shoulders at Cagliari and Co, Genoa are now battling it out with Torino and Udinese for a top-half finish.

Recent Performance

Cagliari Serie A form:LLWDLL

Genoa Serie A form:WLDWLD

Team News

For several weeks, Cagliari have enjoyed a relatively injury - free squad. However, Zito Luvumbo has faced a setback following his much - anticipated return to the starting lineup last weekend.

The Angolan forward had to be substituted in the second half of the game against Bologna due to a flexor issue. As a result, he is set to miss Friday's match. Florinel Coman, Nicolas Viola, and Gianluca Gaetano will compete for the opportunity to take his place.

Whoever gets selected will be tasked with supporting Roberto Piccoli up front. Piccoli is Cagliari's leading goal scorer this season, having netted seven times in 27 appearances. Scoring one more goal would put him on par with his combined goal total from the past three seasons, where he managed just eight goals in 74 matches.

On the other hand, Genoa has a more extensive list of absentees to contend with. Morten Thorsby, Mattia Bani, Vitinha, Honest Ahanor, and Mario Balotelli are all ruled out. Additionally, on - loan winger Maxwel Cornet's availability remains uncertain.

Notably, influential midfielders Milan Badelj and Ruslan Malinovskyi were on the bench last week. They should now be fit enough to start in this fixture.

This experienced duo will look to team up with Morten Frendrup in Genoa's midfield. Frendrup has been particularly effective against Cagliari, scoring two of his four Serie A goals in encounters with them. This season, in Italy's top flight, he has made the most recoveries (146) and tackles (87) among all players. He has also won 143 duels, which is more than any other midfielder.

Possible starting lineup

Cagliari possible starting lineup:

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

Genoa possible starting lineup:

Leali; Sabelli, De Winter, Vasquez, Martin; Badelj, Frendrup; Zanoli, Messias, Miretti; Pinamonti