Competition: Italian Serie A 2016-17
Date: Sunday, 5th March, 14:00 GMT
Stadium: Stadio Sant’Elia.


Cagliari vs Inter Preview and Prediction

Stefano Pioli hopes to avoid another banana skin, as Cagliari believe they can trip Inter up again.

Cagliari fought back for the win at Crotone, which Coach Massimo Rastelli said would be enough to keep his Rossoblu side safe and comfortable in 12th place. It was perhaps a modest claim to motivate his players, as they came from behind for their first victory since January 15. Yet the Islanders will be hoping they have found their stride at just the right time as they face an enigmatic Inter side whose winning streak was halted last week with a frustrating defeat at home to Roma.

In truth, the deficit from the teams in the bottom five mean Cagliari have probably never really been in any real peril of a return to Serie B, but their reassuring win at Crotone mean they go into the Sunday game at the Sant’Elia 16 points clear of danger – and with Fiorentina and Lazio on the horizon, they may have picked up momentum at a crucial part of the campaign.

They have not had much luck in their games against Serie A’s top teams, but two goals in the final 13 minutes meant that they did come from behind to beat Inter when these sides faced each other in October. Of course, that was when Frank de Boer was still in charge. Captain Mauro Icardi, never one to shy away from the grandiose statements, said they have made a ‘quantum leap’ since Pioli took over.

Rarely do you see a draw in any Nerazzurri game, giving the Milanese side confidence of leaving Sardinia with an impressive away win, especially with the return of Joao Miranda to the heart of the defence. They have lost twice in their last five Serie A games, yet they were to the league’s top two, Roma and Juventus.

Champions League qualification is still a possibility for Inter, who must use past success to fuel their ambitions. They are six points away from third place, but need this to act as a momentum-builder before they face Atalanta in a grudge match with continental significance as well as local rivalry.


Keep an eye on: Marco Borriello (Cagliari) – The nine goals that the experienced forward has notched up for the Sardinians have been invaluable in securing their mid-table ranking so far this campaign, including his impressive turn against Crotone last week. With his experience at the likes of Roma and Milan, a goal against his old enemies would be extra sweet.

Form guide: Cagliari (W D L L D) Inter (L W W L W)

Last season: Not played


Stat fact: Cagliari have not beaten Inter at the Sant’Elia since April 2013, managing a draw and 2-1 defeat, but they have won both of their last two Serie A meetings at San Siro. The Nerazzurri have just one Serie A victory, home and away, from their last eight encounters with the Sardinians, drawing four and losing three.

Top Tip: Both teams to score. In eight of the last nine Serie A meetings, home and away, that was the outcome.

Cagliari (probable): Gabriel; Padoin, Pisacane, Bruno Alves, Murru; Isla, Di Gennaro, Ionita; Joao Pedro, Sau; Borriello

Suspended: None

Inter (probable): Handanovic; Murillo, Medel, Miranda; Candreva, Gagliardini, Kondogbia, D’Ambrosio; Joao Mario, Perisic; Icardi

Suspended: None