Sports Mole previews Friday's Serie A conflict between Cagliari and Empoli, together with predictions, staff information and doable lineups.
With Cagliari nonetheless searching for their first Serie A win and Empoli defending an unbeaten file, each groups could have lots at stake after they meet on Friday night.
The guests arrive in Sardinia having held two Champions League golf equipment and crushed Roma, whereas their hosts' sole success got here within the Coppa Italia.
Match preview
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Yet to style victory in Serie A this season, Cagliari have misplaced each of their final two matches and have scored just one purpose in 4 video games to date.
Last week, the Sardinian aspect have been crushed 4-0 by Napoli on dwelling turf, following a 1-0 defeat to Lecce simply earlier than the worldwide break, leaving them one level above final-positioned Venezia within the standings.
Fans of the Rossoblu are accustomed to gradual begins, as in each of their final two prime-flight campaigns, Cagliari have did not win any of their first 5 league video games – final yr they managed only one purpose after 5 rounds.
However, head coach Davide Nicola can justifiably declare his aspect have been slightly unfortunate: they've hit the woodwork greater than every other staff to date – no fewer than 5 instances in 4 video games – already matching the tally they'd on matchday 12 final time period.
Now, Nicola is pitched towards the membership he not too long ago saved afloat in Serie A with a dramatic final-day escape, as Cagliari search their first dwelling win over Empoli in three conferences, having did not even rating within the final two.
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When these sides final met, although, Cagliari did take most factors, successful 1-0 at Stadio Carlo Castellani final season, when each groups have been engaged in a determined battle towards the drop.
By distinction with Friday's hosts, Empoli are nonetheless undefeated this season, after progressing within the Coppa Italia and then drawing three of their first 4 league fixtures.
While which will appear a modest achievement, two of these stalemates got here towards Bologna and Juventus – each of whom completed within the prime 5 final season – and in addition they conquered Roma at Stadio Olimpico.
The Azzurri have by no means earlier than gone unbeaten by their first 5 Serie A video games of a season, however that feat is now doable, as Nicola's substitute Roberto D'Aversa lastly takes his place within the dugout after finishing a suspension.
Ahead of subsequent week's Coppa conflict with in-kind Torino, the ex-Parma coach might be eager to maintain momentum constructing by taking at the least one level again to Tuscany.
Cagliari Serie A kind:
Cagliari kind (all competitions):
Empoli Serie A kind:
Empoli kind (all competitions):
Team News
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As he appears ahead to assembly his former membership, Cagliari coach Davide Nicola might have a full squad obtainable on Friday night, with midfielder Matteo Prati hopeful of recovering from an ankle drawback.
Following a heavy dwelling defeat final day out, summer time signings Michel Adopo and Nadir Zortea could also be introduced in to clean up the hosts' beginning lineup, having been despatched on within the remaining minutes of the 4-0 loss to Napoli.
Up entrance, Roberto Piccoli is supported by Zito Luvumbo, who has been the Rossoblu's most efficient ahead over the previous yr. However, the Angola worldwide has not been concerned in a single purpose throughout his final 9 league appearances – his worst streak in Serie A.
While Nicola has all of his foremost males obtainable, Empoli boss Roberto D'Aversa continues to be hampered by a number of absences: he might be with out Samuele Perisan, Szymon Zurkowski, Tyronne Ebuehi and Jacopo Fazzini resulting from damage.
In higher information for the guests, Norwegian ahead Ola Solbakken is anticipated to beat a muscular damage and could possibly begin on the bench.
With Fazzini dominated out and Solbakken in need of health, Youssef Maleh and Inter Milan-owned Sebastiano Esposito ought to proceed to produce AC Milan loanee Lorenzo Colombo up entrance.
Cagliari doable beginning lineup:
Scuffet; Zappa, Mina, Luperto; Zortea, Marin, Deiola, Augello; Gaetano, Luvumbo; Piccoli
Empoli doable beginning lineup:
Vasquez; Goglichidze, Ismajli, Viti; Gyasi, Henderson, Grassi, Pezzella; Maleh, Esposito; Colombo
We say: Cagliari 1-0 Empoli
There have been solely 4 league targets scored between these two sides this season, so it might be {that a} single strike might determine the factors' future.
Backed by their noisy dwelling followers, Cagliari can get off the mark with an overdue victory, simply edging out their guests from Tuscany.
For knowledge evaluation of the most definitely outcomes, scorelines and extra for this match please click on right here.
