The Unipol Domus will host an intriguing Serie A clash as Cagliari welcome Roma for the 14th round of the 2025/26 campaign. The home side are desperate to end a long winless streak, while the visitors aim to stay firmly in the Champions League zone. With both teams coming off defeats against Napoli, this encounter promises intensity and tactical discipline from the first whistle.

Cagliari’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Cagliari enter this fixture in a difficult period, having gone nine league matches without a win. Their last outing ended in a 1-1 draw against Napoli, a result that at least halted a run of two consecutive defeats. The Sardinians currently sit 15th in Serie A with 11 points, a position that reflects their inconsistency and lack of cutting edge in front of goal. Over their last five matches, they have recorded 0 wins, 3 draws, and 2 losses, averaging just 1.0 goal scored and 1.6 conceded per game.

At home, however, the Unipol Domus has seen plenty of action. There have been Over 1.5 total goals in each of Cagliari’s last 12 home matches, and at least one goal has been scored in the second half in all of them. This trend suggests that Pisacane’s men tend to open up as the game progresses, often leaving space at the back. Defensively, the team has struggled to maintain concentration, conceding in 18 of their last 20 Serie A fixtures.

Coach Fabio Pisacane will likely stick to a 3-5-2 formation, with Caprile in goal and a back three of Deiola, Luperto, and Zappa. The midfield should feature Palestra, Folorunsho, Prati, Adopo, and Obert, while Esposito and Borrelli are expected to lead the attack. Several key players remain unavailable, including Belotti, Mazzitelli, Mina, and Zé Pedro, limiting Pisacane’s options from the bench.

Roma’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Roma approach this match in strong form despite their recent 1-0 defeat to Napoli. The Giallorossi remain in 4th place with 27 points and have been one of the most consistent sides in the league this season. Their record over the last five games stands at 4 wins and 1 loss, with an average of 1.8 goals scored and only 0.6 conceded per match. The team’s defensive solidity has been a key factor, with Under 3.5 goals recorded in 26 of their last 28 fixtures.

Roma’s away form has also been impressive, often taking control of matches early. They have led at half-time in 7 of their last 11 away games, showing their ability to impose their rhythm from the start. Remarkably, Roma have not drawn any of their last 24 matches in all competitions, a streak that highlights their all-or-nothing approach under Gasperini.

Historically, Roma have dominated this fixture. They have lost only once in their last 20 Serie A meetings with Cagliari, with the Sardinians’ last victory coming in April 2021. The Giallorossi have also kept a clean sheet in each of the last three encounters, underlining their defensive superiority. In total, Roma have scored 140 goals against Cagliari in Serie A, conceding 101 — a record that further emphasizes their long-term dominance.

For this match, Gasperini is expected to deploy his usual 3-4-2-1 setup. Svilar will start in goal, protected by Mancini, Ndicka, and Hermoso. The midfield line should include Celik, Koné, Cristante, and Wesley, with Soulé and Pellegrini supporting Dybala up front. Angelino and Dovbyk remain sidelined, but the squad’s depth allows the coach to rotate effectively without losing balance.

Cagliari vs Roma: Tactical Overview and Match Analysis

This matchup pits two teams with contrasting ambitions. Cagliari are fighting to climb away from the lower end of the table, while Roma are pushing to stay within reach of the top three. The hosts will rely on compact defending and quick transitions, hoping to exploit any gaps left by Roma’s high pressing. However, their recent inefficiency in front of goal could be a major obstacle against one of the league’s best defenses.

Roma, on the other hand, will look to dominate possession and use their wide players to stretch the field. The creativity of Pellegrini and Soulé behind Dybala could prove decisive, especially against a Cagliari side that has conceded in most of their recent matches. The Giallorossi’s ability to recover possession high up the pitch — 56 times in the attacking third this season — could also be crucial in forcing errors from the home defense.

Given the trends, this fixture could be tight in the first half but open up later, as both teams tend to produce more chances after the break. Cagliari’s home matches have consistently featured goals in the second half, while Roma’s efficiency in front of goal makes them favorites to take all three points.

Probable Lineups Cagliari vs Roma

CAGLIARI (3-5-2): Caprile; Deiola, Luperto, Zappa; Palestra, Folorunsho, Prati, Adopo, Obert; Esposito, Borrelli. Coach: F. Pisacane

ROMA (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Celik, Koné, Cristante, Wesley; Soulé, Pellegrini; Dybala. Coach: G. Gasperini

Cagliari vs Roma Prediction

The most likely outcome is a Roma win (2) with a 53% probability. The Draw (X) follows at 26%, while a Cagliari win (1) stands at 21%.