Cagliari - Fiorentina predictions and free betting tips [23/05/2024]

On Thursday, 23 May, at 38th round of Italian Serie A, Cagliari will host Fiorentina. Last weekend, the hosts defeated Sassuolo and secured their place in the top league, while Fiorentina had to settle for a 2-2 draw with Napoli.

Cagliari

Returning to the top division last summer, Cagliari managed to secure their Serie A status ahead of the final round. The team sits in 15th place, 3 points clear of the relegation zone. Last weekend, Claudio Ranieri's men achieved their coveted goal, defeating Sassuolo 0-2 away, thus ending a five-match winless streak in the league (3 draws and 2 losses). After a goalless first half, Prati put the Sardinians ahead in the 71st minute, and Lapadula doubled the lead from the penalty spot in injury time. This week, it was announced that Ranieri will leave his post at the end of the season, ending his managerial career. There's no doubt the team will give their all on Thursday. Interestingly, in 15 of their previous 16 home matches, the hosts both scored and conceded.  

It's important to note that Cagliari holds a respectable 12th place in the home league table, having amassed 25 points in 18 matches, scoring 26 goals and conceding 29. Key midfielder Makumbu and winger Jankto are sidelined with injuries, while centre-back Dossena is suspended due to yellow card accumulation. Veteran striker Lapadula, a pivotal figure last season, has been less prolific this campaign (3 goals): the Peruvian scored last weekend and will continue to compete for the leading role in attack with Shomurodov (3 goals, 3 assists). New signing Gaetano (4 goals in 11 matches) is vying for the playmaker role, while the experienced Adam Obert might replace Dossena in defence.

Fiorentina

Fiorentina is eighth in the Serie A standings, in contention for a place in the Conference League preliminary round. However, their position remains precarious, as they are closely chased by Torino and Napoli, trailing by one and two points respectively. Vincenzo Italiano's side has been in good form lately: in their last six rounds, they've lost just once, won three times, and drawn twice. After a 2-1 victory over Monza, last weekend saw the Lilies draw 2-2 with Napoli. Rahmani's goal was answered by Biraghi and Nzola in the first half, but Kvaratskhelia equalised in the 57th minute.

It's worth noting that Fiorentina ranks only 12th in the away table, having secured 19 points in 17 away matches, scoring 18 goals and conceding 20. Next Wednesday, they will face Olympiakos in the Conference League final. Forward Sottil (2 goals), who suffered a collarbone fracture in early May, remains unavailable this Thursday, but there are no other significant absences in the Florentine camp. Nzola (3 goals, 3 assists), who scored against Napoli, was benched last weekend with Belotti (1 goal) taking his place. Argentine winger Nico Gonzalez (10 goals) will handle creativity on the flank, alongside compatriot Beltran (6 goals). The coach might consider slight rotation, with the dynamic Ikone potentially replacing Christian Kouame.

Head-to-Head

In the first round of this season, Fiorentina triumphed 3-0. However, the visitors haven't won in their last four trips to Sardinia.

Prediction for the match Cagliari – Fiorentina

Cagliari's home performances seldom allow opponents an easy win, and the additional incentive of giving Ranieri a fitting send-off will further motivate Rossoblu on Thursday. Meanwhile, Fiorentina's focus is on the upcoming Conference League final, with the national championship taking a backseat. Vincenzo Italiano might rest some of his key players, making a bet on the Sardinians' +1 handicap worthwhile.