Cagliari - Hellas Verona FC predictions and free betting tips [01/04/2024]

On Monday, 1st April, within the framework of the 30th Serie A tour, Cagliari will host Verona at their home ground. Both teams are heading into the match following recent losses and are just one point above the relegation zone.

Cagliari

Having returned to the top division last summer, Cagliari are expectedly fighting to avoid relegation. They presently rank 16th on the Serie A leaderboard, just 2 points away from the relegation zone. After a series of disappointing results, the Sardinians managed to go through 4 matches without a loss (2 wins and 2 draws), thereby exiting the bottom three. Notably, they overcame direct competitors Empoli (1:0) and Salernitana (4:2), but a stupendous run ended in the last round with a 1:0 defeat against Monza, with the only goal scored by Daniele Maldini. Now, the Tricolore are at risk of losing two consecutive Serie A matches without scoring for the first time since March 2022 - back under Walter Mazzarri, the team lost three times in a row without scoring. 

It's important to note that Claudio Ranieri's proteges aren't too shabby at home: they've gathered 19 points from 14 home matches (14th in the league), scored 20 goals and conceded 24. Considering forthcoming clashes with the likes of Atalanta, Juventus and Inter, collecting points on Monday evening would be crucial. Cagliari will be without forwards Pavoletti and Petagna, as well as midfielder Mancosu. Winter signings Yerry Mina and Gaetano (3 goals in 6 matches) were unavailable in the last round but have now regained fitness. Lapadula (2 goals), the key figure in offence, is expected to feature at the forefront of the attack on Monday, supported by Zito Luvumbo, who has recovered from a thigh injury.

Verona

Last season, Verona avoided relegation at the last gasp, and now the team is dangerously close to demotion again. Marco Baroni's side is 15th on the Serie A chart and they have an equal number of points as their coming adversary. Verona have recently improved their performances by securing wins against Sassuolo (1:0) and Lecce (0:1), ending a winless six-game series (three draws and three losses). Before the international break, Verona stumbled again, capitulating at home to Milan by 1:3. On the positive note, Verona could gain back-to-back Serie A away wins for the first time since March 2022, even though their away stats this season are rather worrying for their followers: they've gathered just nine points from 15 matches, scored 10 times and let in 20 goals. 

In April, visitors have a slightly easier schedule - after a home rendezvous with Genoa, the team will head to Bergamo against Atalanta, followed by games against underperforming Udinese and Lazio. The Verona lineup is still without forward Cruz (0 goals in 4 matches); key attacking midfielders Suslov (1 goal and 4 assists) and Folorunsho (4 goals and 1 assist) have joined him in the medical room, and head coach Marco Baroni is suspended for this Monday's match. On the other hand, French forward Henri (3 goals) has served his suspension and is hoping for game time - he will compete for a starting spot with Dutchman Noslin (2 goals in 8 matches), who joined the club this winter and quickly established himself in the starting eleven.

Head-to-head

Since the 1994-95 season, Verona has won 10 of 17 clashes against Rossoblu in the top division, more than any other team. Furthermore, the Mastiffs have won their two latest head-to-head games, including victory in the first round of the current campaign (2:0).

Match prediction for Cagliari - Verona

Historically, Verona has performed well against Cagliari in the Serie A. Despite this, the Mastiffs have struggled on the road this season, and their chances of taking away points from Sardinia are not that high. The hosts have performed quite decently at home, and given their forthcoming schedule, they simply cannot afford a slip-up - otherwise, they run the risk of languishing in the relegation zone by the end of April. I believe in Ranieri's wards and bet on Cagliari victory with 0 handicap.