Cagliari host Inter Milan on September 27 at the Unipol Domus, buoyed by a much-needed resurgence under Fabio Pisacane. Their gritty 2-1 victory over Lecce, fueled by an Andrea Belotti brace, extended their winning run to two matches and lifted them into fifth place with seven points. Pisacane’s tactical adjustments—focusing on compact midfield play and clinical finishing—have begun to transform a side that previously struggled to turn possession into results.
The mood in Sardinia is notably optimistic, with fans sensing their team can challenge even the league’s biggest names. Against Inter, however, Pisacane’s men face their sternest test yet.
Inter Milan Seeking Consistency
Inter arrive in Sardinia fresh from a morale-boosting 2-0 triumph over Ajax in Europe, a match in which Marcus Thuram shone with a decisive double. Under Cristian Chivu, temporarily deputizing for Simone Inzaghi while he focuses on Champions League preparations, the Nerazzurri remain competitive but unpredictable.
Domestically, Inter’s recent record tells a mixed story: three wins and three losses from their last six Serie A outings. Their attacking firepower is unquestionable, averaging more than two goals a game, but defensive frailties have undermined their progress. Nine goals conceded across that same stretch highlight vulnerabilities that an in-form Belotti and a disciplined Cagliari midfield may be eager to exploit.
History Favors Inter, but Cagliari Growing Bold
Tradition leans heavily in Inter’s favor. They have won 11 of the last 15 Serie A encounters against Cagliari and scored in 37 consecutive home league matches. Yet, the tide may not be as one-sided this time.
Cagliari’s renewed confidence, coupled with home advantage, could present a serious obstacle. Belotti’s sharp form and Pisacane’s well-drilled structure might frustrate Inter’s rhythm, especially given the visitors’ tendency to concede early goals—four first-half defeats in their last six games underscore that pattern.
With Lautaro Martínez likely rested ahead of Champions League duties, Inter may rely on Thuram’s creativity and Davide Frattesi’s midfield surges to break down the Sardinians’ compact defense.
Prediction
This fixture offers a fascinating contrast: a revitalized Cagliari aiming to prove they belong among Serie A’s elite against an Inter side juggling domestic and European ambitions. While some see the hosts’ recent momentum as a potential recipe for an upset, history and squad depth tilt the odds toward the Nerazzurri.
Inter’s superior quality across the pitch, especially in attack, should ultimately prevail. Expect Cagliari to battle hard and create moments of tension, but Inter’s experience and firepower are likely to shine through in the end.
Prediction: Cagliari 0 – 3 Inter Milan