Sabasports Match Preview
Italian Serie A: Cagliari vs Atalanta
Kickoff Time: 2024-12-14 22:00 (HKT)
Source:REUTERS/ Guglielmo Mangiapane
Cagliari’s recent form has been less than ideal, with only five points from the last seven league matches, causing them to drop to 15th place, just two points above the relegation zone occupied by Verona. The main reason for the team’s poor performance is their low attacking efficiency. Taking their previous home match against Verona as an example, Cagliari had a total of 19 shot attempts and earned seven corner kicks. However, due to limited squad depth and the absence of strong players in the attacking line, Cagliari could only convert one of those many chances into a goal. Even if some attackers temporarily regain form, the poor defensive performance can render their efforts futile. This season, Cagliari has conceded an average of 1.67 goals per match, and in the last 10 league matches, they have conceded two or more goals in seven of them. Often, the team’s formation pushes too far forward, leaving ample space for opponents to counterattack. Currently, the most evident issue for the team is their inability to keep up with the opponent’s attacking rhythm from the flanks to the central areas, leading to many goals conceded from those zones in recent matches. In other words, Cagliari’s offensive efforts come at the cost of defensive intensity, and if the opponent scores first, Cagliari finds itself in a rather awkward position.
Atalanta, on the other hand, is in excellent form, currently sitting at the top of the Serie A table. They have just defeated AC Milan and Roma, achieving a remarkable nine-match winning streak in Serie A, reminiscent of Bayer Leverkusen’s performance last season. During this winning streak, the team has only conceded five goals, showcasing solid defensive performances. Atalanta’s defensive transformation can be attributed to three main factors. Firstly, the team has not suffered from serious injuries, especially in the defense, allowing all key players to be available. Compared to previous seasons, they have much more flexibility in squad selection. Secondly, they have shifted from using five midfielders to six. In the past, Atalanta’s formations mostly employed 3421 and 3412, but this season they have developed a 361 formation, which better utilizes the width of the pitch, enhancing midfield control while also strengthening wing play. Thirdly, the contributions of star players have been crucial. After 15 league matches, striker Mateo Retegui has scored 12 goals and provided three assists, winger Ademola Lookman has netted eight goals and assisted four times, and attacking midfielder Charles De Ketelaere has contributed three goals and five assists. Their ability to break through and compete has become a weapon for tearing apart opposing defenses.
Atalanta is the strongest attacking team in Serie A, and Cagliari’s weak defense is unlikely to withstand Atalanta’s sustained offensive pressure. This match is expected to see Atalanta securing all three points, continuing their winning streak in the league.
Cagliari’s Last 5 Games: LWDDL
24-12-08 Fiorentina 1-0 Cagliari
24-11-30 Cagliari 1-0 Hellas Verona
24-11-24 Genoa 2-2 Cagliari
24-11-10 Cagliari 3-3 AC Milan
24-11-05 Lazio 2-1 Cagliari
Atalanta’s Last 5 Games: LWWWW
24-12-11 Atalanta 2-3 Real Madrid
24-12-07 Atalanta 2-1 AC Milan
24-12-03 Roma 0-2 Atalanta
24-11-27 Young Boys 1-6 Atalanta
24-11-24 Parma 1-3 Atalanta
Head To Head Record:
24-04-07 Cagliari 2-1 Atalanta
23-09-24 Atalanta 2-0 Cagliari
22-02-06 Atalanta 1-2 Cagliari
21-11-07 Cagliari 1-2 Atalanta
21-02-14 Cagliari 0-1 Atalanta
Prediction: Atalanta to win