Sabasports Match Preview
Serie A: Cagliari vs Sassuolo
Kickoff Time: 2025-10-31 01:30 (HKT)
Source: REUTERS/MATTEO CIAMBELLI
Cagliari returned to Serie A in the 2023-24 season and has successfully avoided relegation in the past two seasons. This season, the team started with two wins, three draws, and three losses. Considering that their three defeats came against strong teams with European commitments, such as Bologna, Inter, and Napoli, Cagliari’s current results are acceptable. In terms of seasonal performance, summer signing center forward Gennaro Borrelli has integrated into the team’s tactics and scored one league goal. Winger Mattia Felici has become a surprise weapon, scoring twice after coming on as a substitute. Statistically, Cagliari’s strength lies in their midfield, with an average of 8.6 interceptions per game (ranking third in the league), 27 clearances per game (ranking fourth), and 15 fouls per game (ranking fifth). Tactically, Cagliari employs a compact defensive formation to limit opponents’ space, while in attack, they rely on quick transitions to create numerical advantages in key areas.
Sassuolo was the champion of last season’s Serie B, but their overall strength is limited. This season, they started with three wins, one draw, and four losses. They pulled off an upset victory against Lazio but also lost to fellow promoted team Cremonese, showing inconsistent performance. In their last league match against AS Roma, Sassuolo underperformed again, with only one of their 11 shots on target, failing to convert chances due to poor offensive efficiency. Fortunately, goalkeeper Arijanet Muric was solid, making seven saves, or else Sassuolo could have suffered a heavy defeat. Statistically, Sassuolo averages only 44% possession (ranking 16th in the league), an 80% pass success rate (ranking 14th), and only five successful dribbles per game (ranking 16th). This indicates that the team relies on defensive counter-attacks but lacks effective counter-attacking options. Even when counter-attacking opportunities arise, they struggle to execute. In set-piece situations, they also lack tactical advantages like corners and free kicks.
Cagliari holds three key advantages: superior experience in avoiding relegation; consistent performance against teams of similar strength this season, securing points in such matchups; a perfect record of three wins in their last three head-to-head encounters. In this matchup, Cagliari, with their psychological edge, is expected to secure points at home.
Cagliari’s Last 5 Games: DLDLW
25-10-26 Hellas Verona 2-2 Cagliari
25-10-19 Cagliari 0-2 Bologna
25-10-05 Udinese 1-1 Cagliari
25-09-28 Cagliari 0-2 Inter
25-09-23 Cagliari 4-1 Frosinone
Sassuolo’s Last 5 Games: LDWWL
25-10-26 Sassuolo 0-1 AS Roma
25-10-18 Lecce 0-0 Sassuolo
25-10-04 Hellas Verona 0-1 Sassuolo
25-09-28 Sassuolo 3-1 Udinese
25-09-25 Como 1907 3-0 Sassuolo
Head-To-Head Record
24-05-19 Sassuolo 0-2 Cagliari
23-12-12 Cagliari 2-1 Sassuolo
22-04-16 Cagliari 1-0 Sassuolo
22-01-20 Sassuolo 1-0 Cagliari
21-11-21 Sassuolo 2-2 Cagliari
Prediction: Cagliari to win or Draw