Fiorentina vs Cagliari prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups - 24 January 2026
One of the fixtures of Serie A’s 22nd round will take place this Saturday at the Artemio Franchi Stadium in Florence, where local side Fiorentina will host Cagliari. Both teams are locked in a tense battle for survival, and a win here could prove decisive in the relegation dogfight. Let’s take a closer look at the possible outcome of this crucial clash.
Match preview
Under the guidance of Paolo Vanoli, the Viola have finally started to show signs of revival and are clawing their way out of a prolonged slump. Their derby win over Bologna (2-1) marked a fourth consecutive Serie A match without defeat and lifted the club out of the relegation zone. Most importantly, the team showed real character, dedicating their victory to the late president Rocco Commisso.
Vanoli’s impact is evident in both the team’s structure and attitude. New signings have ramped up competition for places, and Roberto Piccoli - on loan from Cagliari - has become a vital cog in attack. While important cup fixtures loom on the horizon, Fiorentina’s immediate priority is to consolidate their position above the drop zone and exact revenge for the first-round draw, when they let victory slip away in the 90+4th minute.
Cagliari’s shock win over Juventus last round was one of the season’s biggest upsets: just three shots all match and only 22% possession - but it was enough to secure all three points. Luca Mazzitelli found the net for the first time in over a year, and Fabio Pisacane’s side showed incredible determination. Still, such results are more the exception than the norm for this team.
Cagliari have been inconsistent this season and especially vulnerable away from home. They’ve won just two matches on their travels all year, and their attacking output remains among the weakest in the league. Injuries and doubts continue to haunt the squad, keeping the absentee list lengthy, even though new faces like Ibrahima Sulemana have come in.
Probable lineups
- Fiorentina: De Gea, Dodo, Komuzzo, Pongracic, Gosens, Mandragora, Fagioli, Solomon, N'Dour, Gudmundsson, Piccoli
- Cagliari: Caprile, Ze Pedro, Mina, Luperto, Palestra, Prati, Adopo, Mazzitelli, Idrissi, Esposito, Kilicsoy
Match facts and head-to-head
- Fiorentina are unbeaten against Cagliari in their last 10 meetings since 2019.
- The reverse fixture ended 1-1, with Cagliari snatching a draw in stoppage time.
- Cagliari have won just two away matches all season.
Prediction
Fiorentina have found their stride, finally started winning again, and are riding a wave of confidence - especially after the emotional lift following their president’s passing. Cagliari, by contrast, haven’t convinced in terms of quality or consistency, particularly on the road. Given current form and the home crowd’s backing, it’s only logical to back the hosts for a hard-fought victory.
