Napoli vs Cagliari prediction, H2H and probable lineups - 03.12.2025
One of the clashes in the Coppa Italia Round of 16 will take place on Tuesday at the "Stadio Diego Armando Maradona" in Naples, where the local side Napoli will host Cagliari. Here’s my pick for this showdown—an option with solid chances for success.
Match preview
Napoli have been showing great form lately: Antonio Conte’s side has lost just once in their last eight matches. And that’s despite the absence of their main stars—Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku. It’s worth highlighting a run of three consecutive wins against tough opponents: Atalanta (3-1) and Roma (1-0) in Serie A, as well as a 2-0 Champions League victory over Qarabag from Azerbaijan.
As for their Coppa Italia campaign, Napoli’s journey was cut short last year—they exited at the Round of 16, losing 1-3 to Lazio. In general, since lifting the cup in 2020, the Neapolitans have struggled in knockout matches, almost always bowing out in the early rounds.
Cagliari’s situation is far more complicated: in Serie A, they haven’t won in nine straight matches and have slipped to 15th place—now the "Sardinians" are just one point clear of the relegation zone. Their last win in all competitions came in the Coppa Italia Round of 32 against Frosinone (3-1). Since then, results have only worsened, and if things don’t turn around, a managerial change could be on the cards. Despite their main focus being the fight for survival, Cagliari are expected to be fully motivated for this cup tie.
This season, Cagliari have already knocked out two opponents in the Coppa Italia. First, they edged Virtus Entella from Serie B on penalties, then comfortably dispatched another second-tier side, Frosinone. Last season, Cagliari also reached the Round of 16, but were thrashed 0-4 by Juventus in Turin at this stage.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Over 2 goals have been scored in six of Napoli’s last seven matches.
- Napoli are on a three-match winning streak.
- Cagliari, meanwhile, are winless in nine consecutive games.
- Cagliari have conceded at least once in five of their last seven matches.
- In the last ten head-to-head meetings, Napoli have a clear advantage: they’ve won seven times, drawn three, and Cagliari haven’t beaten them once in that stretch.
Probable lineups
- Napoli: Milinković-Savić - Beukema, Rrahmani, Boungiorno - Di Lorenzo, Lobotka, McTominay, Olivera - Neres, Politano, Højlund
- Cagliari: Caprile - Zappa, Deiola, Luperto - Palestra, Adopo, Liteta, Folorunsho, Obert - Borrelli, Esposito
Prediction
Despite the unpredictable nature of cup ties, I believe Napoli clearly look the stronger side right now. The team is eager to finally make a statement in this tournament after a long run of setbacks, so expect them to be fully focused. My take is that the Neapolitans will win—possibly in convincing fashion. The optimal bet here is Napoli to win with a -1 handicap.
