The champions are targeting a second victory: Cagliari vs Inter prediction
The second-round Serie A match between Cagliari and Inter will take place on 30 August at the Sardegna Arena. Both teams began the season with victories: the hosts beat Parma, while the reigning champions thrashed Monza 4-1.
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Cagliari: confident start after their best season in nine years
Fabio Pisacane's side began the campaign with an away victory over Parma and won their opening Serie A match for the first time since 2013. Before Alessandro Romano scored, the Sardinians had hit the woodwork three times, so the result was fully deserved.
Cagliari finished 14th last season, their best top-flight result in nine years. Including the end of the previous campaign, the team have now won four consecutive competitive matches, although they will face a significantly tougher test this time.
Inter: the champions immediately showed their strength
Cristian Chivu's first season in charge of Inter ended with the Scudetto and the Coppa Italia, so expectations surrounding the team have only increased. The Milan side opened the new campaign with a convincing 4-1 victory over Monza: after Hakan Çalhanoğlu's goal, Yann Bisseck, Piotr Zieliński and Pio Esposito also found the net.
Their record against the upcoming opponents is particularly impressive: Inter have collected 28 points from a possible 30 in their last 10 matches against Cagliari. The Milan side have won six consecutive games in Sardinia, with the hosts failing to score in the last three.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Inter have collected 28 points from a possible 30 in their last 10 matches against Cagliari.
- The Milan side have won their last six away meetings with the Sardinians.
- Lautaro Martinez has scored 12 goals in 12 Serie A matches against Cagliari.
Squad depth should decide the outcome: Cagliari vs Inter prediction
Cagliari head into the match in good form and are capable of causing the champions some problems at home. However, Inter have a clear advantage in individual quality and squad depth, while the recent head-to-head record only reinforces that point.
The Sardinians may capitalise on occasional mistakes from the visitors and find a goal, but over 90 minutes Inter's superiority should show. Lautaro Martinez is particularly dangerous, having traditionally been prolific against this opponent.
