A classic David vs. Goliath encounter is on the cards in Serie A as a spirited Cagliari side prepares to host the might of Inter at the Unipol Domus. The Sardinians, whose primary objective is survival, face an enormous task against a Nerazzurri team that has started the season in formidable fashion and is laser-focused on reclaiming the Scudetto. For the passionate home crowd, this is a glamour tie, and they will be hoping their team can harness the fiery atmosphere to pull off one of the shocks of the season.
This Cagliari v Inter match preview will break down what appears to be a one-sided affair on paper, searching for betting value beyond the obvious. We will analyse the overwhelming head-to-head record, the stark contrast in recent form, and the latest team news to provide expert predictions. While Inter are justifiably heavy favourites, the unpredictable nature of a trip to Sardinia always offers a sliver of hope for the underdog.
Cagliari Vs Inter match preview/Betting preview
Team Recent Form
Based on fixtures in the 2025/26 Serie A season, here is the recent competitive form for both clubs.
Cagliari: LWLDL
Inter: WWWDW
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key stats
- Inter possess one of Serie A’s most potent attacks, having scored at least two goals in four of their five league matches this season.
- Cagliari’s defensive frailties are a major concern; they have failed to keep a single clean sheet in any of their Serie A games so far this campaign.
- The head-to-head record is damning for the home side, with Inter having won on their last four consecutive visits to Cagliari’s stadium.
My prediction is a 3-1 victory for Inter. The gulf in class between these two sides is simply too vast to ignore. Inter’s relentless attack, spearheaded by the world-class Lautaro Martínez, should have no trouble breaching a Cagliari defence that has been porous all season. While the passionate home support at the Unipol Domus can often inspire Cagliari to raise their game, and they may well grab a consolation goal, Inter’s quality, depth, and ruthless efficiency will be the deciding factor. Expect the Nerazzurri to control the game and secure a comfortable three points to continue their title charge.
Cagliari Vs Inter H2H
- Inter’s dominance in this fixture is absolute; they have won nine of their last ten Serie A meetings with Cagliari.
- This is traditionally a high-scoring affair, with over 2.5 goals being scored in eight of the last ten encounters between the two clubs.
- Inter have been prolific against the Sardinians, scoring two or more goals in nine of their last ten matches against Cagliari.
- Cagliari have not tasted victory against Inter for a long time, with their last win in this fixture coming back in March 2019.
pre game odds
- Cagliari Win: 6.50
- Draw: 4.50
- Inter Win: 1.45
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(Odds are subject to change and are correct as of the time of writing)
team news Cagliari
Cagliari’s task is made even tougher by key defensive injuries. First-choice centre-back Alberto Dossena is unavailable due to a calf strain picked up in training, a major blow to their backline. There is also a significant doubt over the fitness of energetic midfielder Nahitan Nández, who is struggling with a thigh issue and will face a late fitness test. The attacking responsibility will likely fall to Zito Luvumbo to use his pace to trouble the Inter defence on the break.
team news Inter
Inter manager Simone Inzaghi has a strong squad at his disposal and may opt for some light rotation with European fixtures on the horizon. Key playmaker Hakan Çalhanoğlu could be rested, with Kristjan Asllani poised to step into the deep-lying midfield role. Wing-back Federico Dimarco is expected to return to the starting lineup after being rested last weekend. The formidable attacking duo of Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram are both fully fit and expected to start.
predicted line up for both teams.
Cagliari Predicted Starting XI (4-3-1-2):
Scuffet (GK); Zappa, Wieteska, Obert, Augello; Deiola, Makoumbou, Sulemana; Viola; Luvumbo, Petagna
Inter Predicted Starting XI (3-5-2):
Sommer (GK); Pavard, de Vrij, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Asllani, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Martínez
Cagliari Vs Inter betting tips
Tip 1 – result: Inter Win
Tip 2 – Over/Under 2.5 goals: Over 2.5 goals
Tip 3 – both team to score: Yes
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