Serie A match prediction: Cagliari vs. AS Roma, August 18, 2024

What are the Cagliari chances?

Cagliari played a few friendlies to test new formations and integrate new players into the team. The team showed good results in these games, demonstrating an improvement in defensive organisation and a more creative approach to attack. The focus was on physical preparation and tactical discipline, which, according to accurate football predictions today, should help the team in a long and difficult Serie A season. 

The game against Roma is always a big challenge. AS Roma finished last season in the top 6 and has a top-quality squad. However, Cagliari has several factors that can work in their favour in this match. 

Home pitch

Playing at the Sardinia Arena will be an important factor for Cagliari. The support of the fans can give an additional boost to the team and inspire the players to play more selflessly.

Tactical flexibility

Head coach Davide Nicola is known for his ability to adapt tactics to a specific opponent. In this match, he will likely focus on tight defence and quick counter-attacks, using the speed and creativity of his wide players.

Roma’s condition

Last season, Roma failed to achieve any of its goals. However, back in April it was announced that head coach Daniele De Rossi would continue to work with the capital team, and the failures at the end did not change the management’s decision. The Romans finished only sixth, and now, like a year ago, they will storm the Europa League.

The club legend’s coaching experience is limited, and he has never conducted pre-season training in his career. It will be all the more interesting to watch Roma at the start of the 2024/25 season. In the summer, the “wolves” already played two friendly matches, but were unable to achieve success in either of them – a draw with Slovakian Kosice (1:1) and a defeat to Toulouse (0:1). However, it is too early for the Giallorossi fans to sprinkle ashes on their heads. Their favourite team usually plays well during pre-season training, but this does not affect their further performance in official tournaments in any way.

It was the same a year ago under Jose Mourinho. Under the leadership of the “special one”, the Romans won three out of five friendlies in the summer of 2023, losing only once. However, in January, the club’s management decided to part ways with the Portuguese maestro due to unsatisfactory results in Serie A.

But the most problematic position for the Romans was the centre of attack, where after the departure of Romelu Lukaku. Roma saw the top scorer of the last La Liga draw, Artem Dovbyk from Girona, as the priority option for this place. And on August 2, the parties reached an agreement – the а to Rome for 34 million euros.

Match prediction

The start of a season is always unpredictable, and the first match is an opportunity for teams to set the tone for the entire championship. Cagliari, despite being the underdogs in this match, have every chance of a positive result if they manage to play with discipline and take advantage of their chances. It will be important not to let Roma dictate the terms and impose their game, using quick transitions from defence to attack. Our Bet – draw.