Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
After seven matches so far this season, Cagliari have managed just one victory as they sit down towards the bottom end of the table. The Sardinians now take on a Torino side that have been very impressive and are pushing towards European qualification this season.
KICK-OFF DATE/TIME: Sunday 20th October, 2024 - UK – 5:00pm / US ET – 12:00pm / US PT – 9:00am
HOW TO WATCH ON TV: UK – Not televised / US – Select matches will be televised on CBS Sports so it is worth checking their schedule
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: UK – OneFootball / US – Paramount+
CAGLIARI PREVIEW: THE MIRACLES OF NICOLA
Under the management of former Leicester City and Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri, Cagliari regained promotion to the top-flight back in 2023 via the Serie B playoffs and he then retired after confirming survival for Cagliari in 2024.
The home team opted to appoint Davide Nicola, known for end of season miraculous escapes. It was a slow start to the campaign but they got themselves a victory before then sharing a 1-1 draw against Juventus in Turin before the October international break.
TORINO PREVIEW: THE IMPROVEMENT OF TORINO
It was confirmed towards the end of last season that former Hellas Verona boss Ivan Juric would depart Torino, despite them finishing ninth in Serie A. Their 38 matches did consist of just 72 goals, though, and things needed to become more entertaining.
Over the summer, they appointed Antonio Conte-disciple Paolo Vanoli, who led Venezia to promotion last season. Things have been a lot better to watch and just as effective as they sit tucked inside the top-half of the Serie A table.
CAGLIARI TEAM NEWS: KEY INJURIES
There are a couple of key injury concerns for Cagliari ahead of this weekend’s clash with Torino. Adam Obert remains sidelined alongside Leonardo Pavoletti, whilst Czechia international midfielder Jakub Jankto is also still a doubt.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Scuffet; Zappa, Yerry Mina, Luperto, Palomino; Adopo, Makoumbou; Zortea, Nicolas Viola, Augello; Piccoli
UNAVAILABLE: Obert (Injured), Pavoletti (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Jankto (Injured)
TORINO TEAM NEWS: DUVAN ZAPATA INJURY
Key forward, Colombia striker Duvan Zapata, is out injured for the foreseeable future after an ACL injury. He joins the sidelined alongside Chile international defender Guillermo Maripan, who is missing through suspension.
PREDICTED XI (3-5-2): Milinkovic-Savic; Walukiewicz, Vojvoda, Saul Coco; Pedersen, Ricci, Linetty, Gineitis, Lazaro; Adams, Karamoh
UNAVAILABLE: Guillermo Maripan (Suspended), Ciammaglichella (Injured), Njie (Injured), Duvan Zapata (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Schuurs (Injured)
CAGLIARI VS TORINO PREDICTION
In their seven matches so far this season, Cagliari have managed to score just five goals. However, they are supposed to be defensively solid and have generally improved as the season has gone on. They now face a Torino side that have been strong but did suffer back-to-back defeats before the international break and now have new absentees. It could be quite a good value bet to side with Cagliari for this one.
CAGLIARI VS TORINO TIP: DOUBLE CHANCE – CAGLIARI TO WIN OR DRAW