Roma vs Cagliari
Serie A
Monday
5th February 2024
Olimpico
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the Serie A fixture between Roma and Cagliari.
Roma vs Cagliari: Preview
Roma form analysis
I Giallorossi ended 2023 with a disappointing 1-0 loss away to Juventus despite a solid performance. They started 2024 by drawing 1-1 at home against Atalanta after conceding early before Paulo Dybala equalized from the penalty spot. A 3-1 thumping away at AC Milan followed as Roma struggled to contain Milan’s attack and made costly defensive errors. However, a 2-1 home win over Verona got them back on track. Romelu Lukaku and Lorenzo Pellegrini scored in the first half before Verona pulled one back late on. Most recently, Roma grinded out a 2-1 away win against Salernitana.
Dybala scored a first half penalty before Pellegrini doubled Roma’s lead. Salernitana pulled one back but Roma held on. Overall, Roma have struggled for consistency in their performances and results. Their attacking play shows flashes of brilliance but is undermined by defensive fragility. Moreover, against quality opposition like Juventus and AC Milan they have come up short. Jose Mourinho will look to make Roma tougher to beat while maintaining their attacking threat. Roma have the quality to push for a Champions League place if they can tighten up defensively.
Cagliari form analysis
Cagliari ended 2023 with a 0-0 home draw against Empoli – a decent defensive performance but unable to create much offensively. Their first match of 2024 was a 1-1 away draw at Lecce after conceding first before substitute Gabriele Oristanio equalized late on. A 2-1 home win over Bologna followed thanks to goals from Andrea Petagna and a Robin Calafiori own goal cancelling out Riccardo Orsolini’s opener. However, a 3-1 thumping away at Frosinone brought Cagliari back down to earth despite Issahaku Sulemana putting them ahead. Two goals in 11 minutes turned the game before a late third for Frosinone.
Most recently, Cagliari lost 2-1 at home to Torino after going two goals down before Nahuel Viola pulled one back late on. Overall, Cagliari have struggled for attacking threat and fluidity in their performances so far. Creating chances has been an issue with few goals to show for decent periods of play at times. Defensively they remain prone to conceding goals at key moments in games. For Claudio Ranieri’s side to pull away from danger he will need to find a way to bring the attack and defense together more cohesively for 90 minute performances. The talent is there in attack especially, but finding consistency at both ends is crucial.
