/sky247-nigeria/media/media_files/2024/12/27/j9mzyuHpQuyt3I11djKV.jpg)
Cagliari vs Inter Milan: Serie A Match Preview, Odds & Prediction
Inter Milan and Cagliari play their last game of 2024 this coming Saturday, and Inter Milan is looking to end the year strong by continuing their winning record in Serie A.
Inter have not only won the Scudetto back but also set new records for most wins, most goals scored, and fewest goals surrendered since January. While they are in the middle of a championship chase, their hosts are in the relegation zone.
Previous Matches and Head-to-head
Not only did Inter cruise into the quarterfinals of the Coppa Italia earlier this month, but they also won two league matches without allowing a goal in each of their matches against Lazio (6-0) in Rome and Como (1-0) at San Siro.
Marcus Thuram scored a spectacular second goal in the second half to end the Nerazzurri's regional rivals in the other game. The game remained tied until the very end of regulation time.
In a fiercely fought race for the Scudetto, Simone Inzaghi's squad kept themselves inside three points of first place going into Christmas, with a game in hand over Napoli and Atalanta BC.
Inter have been unstoppable this season, winning 26 of their 37 league games and losing only twice (in September).
Impressive in the Champions League, the Milan giants have much to celebrate in 2025, beginning with next week's Supercoppa Italiana, despite suffering their first defeat on the road to Bayer Leverkusen.
Inter have won seven of their past eight league meetings in Cagliari, including all four of their most recent, so Inzaghi's side will be looking to round out the year on a high note as they face off against a familiar foe.
Not only does Inter have a far better record in year-end matchups, but Cagliari has lost 10 of its previous 13 top-flight encounters against Saturday's visitors, allowing 2.5 goals per game.
On Saturday, the odds will be stacked against the Rossoblu due to both past and present form: the Sardinian team has gone winless in their previous six Serie A matches, while the Nerazzurri have won their last eight.
Cagliari dropped to 18th position in the standings, just short of the halfway point of the 2024-25 season, after losing their last three games before Christmas against Fiorentina, Atalanta, and relegation opponents Venezia.
Even though Leonardo Pavoletti's late header started a siege, they still lost 2-1 at Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo, perhaps the most heartbreaking loss since they were defeated by one of the few teams below them.
Inter will not be taking any presents to Sardinia after a disappointing run that saw Davide Nicola's team drop out of the Coppa Italia and win just one of their past nine league matches.
Cagliari x Inter Milan Team News
On Saturday night, Simone Inzaghi will likely choose his best available XI before departing for Saudi Arabia to compete in the Supercoppa Italiana.
While Francesco Acerbi's comeback is still up in the air and Inter are still without injured Benjamin Pavard, Matteo Darmian, who was benched in last week's victory over Como, could start this week.
Captain Lautaro Martinez, starting up front with Marcus Thuram, has scored nine goals in as many league games against Cagliari. Five of his last six goals in Serie A have been scored away from home.
The only player not playing for the hosts is Zito Luvumbo, who is out with a damaged ankle. However, Davide Nicola is likely to make a few changes, with Nicolas Viola trying to unseat Gianluca Gaetano so that Roberto Piccoli may play up front. Former Rossoblu's super-sub Leonardo Pavoletti scored in their previous match in Venice, putting him in fifth place all-time in Serie A, although he will likely start on the bench.
Our Predictions
Inter Milan to win @ 1.50 on Sky247.ng
Both teams should keep up their impressive lead-holding performances this weekend. Inter has spent 683 minutes leading matches, and Cagliari has spent 99.
Even if their hosts aren't feeling well, the champions will not hesitate to exert pressure on many championship contenders.
Elevate your betting experience with SKY247 Nigeria. Join now and discover a thrilling world of sports, live events, and exclusive bonuses. Bet with confidence on your favorite teams and games.