Cagliari vs Verona Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Saturday, 31 January

Cagliari and Verona are set to clash in a Serie A encounter at the Unipol Domus on Saturday, 31 January. Both teams are eager to secure crucial points, making this a significant fixture in the league. Cagliari, playing at home, will look to use their familiarity with the Unipol Domus to their advantage. Meanwhile, Verona will be determined to challenge their hosts and improve their league position.

The Serie A match between Cagliari and Verona is more than just a battle for points; it’s an opportunity for both teams to assert themselves in the league. With the venue at the Unipol Domus, Cagliari will hope to make the most of their home advantage. Verona, on the other hand, will aim to disrupt Cagliari’s plans and make a statement with a strong performance. This match is crucial for both sides as they navigate the competitive landscape of Serie A.

Cagliari vs Verona Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Both teams to score in the 1st half: yes	6.3

Given Cagliari’s tendency to start strongly at home and Verona’s effectiveness on the counter-attack, our recommended bet is Both Teams To Score in the first half. This option takes advantage of both teams’ aggressive styles, especially in the early stages of the match.

• Cagliari tends to push forward early at home, often leaving gaps in their defence.
• Verona are effective on the break and during set pieces, particularly against high-pressing teams.
• Both teams have shown a pattern of aggressive starts, increasing the likelihood of first-half goals.

With Cagliari conceding an average of 1.4 goals per game this season and Verona’s ability to capitalise against high-pressing teams, early goals from both sides are highly likely.

Betting Odds

In this Serie A clash, Cagliari are considered favourites with odds of 2.21, reflecting their home advantage at the Unipol Domus. Verona, however, should not be underestimated with odds of 3.68, especially given their potential to cause an upset.

Betting Tip	Odds
Cagliari to win	2.21
Draw	2.98
Verona to win	3.68

The draw is priced at 2.98, suggesting a closely contested encounter. For those considering alternative markets, both teams to score and over 2.5 goals could be worth a look, given the attacking intent both sides have shown in recent matches.

Cagliari Analysis & Past Performance

Cagliari’s recent form has been mixed, with two wins, two losses, and a draw in their last five Serie A matches. Notably, they secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Juventus, demonstrating their ability to compete with top teams.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	League	Date
Fiorentina	Cagliari	1 – 2 (Win)	Serie A	24 Jan 2026
Cagliari	Juventus	1 – 0 (Win)	Serie A	17 Jan 2026
Genoa	Cagliari	3 – 0 (Loss)	Serie A	12 Jan 2026
Cremonese	Cagliari	2 – 2 (Draw)	Serie A	8 Jan 2026
Cagliari	AC Milan	0 – 1 (Loss)	Serie A	2 Jan 2026

Recent Form:
Cagliari’s attacking output has been relatively modest, averaging 1.00 goal per match over the last five games, while their defence has conceded an average of 1.40 goals per game. The team has managed just one clean sheet in this period, highlighting some defensive vulnerabilities. At home, they have been fairly reliable, with two wins and two draws in their last five games, indicating stronger performances at the Unipol Domus.

In terms of league position, Cagliari currently sit 12th in Serie A with 25 points. This mid-table standing reflects their inconsistent performances throughout the season. With Gennaro Borrelli as the top scorer with three goals, the team will be looking for more players to step up in attack to improve their goal-scoring record.

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Cagliari Suspensions & Injuries

Cagliari have several injury concerns ahead of their match against Verona, which could significantly affect their tactical approach. Andrea Belotti, sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury until early April, is a notable absence and could impact Cagliari’s attacking options. Mattia Felici is also out for the season with a similar injury, further reducing their forward depth. In midfield, Michael Folorunsho and Alessandro Deiola are both out until early February, which may require a reshuffle and increased reliance on Michel Ndary Adopo and Luca Mazzitelli.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Andrea Belotti	Cruciate ligament injury	Early April 2026
Mattia Felici	Cruciate ligament injury	Out for the season
Michael Folorunsho	Leg injury	Early February 2026
Alessandro Deiola	Thigh injury	Early February 2026
Alessandro Di Pardo	Ankle injury	Mid February 2026

Alessandro Di Pardo’s ankle injury, keeping him out until mid-February, leaves a gap in defensive midfield, potentially resulting in tactical adjustments or added responsibility for Marco Palestra. With no suspensions to contend with, coach Fabio Pisacane can focus on optimising his available squad, though the midfield reshuffle may lead to a more conservative approach to maintain balance.

The absence of these players could affect Cagliari’s betting odds, as they may struggle to maintain their usual attacking fluidity and defensive solidity. Bettors should consider these availability issues when assessing Cagliari’s potential performance against Verona, as the team’s depth will be tested.

Cagliari Key Players

Gennaro Borrelli, Cagliari’s top scorer with 3 goals, will be a focal point in attack. His ability to finish with precision makes him a constant threat to Verona’s defence. Borrelli’s physical presence and aerial ability allow him to dominate in the box, providing Cagliari with a reliable target for crosses and set pieces.

Supporting Borrelli in attack, Semih Kilicsoy and Sebastiano Esposito are expected to bring dynamism and creativity. Kilicsoy’s pace and dribbling can stretch defences, while Esposito’s vision and passing make him an excellent playmaker. In midfield, Gianluca Gaetano’s technical skills and Luca Mazzitelli’s leadership are vital for controlling the tempo and providing defensive stability.

Expected lineup for Cagliari:

• Goalkeeper: Elia Caprile
• Defence: Sebastiano Luperto, Yerry Mina, Ze Pedro
• Midfield: Marco Palestra, Michel Ndary Adopo, Gianluca Gaetano, Luca Mazzitelli, Adam Obert
• Forward: Semih Kilicsoy, Sebastiano Esposito

Defensively, Yerry Mina and Sebastiano Luperto form a strong partnership at the back. Mina’s strength and Luperto’s tactical awareness help ensure Cagliari’s backline remains solid. Elia Caprile, in goal, brings agility and sharp reflexes, which are essential for stopping Verona’s attacking threats. These key players collectively shape Cagliari’s tactical approach, focusing on a balanced attack and solid defence.

Cagliari Tactics and Formation

Cagliari Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-5-2
• Key Forward: Sebastiano Esposito
• Midfield Core: Michel Ndary Adopo and Luca Mazzitelli
• Defensive Setup: Central trio with Yerry Mina as the anchor
• Notable Strategy: Utilising wing-backs for width and transitional play.

Cagliari’s 3-5-2 formation provides a balanced approach, offering defensive solidity and attacking support from the wing-backs. In midfield, Michel Ndary Adopo and Luca Mazzitelli play pivotal roles in both defensive transitions and initiating attacks, ensuring control and creativity.

Defensively, the central trio of Sebastiano Luperto, Yerry Mina, and Ze Pedro provides a strong backbone, crucial for absorbing pressure and maintaining shape. Despite conceding goals in recent matches, this structure offers a platform for improved defensive coordination.

In attack, Cagliari rely on the dynamic duo of Semih Kilicsoy and Sebastiano Esposito up front, whose interplay and movement are key to breaking down opposition defences. The wing-backs, Marco Palestra and Adam Obert, are vital in stretching play and delivering crosses, maximising Cagliari’s transitional opportunities.

Verona Analysis & Past Performance

Verona’s recent form has been disappointing, with the team failing to secure a win in their last five matches. This run includes three losses and two draws, highlighting their struggle to turn performances into victories. Their most recent outing ended in a 1-3 home defeat to Udinese, where Verona managed only 7 shots compared to Udinese’s 20, indicating a significant lack of attacking threat.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Verona	Udinese	1 – 3 (Loss)	Serie A	26 Jan 2026
Cremonese	Verona	0 – 0 (Draw)	Serie A	19 Jan 2026
Verona	Bologna	2 – 3 (Loss)	Serie A	15 Jan 2026
Verona	Lazio	0 – 1 (Loss)	Serie A	11 Jan 2026
SSC Napoli	Verona	2 – 2 (Draw)	Serie A	7 Jan 2026

Recent Form:
Verona have averaged 1.00 goal per game over their last five fixtures while conceding 1.80 goals on average. Despite scoring in three of these matches, their defensive solidity is questionable, with just one clean sheet in this period. Away from home, Verona’s record is poor, with only one win in their last ten away games, underlining their vulnerability on the road.

In terms of team dynamics, Gift Orban stands out as a key player, having scored seven times this season. However, Verona’s reliance on individual brilliance over cohesive team play is evident, as they sit 19th in the league with just 14 points. Their 0.09 win ratio, both overall and away, suggests a need for tactical adjustments to improve their prospects in upcoming fixtures.

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Verona Suspensions & Injuries

Verona face a significant challenge with several players sidelined due to injuries. Tomas Suslov’s cruciate ligament injury rules him out until late February 2026, removing a key midfield option. Muscle injuries to Jean Daniel Akpa Akpro, Armel Bella-Kotchap, and Martin Frese, along with Rafik Belghali’s thigh injury, leave the team’s defensive and midfield options stretched. Additionally, Nicolas Valentini and Daniel Mosquera are dealing with physical discomfort, casting doubt over their availability.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Tomas Suslov	Cruciate ligament injury	Late February 2026
Jean Daniel Akpa Akpro	Muscle injury	Doubtful
Armel Bella-Kotchap	Muscle injury	Doubtful
Martin Frese	Muscle injury	Doubtful
Rafik Belghali	Thigh injury	Doubtful
Nicolas Valentini	Physical discomfort	Doubtful
Daniel Mosquera	Physical discomfort	Doubtful

The absence of these players requires tactical adjustments from coach Paolo Zanetti. Verona’s 3-5-2 formation may need reshuffling within the squad. With the likes of Pol Lirola and Roberto Gagliardini expected to take on more responsibility, replacements must step up to maintain the team’s competitive edge.

These injuries could have a notable impact on Verona’s performance, especially defensively. The betting markets may shift odds in favour of Cagliari, given Verona’s depleted squad, potentially influencing the outcome of this Serie A clash.

Verona Key Players

Verona’s attacking hopes will rest heavily on Gift Orban, the team’s top scorer with 7 goals this season. Orban’s agility and clinical finishing make him a constant threat to any defence. Alongside Amin Sarr in attack, Orban’s ability to find space and convert chances will be crucial for Verona’s prospects against Cagliari.

In midfield, Roberto Gagliardini is a key figure. His ability to control the tempo and distribute the ball efficiently could dictate Verona’s midfield dominance. Gagliardini’s partnership with Antoine Bernede and Suat Serdar provides a balanced mix of creativity and defensive solidity, essential for both launching attacks and protecting the backline.

Expected lineup for Verona

• Goalkeeper: Simone Perilli
• Defenders: Tobias Slotsager, Victor Nelsson, Enzo Ebosse
• Midfielders: Pol Lirola, Roberto Gagliardini, Antoine Bernede, Suat Serdar, Domagoj Bradaric
• Forwards: Gift Orban, Amin Sarr

In defence, Victor Nelsson’s presence is vital. His leadership and composure are crucial for organising Verona’s backline, especially in dealing with Cagliari’s attacking threats. Alongside Nelsson, Tobias Slotsager and Enzo Ebosse must remain vigilant and robust to ensure defensive stability. The interplay between these key players could define Verona’s tactical approach, balancing attacking intent with defensive resilience.

Verona Tactics and Formation

Verona Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-5-2
• Key Forward: Gift Orban
• Midfield Engine: Roberto Gagliardini and Suat Serdar
• Defensive Setup: Three-man defence with Nelsson anchoring
• Notable Strategy: Utilises wing-backs for width and quick transitions.

Verona’s 3-5-2 formation provides a solid platform to control the midfield while maintaining defensive coverage. Roberto Gagliardini and Suat Serdar are pivotal in midfield, responsible for both breaking up opposition play and facilitating transitions. The wing-backs, Pol Lirola and Domagoj Bradaric, are essential for adding width to Verona’s attacks.

Defensively, the trio of Tobias Slotsager, Victor Nelsson, and Enzo Ebosse forms a solid line, although recent performances have seen them concede regularly, with only one clean sheet in their last five games. Victor Nelsson’s role as the central defender is crucial for organising the backline and providing leadership.

In attack, Gift Orban, as the leading forward, is expected to capitalise on scoring opportunities, supported by Amin Sarr. Verona’s strategy often involves quick transitions, leveraging the pace and creativity of their wing-backs and forwards to create chances.

Cagliari vs Verona Head-to-Head Record

In their head-to-head record, Verona have a slight edge over Cagliari, with 9 wins compared to Cagliari’s 8, and 7 matches ending in a draw. The last time these teams met, it was a thrilling 2-2 draw at Verona’s home ground in Serie A. This fixture has often been closely contested, with neither team dominating the other.

The last time Cagliari hosted Verona at the Unipol Domus, they secured a narrow 1-0 victory in November 2024. Cagliari will be hoping to repeat that result, especially given their decent home form against Verona in recent encounters.

Home Side	Away Side	Score	League	Date
Hellas Verona	Cagliari	2 – 2	Serie A	2025-10-26
Hellas Verona	Cagliari	0 – 2	Serie A	2025-04-28
Cagliari	Hellas Verona	1 – 0	Serie A	2024-11-29
Cagliari	Hellas Verona	1 – 1	Serie A	2024-04-01
Hellas Verona	Cagliari	2 – 0	Serie A	2023-12-23