Roma beat Salernitana 2-1 and Daniele De Rossi became the first Roma coach since Rudi Garcia in September 2013 to win his first two Serie A games. The new coach bounce has seen the Giallorossi move to within a point of the top four ahead of this matchday. A win against Cagliari would be historic, as it would be Roma’s fourth consecutive win in this fixture in the top flight for the first time since January 1983.
Things could be looking good for Roma if they can continue their impressive home form. They are unbeaten in 13 competitive games (11w, 2d) at the Stadio Olimpico. The Romans could also focus on improving their defensive record, as they have failed to keep a clean sheet in five of their last six league games at home. However, they have managed to do so in six of their last eight home league games against their upcoming opponents.
Cagliari struggling to stay afloat
Cagliari’s return to Serie A has not gone according to plan, with the club sitting in the relegation zone heading into the weekend. However, with just two points separating the five teams between 15th and 19th ahead of this matchday, there is still plenty to play for, even a draw. The Sardinians have at least shown signs of improvement in recent times, with more than a quarter of their seasonal points coming in their last five league games (1w, 2d, 2l).
Despite this, the Sardinians are showing early signs of another sticky patch, with two defeats in their last two games heading into this trip. Sources of confidence are few and far between for the Islanders, and they certainly will not take heart from their recent away form, having lost eight of their last ten league outings (2d). This will only add to the doubts surrounding Cagliari’s ability to spoil the party for Roma.
Players to watch: Paulo Dybala opened Roma’s scoring in their last game, meaning he has now won seven of the last eight games in which he has found the net in the top flight (1d). Cagliari’s Leonardo Pavoletti, on the other hand, has lost eight of his nine personal battles (1w). However, you can still expect him to potentially find the net late on, as he has scored three of his four goals this season in added time.
Hot stat: Roma have scored a third of their 36 league goals after the 80th minute.
Prediction: Roma 2-1 Cagliari
Roma are in good form and have a strong home record. Cagliari are struggling and have a poor away record. I expect Roma to win this game.
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