Torino vs Cagliari

Torino [LLLWW] arrive buoyed by consecutive Serie A victories after edging Sassuolo 1-0 last time out, a result that lifted the Granata to 13th place on 20 points [5W, 5D, 6L] and within five points of the European places. With momentum building, Marco Baroni’s men now have a rare opportunity to claim a third straight league win for the first time since September 2019, a milestone that would underline their recent progress.

Defensive solidity has been the foundation of the Bull’s revival, with back-to-back clean sheets offering encouragement. However, that resilience contrasts sharply with their overall numbers, as they have still conceded the third-most goals in the division this season.

Baroni’s side have been one of Serie A’s most unpredictable outfits, shipping 26 goals yet registering seven clean sheets – a tally no other bottom-half side can better. That inconsistency has been less damaging at the Olimpico Grande Torino, where Torino have won two of their last five league games [WDLLW].

History suggests this could be a competitive affair. Cagliari have lost just three of the last 12 head-to-head meetings [4W, 5D, 3L], although Torino claimed a victory in January and could now secure consecutive H2H wins for the first time since March 2018.

Squad-wise, the Granata are in relatively good shape, despite defenders Saúl Coco and Adam Masina being away at the Africa Cup of Nations. Long-term absentee Perr Schuurs remains the only injury concern.

Che Adams and Duván Zapata may pair upfront in a 3-5-2 formation.

Cagliari [DLWLD] continue to flirt with danger after surrendering a lead in a 2-2 draw with Pisa last weekend. They sit 15th, only three points clear of the relegation zone, with just one win from their last 12 league matches [1W, 5D, 6L].

While their 15-point [3W, 6D, 9L] haul is an improvement on previous top-flight campaigns at this stage, performances have failed to inspire confidence.

Their struggles are particularly evident on the road, with Cagliari winless in their last six away league matches [0W, 3D, 3L].

To make matters worse, they travel north depleted, missing key figures including Andrea Belotti, Mattia Felici and Michael Folorunsho, while Zé Pedro is injured and Zito Luvumbo is away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.

A 4—3—1—2 setup is expected with Sebastiano Esposito and Semih Kılıçsoy leading the attacking line.