SOCCER ROUNDUP

CAGLIARI, Italy (Interstat) — Cagliari hosts Udinese on Saturday in a Serie A matchup that carries implications for both clubs as the season enters its final weeks. Kickoff is set for 8:45 p.m. local time at Sardegna Arena.

The teams meet after a 1-1 draw in their most recent head-to-head on Oct. 5, 2025, in Udine. That result extended a pattern of tight contests: Cagliari has not beaten Udinese at home since 2022, while Udinese’s last win in Sardinia came in 2021.

UDINESE’S FORM

Udinese enters with momentum after a 2-0 win at Torino on May 2, a result that lifted the club to mid-table safety. The victory followed a 3-3 draw at Lazio on April 27, a match in which Udinese squandered a two-goal lead. Manager Kosta Runjaic’s side has shown resilience but inconsistency: a 1-0 loss at Parma on April 18 and a 1-0 win at Atalanta on April 14. The highlight of the spring came April 11, a dominant 3-0 win at AC Milan. Overall, Udinese is 8-12-12 (W-D-L) and unbeaten in its last two away matches.

CAGLIARI’S FORM

Cagliari enters on a four-match winless streak after a 0-0 draw at Bologna on May 3. That result followed a 3-2 home win over Atalanta on April 27, a match that briefly lifted them out of the relegation zone. But losses to Inter Milan (3-0 on April 17) and Sassuolo (2-1 on April 4) have left the club in 16th place, three points above the drop zone. Manager Claudio Ranieri’s side has struggled for goals, scoring only once in the past three league matches. A 1-0 win at Cremonese on April 11 remains their only clean sheet in the last eight games.

KEY MATCHUPS

Cagliari’s attack, led by striker Gianluca Lapadula (8 goals), will test an Udinese defense that has kept three clean sheets in the past five matches. Udinese forward Lorenzo Lucca (10 goals) is the visitors’ top threat, while midfielder Sandi Lovric provides creativity. Cagliari captain Leonardo Pavoletti (4 goals) must improve his finishing after going scoreless in his last six appearances.

OUTLOOK

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 1-1 draw, citing both teams’ recent defensive solidity and lack of finishing. A win for Udinese would solidify their upper mid-table position; a victory for Cagliari could pull them clear of relegation trouble. The referee is Daniele Chiffi.

LINEUP NOTES

Cagliari will be without injured defender Sebastiano Luperto (thigh). Udinese lists midfielder Walace as questionable with a knee issue. Expected formations: Cagliari in a 4-3-1-2; Udinese in a 3-5-2.

Saturday’s match will be broadcast on Paramount+ in the U.S. and on DAZN in Italy.