Cagliari and Juventus Set for Serie A Clash with Key Players Missing
Cagliari is poised to maintain their impressive winning streak as they prepare to host Juventus in a pivotal Serie A clash this Sunday evening. Currently, Cagliari sits two points ahead of Juventus in the league table, having secured four victories from their first five matches of the season. The hosts are riding high after a series of strong performances, including wins against Lecce, Atalanta, and Udinese, and they have only conceded two goals so far this season.
Juventus, on the other hand, enters this match following a morale-boosting 2-0 victory over Atalanta and a commanding 5-0 win against NEC in the Europa League. However, their recent form has been marred by a disappointing 3-2 defeat to Sassuolo in the league. Coach Luciano Spalletti faces challenges as he is still without several key players due to injuries, including Kenan Yildiz, Khephren Thuram, and Manuel Locatelli.
Despite these setbacks, Randal Kolo Muani is fit to play after undergoing a minor surgical procedure on a fractured finger during the international break. He retains his position as the center-forward, while Tottenham Hotspur loanee Pape Matar Sarr has been included in the starting line-up, replacing summer signing Kerim Alajbegovic. Other players such as Francisco Conceicao, Weston McKennie, and Nico Gonzalez also keep their spots in the squad.
That's the Call
Cagliari's squad boasts two Italy internationals, Alessandro Romano and Daniel Maldini, with Romano recently making his senior debut under Roberto Mancini during the Nations League fixtures. Additionally, Yanis Massolin, who joined on loan from Inter, is set to make his Serie A debut in this match.
Kick-off is scheduled for 19:45 BST, and both teams will be eager to secure a vital three points in this competitive encounter. Cagliari's strong start to the season has set the stage for an exciting match against a Juventus side looking to bounce back from recent inconsistencies.
