Sunday's early kick-off brings an intriguing encounter to the Unipol Domus as Cagliari host promoted Pisa in what promises to be a tight contest between two teams approaching the fixture from vastly different positions.
The Sardinians enter this match desperate for points after last week's 2-1 defeat to Atalanta in Bergamo—their third consecutive loss in all competitions. Meanwhile, Pisa arrive fresh from a disappointing 1-0 home defeat to Lecce, a result that dented their impressive start to life in Serie A.
Cagliari's December blues
What began as a promising campaign has deteriorated rapidly for Davide Nicola's men. The festive period offers no comfort: three defeats from three matches have seen Cagliari slip toward the danger zone.
The tactical approach hasn't changed—Nicola still favors his structured 3-5-2 formation—but execution has faltered. Roberto Piccoli has led the attacking line admirably, but service from midfield has been inconsistent at best.
Home form offers some solace. Four wins from seven at Unipol Domus this season demonstrate Cagliari remain competitive in Sardinia, even if recent results suggest otherwise. The passionate home support will be vital in reversing the negative momentum.
Pisa's Serie A surprise
Few expected Pisa to adapt so comfortably to top-flight football. Promoted via the playoffs after finishing third in Serie B, Filippo Inzaghi's side have confounded expectations with a mid-table position that seemed improbable in August.
The Nerazzurri's success owes much to defensive organization. Just 14 goals conceded in 15 matches places them among Serie A's most resilient backlines—a remarkable achievement for a newly promoted side.
Last week's defeat to Lecce, however, exposed vulnerabilities. Without a recognized goalscorer capable of producing individual brilliance, Pisa rely on collective effort. When that collective falters, results follow.
The tactical battle
Both managers favor pragmatic approaches, suggesting this contest may prove cagier than the lunchtime slot deserves. Neither side possesses the attacking firepower to justify open, expansive football.
Cagliari will seek to exploit Pisa's struggles on the road—just one win from eight away matches highlights an Achilles heel in Inzaghi's project. Home advantage and the need for points should encourage Nicola to push higher than usual.
For Pisa, the formula remains unchanged: defend deep, remain compact, and strike on transitions. Their xG against of 1.2 per match demonstrates the effectiveness of this approach, even if entertainment value suffers.
Key absences
Cagliari welcome back several players from minor knocks, though their strongest eleven should feature barring late setbacks. The return of Nicolas Viola to midfield provides additional creativity in central areas.
Pisa face fewer selection headaches, with Inzaghi able to field his preferred lineup. The continuity of selection has been one factor behind their defensive solidity—players understanding their roles intuitively after months of repetition.
What to expect
The betting markets anticipate a low-scoring affair, and recent form supports that assessment. Neither side has exceeded two goals in their last five matches, and the combined average of 2.1 goals per game suggests caution will prevail.
For Cagliari, three points would ease mounting pressure and restore confidence ahead of a challenging January fixture list. For Pisa, avoiding defeat maintains their impressive start and reinforces the belief that survival is well within reach.
The Mediterranean December sun will illuminate a contest more tense than thrilling—but in Serie A's bottom half, substance matters far more than style.
