As the Serie A season nears its climax, all eyes are on the crucial matchup between Cagliari and Udinese, set to kick off on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 15:00. This match is pivotal for both teams, with Cagliari aiming to secure their place in the top tier and Udinese seeking to regain their form after a challenging stretch.
Cagliari, under the guidance of coach Davide Nicola, comes into this game with renewed confidence following a solid 2-0 victory against Verona, which propelled them to 14th place in the standings with 33 points—eight points clear of the relegation zone occupied by Venezia. Nicola emphasized his team’s commitment to growth, stating, "From now until the end, we will always give our best. We want to continue to grow and do so in the best possible way, achieving our goal to fully value the journey of this team." This victory was crucial not only for the points but also for the morale of the squad as they look to build momentum in the final stretch of the season.
However, Cagliari faces some challenges ahead of the match. Star forward Leonardo Pavoletti is dealing with physical issues, although Nicola remains hopeful about his participation, saying, "We count on having him with us." The coach also noted that the squad has been preparing for various scenarios, indicating that they have tested different players in key positions to ensure flexibility. He mentioned, "We have put all the players in rhythm to find alternatives where needed."
On the other side of the pitch, Udinese arrives in Cagliari looking to end a difficult run that saw them go five matches without a win. Their recent 0-0 draw against Bologna halted the losing streak, but the team, coached by Kosta Runjaic, is eager to secure a victory to regain their confidence. Currently sitting in 12th place with 41 points, Udinese is not in immediate danger of relegation, but they are certainly seeking to improve their form as the season winds down.
Runjaic acknowledged the physicality of Cagliari, describing them as a challenging opponent: "They have great physicality; historically, they have always had strong athletes. The numbers of Udinese show how formidable they can be, and it will be an intense match where we need to interpret both phases well." This insight highlights the tactical battle expected between the two sides.
As for the probable lineups, Cagliari is expected to field a 3-5-2 formation, featuring goalkeeper Caprile, with a back three of Zappa, Palomino, and Luperto. The midfield will see Zortea, Makoumbou, Marin, Adopo, and Augello, while Luvumbo and Piccoli are set to lead the attack. Notably, Mina remains unavailable due to injury, which has prompted Nicola to rotate his squad strategically.
Meanwhile, Udinese is likely to adopt a similar 3-5-2 setup, with Okoye in goal and a defensive line comprising Kristensen, Bijol, and Solet. The midfield will include Rui Modesto, Atta, Lovric, Karlstrom, and Kamara, while Sanchez and Davis are expected to spearhead the attack. The absence of suspended players Ehizibue and Payero, along with injuries to Lucca and Thauvin, has forced Runjaic to adjust his lineup, but he remains optimistic about his team's capabilities.
The referee for this important clash will be Ermanno Feliciani from the Teramo section, adding another layer of anticipation to the match.
Fans will be able to catch the action live on DAZN, with coverage available on DAZN 1 (channel 214 Sky) and streaming options for mobile devices and smart TVs. The commentary will be led by Riccardo Mancini, ensuring that viewers will not miss a moment of this critical encounter.
As the match approaches, the stakes could not be higher. Cagliari is on the brink of securing their Serie A status, needing a victory today and a favor from Empoli, who face Lazio tomorrow. Should Cagliari triumph, they could effectively seal their safety in the league, marking a significant achievement for the club and its supporters.
In contrast, Udinese is desperate for a win to shake off the cobwebs of their recent performances and reignite their season. With both teams having much to play for, fans can expect a fiercely competitive match filled with intensity and drama.
As the countdown to kickoff begins, the atmosphere in the stadium is sure to be electric, with supporters rallying behind their teams. Will Cagliari take the final step towards safety, or can Udinese turn their fortunes around? The answer will unfold in what promises to be an unforgettable match.
