Get ready for an intriguing Serie A clash as Cremonese faces Cagliari, with both teams looking to rebound after opening their 2026 campaigns with defeats. This matchup at Stadio Zini presents a vital opportunity for both sides to secure crucial points and improve their standings. Cremonese, despite sitting three points above their visitors, will be keen to end their scoring drought and secure a much-needed victory.
Cremonese, promoted via the Serie B playoffs last season, has found themselves in a comfortable mid-table position with 21 points. However, a recent dip in form, marked by losses to Napoli and Torino and a goalless draw with Lazio, has stalled their progress. Their new year began with a disappointing loss to the league’s bottom-placed club, Fiorentina, extending their goalless streak to 372 minutes.
The Grigiorossi’s attacking partnership of Jamie Vardy and Federico Bonazzoli has struggled to find the net, raising concerns about a potential five-game Serie A run without scoring for the first time in their history. Compounding these offensive woes, Cremonese has also lost three of their last four home fixtures./https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F12%2Ffederico-bonazzoli-celebrates-scoring-for-cremonese-on-december-12-2025-gribaudi-imagephoto-693a812eef0f3258113668.jpg)
Despite recent home struggles, historical data offers a glimmer of hope for Cremonese. They boast an impressive record against Cagliari in top-flight meetings at Stadio Zini, having won the last three encounters and scoring a notable eight goals. However, the most recent Serie A contest between these two clubs dates back to February 1996, and Cagliari has secured Coppa Italia victories in the past decade.
Cagliari, on the other hand, aims to draw level with Cremonese on 21 points with a victory. Their current tally of 18 points from 18 matches is an improvement compared to their performance at this stage in the previous two seasons. Under rookie coach Fabio Pisacane, the Sardinian side is showing resilience and appears on track to maintain their Serie A status for a third consecutive season./https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F20%2F33%2Fsm-words-green-background.png)
Following a rare away win to conclude 2025, Cagliari’s recent loss to AC Milan places them 14th, precariously close to the relegation zone. Despite the challenges, their competitive spirit has been evident in recent weeks, often pushing opponents to their limits even in defeat.
What is the head-to-head record between Cremonese and Cagliari in Serie A?
Historically, Cremonese holds a strong advantage over Cagliari in Serie A home matches, winning the last three encounters at Stadio Zini. However, the most recent top-flight meeting between the two clubs occurred in February 1996, with Cagliari securing Coppa Italia wins more recently.
Team News for Cremonese indicates that Warren Bondo is expected to recover from a muscular issue. However, Jeremy Sarmiento and Michele Collocolo are likely to be sidelined. The striking duo of Vardy and Bonazzoli are under pressure to perform, with Franco Vazquez and Antonio Sanabria pushing for starting roles.
Cagliari’s attacking lineup will likely feature Semih Kilicsoy, but Sebastiano Esposito’s fitness remains a concern due to a calf problem. He could join Alessandro Deiola, Andrea Belotti, Mattia Felici, and Michael Folorunsho on the sidelines. On a positive note, Zito Luvumbo has returned from the Africa Cup of Nations.
Cremonese possible starting lineup: Audero; Terracciano, Baschirotto, Bianchetti; Barbieri, Payero, Grassi, Vandeputte, Pezzella; Bonazzoli, Vardy
Cagliari possible starting lineup: Caprile; Zappa, Mina, Luperto; Palestra, Adopo, Prati, Mazzitelli, Obert; Gaetano; Kilicsoy
We predict a tightly contested match, with Cremonese struggling to break their scoring duck against a resilient Cagliari side. A draw appears to be the most likely outcome, with both teams sharing the spoils and inching closer to safety.
While Cremonese will sense an opportunity to halt their recent downturn, Cagliari has demonstrated commendable competitiveness in recent weeks. They have consistently picked up points or lost by narrow margins, even when facing challenging opponents. Given Cremonese’s recent goal-scoring struggles, the Sardinian side has the potential to secure a valuable point on their journey back home. The analysis suggests that a 1-1 draw is a probable scoreline, reflecting the balanced nature of the encounter and the current form of both teams.
