Serie A 2025-2026: Cagliari-Cremonese, the likely lineups
Saturday’s 3 p.m. match at the Unipol Domus between Cagliari and Cremonese represents one of the most delicate moments of the 32nd day of Serie A. What awaits the Sardinians and grigiorossi is a real direct clash for survival, putting at stake very heavy points for salvation.
For Pisacane’s men, coming off an eight-turn dry spell and the recent knockout in Reggio Emilia, today’s match is a must-win opportunity to break a crisis of results that has drastically decreased the margin of safety over the relegation zone. With fans ready to push the team after the protest of recent days, Cagliari must find the success that has been missing for too long now to push away the specter of Serie B.
On the opposite front, Giampaolo’s Cremonese come to Sardinia with the imperative to close the three-length gap just from the Rossoblù. The grigiorossi, currently third-last on 27 points along with Lecce, can no longer afford any more missteps after their home defeat against Bologna. Despite the enthusiasm for the success three weeks ago in Parma, the road to salvation remains uphill and a negative result today would risk turning into a point of no return. For the Lombardi, dragged by more than 400 fans in tow, getting out of the Domus unscathed is the only way to keep their hopes of a comeback alive.
Pisacane must do without long-term injured Felici and Idrissi, in addition to captain Pavoletti still in the pits. The Rossoblù coach relies on a 3-5-1-1 with Caprile in the posts and the return of Dossena in the center of defense along with Mina and Zé Pedro. In midfield, Gaetano will act as a low center forward, supported by the physicality of Adopo and Deiola, while up front Folorunsho will lead the attack with the support of young Esposito.
Giampaolo must do without the disqualified Maleh in midfield and the injured Thorsby and Jamie Vardy. In defense, Baschirotto returns from the first minute alongside Luperto. Zerbin and Vandeputte will act on the flanks, ready to serve forwards Bonazzoli and Djuric, the latter favored over Okereke for the advanced reference role.
Probable formations
CAGLIARI (3-5-1-1): Caprile; Zè Pedro, Mina, Dossena; Palestra, Adopo, Gaetano, Deiola, Obert; Esposito Se.; Folorunsho. All. Pisacane.
CREMONESE (4-4-2): Audero; Terracciano, Baschirotto, Luperto, Pezzella; Zerbin, Payero, Grassi, Vandeputte; Bonazzoli, Djuric. All. Giampaolo.
