Palermo-Cagliari is a Serie B Week 18 match played on Sunday at 18:45: odds, predictions, TV and streaming
Two great cities of the South, and two ‘noble decadents’ of Italian football who should have been fighting for decidedly more ambitious goals. And instead, with just a few days to go before the end of the first half of the season, Palermo and Cagliari are living on the right side of the table, risking having to say goodbye to the promotion dream
Despite being newly promoted, Palermo had started the season with much different intentions, especially after the club had officially joined the Manchester City ‘galaxy’. The Rosanero, waiting for something to be sorted out in the January market, have disappointed: after 14 matches they are fourteenth in the standings, closer to the playout than the playoffs, and they are still clinging to their goal scorer Brunori, who has already scored eight goals. Coach Corini has been questioned several times, but the club has been willing to give him confidence. And probably with good reason, as the Sicilians have lost only two matches in the last nine days. There have been three consecutive results following the home defeat against Venezia: Palermo defeated Benevento and drew with Como and Spal, five points that at least move the league table.
Neither does Cagliari, who on paper seemed to dominate the Serie Cadetta, immediately reverted to the top flight. The former Rosanero Liverani, who was also close to being sacked on several occasions, is trying to bring the red and blue back to the top eight, and the breakthrough victory over Perugia, beaten 3-2 in a daring manner, was fundamental in this respect. It was the first three points after almost two months. Now the Sardinians need to break free on the road: their last success dates back to September.
Palermo-Cagliari: latest line-up news
Stulac seems to have convinced Corini and will almost certainly be re-positioned at centre-back. In defence Bettella is not at his best and should be replaced by Mateju. In attack Di Mariano will flank Brunori, while Valente and Sala will act on the outside in the 3-5-2 prepared by the Lombard coach.
Pavoletti exults after a goal
Numerous defections among the Rossoblù: Di Pardo, Mancosu, Rog and Deiola will be absent in Palermo. Also probably absent is Barreca, who is feverish. Carboni will be on the left flank, while in front Falco will assist the Lapadula-Pavoletti pair.
The Prediction
Duel between two disappointments who cannot afford any further missteps. Palermo have won only one of their last five matches at the ‘Barbera’, but Cagliari are stuttering away from home. In short, there seems to be all the ingredients for a draw.
The likely formation for Palermo v Cagliari
- PALERMO (3-5-2): Pigliacelli; Mateju, Nedelcearu, Marconi; Valente, Segre, Stulac, Gomes, Sala; Brunori, Di Mariano.
- CAGLIARI (4-3-1-2): Radunovic; Zappa, Altare, Obert, Carboni; Nandez, Viola, Kourfalidis; Falco; Lapadula, Pavoletti.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-2
