FiorentinaCagliari

Fiorentina suffered for a long time, but Vanoli's team has visibly stabilized in the new year: they are undefeated in the last four league matches (2-2-0), including a 2-1 away win in Bologna. Based on statistics, the Purples average 1.55 expected goals at home, while conceding 0.9. The improvement in form is contributed by Mandragora's set pieces, Piccoli's agile center play, and the widened rotation thanks to the winter signings (Solomon, Brescianini). Among the absentees, Kean's ankle remains questionable, Parisi is definitely out, but the key defenders (Dodo, Pongračić, Comuzzo) are available.

The visiting Cagliari, however, is more solid than it seems at first glance: Pisacane's team, with a 1-0 win against Juve, is already five points ahead of Fiorentina, although they only average 0.9 goals away and concede 1.45. The squad still misses Belotti and Deiola, Zappa's participation is questionable, but the newly arrived Sulemana can stabilize the midfield.

The stakes are high: two rivals fleeing relegation, every point is worth gold. The lack of attack in Cagliari and the restrained home risk-taking altogether suggest a low number of goals, promising a close result. The biggest uncertainty is the integration of the fresh winter arrivals, as well as Fiorentina's recently introduced 4-3-3 formation, which has only run on a small sample so far.