Both sides will be looking to secure crucial points as they aim to improve their respective league positions

Cagliari and Inter Milan go head-to-head in Serie A on Saturday. Both sides will be looking to secure crucial points as they aim to improve their respective league positions in this encounter.

Cagliari Team News

Cagliari head coach Fabio Pisacane faces potential selection headaches with key players battling fitness concerns. Gabriele Zappa remains a major doubt after suffering discomfort in his thigh during the Coppa Italia victory over Frosinone. The Italian wingback, who has become crucial to Cagliari’s attacking play down the right flank, underwent assessment by the medical staff and his participation remains uncertain.

Zito Luvumbo is definitely ruled out after sustaining a thigh problem while on international duty with Angola. The lightning-fast forward, who has repeatedly struggled with muscle injuries, will miss the Inter clash and potentially several more fixtures.

Forward Andrea Belotti leads the line for the Sardinians, having netted twice in four Serie A appearances this season. Yerry Mina, who scored for Colombia in their recent World Cup qualifying victory over Venezuela, returns from international duty to anchor the defence.

Inter Milan Team News

Cristian Chivu has received a significant boost with captain Lautaro Martinez returning to full fitness. The Argentine striker has recovered from the back pain that forced him off against Juventus and kept him out of the Champions League opener against Ajax. Martinez boasts an exceptional record against Cagliari, scoring 11 goals in 11 meetings, including seven goals in his last five encounters against the Sardinians.

Josep Martinez is expected to start in goal, having replaced Yann Sommer against Sassuolo last time out.

However, Ange-Yoan Bonny remains doubtful after suffering an ankle knock. The French striker is training separately from the main squad and could miss Saturday’s trip to Sardinia unless he overcomes the discomfort.

The defensive line appears fully fit, with Alessandro Bastoni, Francesco Acerbi, and Manuel Akanji likely to form the back three. Denzel Dumfries and Federico Dimarco are expected to occupy the wing-back positions.

Predicted Lineups

Cagliari: Caprile; Mina, Luperto, Obert; Palestra, Adopo, Prati, Deiola, Di Pardo; Belotti, Esposito.

Inter Milan: Josep Martinez; Akanji, Acerbi, Carlos Augusto; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Sucic, Dimarco; Lautaro Martinez, Thuram.