Serie A kicks off a new season with a familiar David vs. Goliath clash as Cagliari host Inter on August 30, 2026. The Sardinians endured a difficult previous campaign, finishing with a 24% win rate, scoring just 33 goals while conceding 47. Their recent form of one win in their last five outings does little to inspire confidence against the reigning champions.
Inter, in stark contrast, come into this fixture having dominated the league, boasting a 76% win rate with 78 goals scored and only 29 conceded. Their current momentum, with three wins and two draws from their last five, suggests they are hitting the ground running. Historically, this fixture has heavily favoured Inter, with their last four victories over Cagliari seeing them score at least two goals. The bookmakers reflect this disparity, assigning a 0% win probability to the home side. For Cagliari, survival will be the narrative; for Inter, it's about maintaining their imperious form from the outset. Expect Inter's attacking prowess to be on full display, while Cagliari will need a defensive masterclass to avoid a comprehensive defeat.
1. E. Caprile, 2. J. Pedro, 14. A. Deiola, 15. J. Rodriguez, 33. A. Obert, 4. A. Romano, 6. H. Winks, 8. M. Adopo, 70. D. Maldini, 10. J. Fazzini, 31. P. Mendy
1. J. Martinez, 31. Y. Bisseck, 25. M. Akanji, 95. A. Bastoni, 17. A. Diouf, 23. N. Barella, 20. H. Calhanoglu, 7. P. Zielinski, 32. F. Dimarco, 94. F. Esposito, 10. L. Martinez
Match events
9' Goal Normal Goal — H. Calhanoglu (Inter) (assists: N. Barella)
14' Card Yellow Card — M. Akanji (Inter)
56' Card Yellow Card — A. Deiola (Cagliari)
57' subst Substitution 1 — J. Fazzini (Cagliari) (assists: A. Fadera)
57' subst Substitution 2 — H. Winks (Cagliari) (assists: R. Kofler)
57' subst Substitution 3 — P. Mendy (Cagliari) (assists: Kevin)
65' subst Substitution 1 — F. Esposito (Inter) (assists: M. Thuram)
65' subst Substitution 2 — H. Calhanoglu (Inter) (assists: P. Zielinski)
65' subst Substitution 3 — P. Sucic (Inter) (assists: C. Jones)
68' subst Substitution 4 — M. Akanji (Inter) (assists: J. Stones)
78' subst Substitution 4 — D. Maldini (Cagliari) (assists: G. Borrelli)
81' subst Substitution 5 — Luis Henrique (Inter) (assists: Y. Bisseck)
83' subst Substitution 5 — A. Deiola (Cagliari) (assists: R. Ciervo)
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