Cagliari will play host to Inter at the Stadio Sant’Elia on Monday as the Nerazzurri look to continue their recent surge up the standings.
Both clubs appear to be headed in opposite directions as the Isolani remain embroiled in the heart of the relegation battle thanks to a three match winless run.
As a result Gianfranco Zola’s men sit in 18th place, a full three points behind Atalanta for the final spot to remain in Serie A
On the other hand Roberto Mancini’s men look to have possibly turned the corner with impressive wins over Palermo and Atalanta in their last two Serie A matches and currently sit tied for ninth with Torino.
Historically this encounter has been dominated by Inter as the Nerazzurri have registered 32 victories, compared to Cagliari’s 12, from their 71 previous encounters in the Serie A.
However the tables were turned in their most recent encounter in September 2014 when the Rossolbu shocked Inter at the San Siro with a 4-1 victory.
Both teams have undergone big changes since the match, with the Nerazzurri replacing Walter Mazzarri with Mancini while Cagliari opted to bring club legend Zola in to replace Zdenek Zeman.
Interestingly enough the Biscione have not registered three consecutive victories in Serie A since November 2012, when Andrea Stramaccioni was still coach, meaning victory on Monday could signal that Inter have finally turned the corner under their new tactician.
Adding to the Nerazzurri’s chances of breaking that streak, Cagliari have conceded in all of their last 12 home matches so the likes of Mauro Icardi and Rodrigo Palacio will no doubt be eager to take the pitch in Sardinia.
The home side have close to a full squad available for selection with Antonio Balzano the only player out due to a right leg injury, meaning Zola will be able to field his best side as the Isolani look to continue their unbeaten run against Inter that started in 2011.
On the other side Mancini has a few concerns he must deal with. Jonathan is out for the remainder of the season after undergoing knee surgery, while Yuto Nagatomo is also a long term absentee with a thigh injury.
Danilo D’Ambrosio and Marco Andreolli are slowly returning to form, though they are not expected to be called up to the matchday squad.
Form Guide: Cagliari (W-D-W-L-L-D) Inter (W-D-L-L-W-W)
Expected Starting XIs
Cagliari: Brkic; Dessena, Rossettini, Capuano, Avelar; Donsah, Coni, Ekdal; Cossu, Cop; Sau.
Inter: Handanovic; Campagnaro, Ranocchia, Juan Jesus, Santon; Guarin, Medel, Brozovic; Shaqiri; Icardi, Podolski.
