Italian Serie A Clash: Cagliari's Struggle for Survival Against a Resurgent AC Milan in a Crucial League Encounter – Tactical Analysis and Potential Match Dynamics

Cagliari, currently 14th in the standings, faces increasing pressure in their battle to avoid relegation. Their recent form has been inconsistent, with a record of 2 wins, 4 draws, and 4 losses in their last 10 matches. Offensively, the team has struggled, and their defence has shown vulnerabilities, particularly in set-piece situations, which limits their tactical options. Their strategy primarily relies on long passes and quick counterattacks, utilising pacey players to break through, but they struggle with ball possession and controlling the game's tempo. In contrast, AC Milan is enjoying a strong run of form, having secured 5 wins, 3 draws, and 2 losses in their last 10 games, placing them second in the league and firmly in the title race. AC Milan favours a mid-to-short passing game, focusing on midfield control and central attacking organisation, creating numerous scoring opportunities. However, they may be exposed in defence during high-pressure situations and counterattacks. This is an area worth monitoring. Team news reveals Cagliari facing significant injury problems, with key players like Belotti and Mina missing, impacting the team's stability and psychological resilience. AC Milan, on the other hand, is relatively healthy; the absence of their centre-forward does not affect the overall team structure. Their players have a high level of understanding and possess greater psychological stability. The overall trend suggests Cagliari is on a downward trajectory, while AC Milan shows clear signs of improvement. Historical head-to-head records also favour AC Milan, which puts the home side, Cagliari, at a disadvantage. Therefore, the key aspects of this match will be Cagliari's defence's ability to withstand AC Milan's quick counterattacks and AC Milan's capacity to control the game through midfield dominance. Italian Serie A 01-03 03:45 Cagliari: AC Milan Match direction: 2.25, Over