Cagliari vs Inter Milan

Cagliari host league leaders Inter Milan in the ultimate David vs Goliath Serie A scenario this season. Not only are Cagliari staring relegation straight in the face in 20^th place of the Seria A league table, 27 points separate the two clubs and the season is not even at its midway point. Inter will be trying to maintain their undefeated record to start the season.

Nedo Sonetti’s side have 10 points at this point in their season and are the door mats of the Serie A, just behind Reggina on goal difference. They have not won a match since they defeated Siena at home back in September. On a positive note they did win their last match at home for the Coppa Italia when they took care of Sampdoria. Their league record at home stands at 1 victory, 2 draws and 4 losses. They were destroyed by Empoli on the road last week by a score of 4-1 at the Stadio Carlo Castellani.That loss stretched their winless run to 9 matches of which 4 have come at home. The one thing the sardi have going for them this week is that Shala is the only player not available meaning that Sonetti can go with his classic 4-4-2 formation featuring the Argentine Larrivey and Matri in attack.

Inter Milan are the only side left in Serie A that have yet to lose a match. They are on a 4 match win streak that has seem them outscore the opposition 11-1. They are as well oiled a machine at this point as you could possibly ask for. They have won 4 of 7 matches away from home with 3 draws. There will be some significant absences from the starting eleven this week for manager Roberto Mancini. In addition to the suspended Ibrahimovic, he will be without Patrick Vieira, Luis Figo, keeper Francesco Toldo, Stankovic and Dacourt among others. Brazilian international Julio Cesar will once again get the start in goal while the combination of Julio Cruz of Argentina and Honduran David Suazo in attack. It will be an especially emotional match for Suazo as he spent 7 years in Sardinia.

Cagliari will need to play their best match of the season while Inter will need to perform well below their abilities in order for the side from the Sant’Elia to have a chance. Inter are just too good and should pick up their 5^th straight win, notwithstanding all of the injury concerns. Of note, the Inter starting eleven will once again feature no Italian players and save for Christian Chivu the remaining 10 starters are from south and central america.

Prediction: Inter 1-2.