Cagliari vs Bari predictions for Thursday’s playoff in Serie B. Who will get an advantage in this first leg playoff final? Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Match Live Thursday, 8th June at 7:30 pm In:
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Cagliari vs Bari Predictions
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Battle for a Spot in Serie A
Key Stats
– Despite conceding 34 goals, Cagliari boasts 14 clean sheets from 38 matches.
– Bari, with only three losses in their last 18 matches, showcases a strong challenge for Cagliari.
This Thursday, playoff finalists Cagliari and Bari go head-to-head at Unipol Domus in a fierce clash for Serie A’s third and final promotion spot. For Cagliari, a swift return to Italy’s top tier is at stake, following their relegation a year ago, while Bari is eyeing a back-to-back promotion to rejoin the big leagues.
Cagliari’s journey back to Serie A has been marked by challenges and changes. After Fabio Liverani’s coaching stint failed to yield the desired results, experienced coach Claudio Ranieri took the helm in January, leading the Sardinian side to secure fifth place in the Serie B table despite early hurdles. This enabled them to compete in the playoffs’ preliminary round, a chance they took with both hands.
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Bumpy Road to the Final
Following a close 2-1 victory over Venezia and a nail-biting encounter with Parma, Cagliari secured their spot in the promotion decider. The dramatic fightback on their home turf saw them clinch a 3-2 win in the first leg of the semifinal against Parma, a victory highlighted by a double strike from Zito Luvumbo and a penalty goal by Gianluca Lapadula. A tense 0-0 stalemate in the return leg sealed their place in the final, consequently dashing Parma’s hopes of a Serie A return.
On the other hand, Bari have had an inspiring journey from Serie D to the brink of Serie A. After achieving third place this season, they showed their mettle in the playoff semi-final against Sudtirol, overturning a 1-0 deficit in the second leg to make it to the final.
Showdown at Unipol Domus
Coming into this match, Cagliari boasts of a sterling home record, with only two losses in their 19 home games this season. Despite winning just one point from two league meetings with Bari earlier in the season, Cagliari’s recent form and home advantage point towards a potential victory.
Bari, despite losing three of their last 18 matches, presents a formidable challenge. They’ve managed to claw their way back from financial turmoil to the brink of a Serie A return. As the showdown looms, both sides will have to make adjustments due to suspensions and injuries.
Looking at the Lineups
Cagliari’s forward line, led by Peru international Gianluca Lapadula, is set to take center stage. Lapadula, with 25 goals under his belt this season, will be a significant threat to Bari. Additionally, the Sardinian side will rely on experienced defender Edoardo Goldaniga, who is expected to fill in for the suspended Alberto Dossena in the back four.
On the other side, Bari have significant absences due to injury and suspension. Giacomo Ricci will be notably absent due to a red card he picked up during the semi-final second leg. The Puglian side will also miss the services of the injured duo Cristian Galano and Raffaele Pucino. Bari will rely heavily on veteran forward Mirko Antenucci and Morocco striker Walid Cheddira, with Inter loanee Sebastiano Esposito also set to feature upfront.
The Stakes and Predictions
Interestingly, our correct score prediction is a 1-0 win for Cagliari. With their defensive prowess (only 34 goals conceded in 38 games) and Bari’s relatively lower goal rate outside the box, Cagliari seem more likely to keep a clean sheet. A single goal could well be the decider in this high-stakes battle, possibly coming from their top marksman, Gianluca Lapadula, who has scored 25 goals this term, including three in the playoffs. As the anticipation builds for this clash of titans, both Cagliari and Bari will undoubtedly give their all to secure the coveted Serie A promotion spot.
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