Monday Preview: Cagliari Unbeaten at Home, Varane Absent as Fabregas Eager to Lead Como to First Victory

On August 27th at 00:30, the second round of Serie A will see Cagliari host Como at the Sardegna Arena.

Both teams have undergone managerial changes this summer. Cagliari appointed 51-year-old Davide Nicola, who has coached nearly 10 small Serie A and Serie B teams, while Como chose 37-year-old former Spanish football star Cesc Fabregas, who lacks extensive independent coaching experience. In terms of transfer strategies, Cagliari made minor adjustments, selling players like Dosena and Sulemana to recoup 16.7 million euros, then spending 11.3 million euros on a few new signings, making the team integration process somewhat easier. Conversely, Como spent a whopping 46.5 million euros to bring in over ten new players including Varane and Belotti, undergoing a complete overhaul.

The two teams’ early-season forms differ. Cagliari is in good form, easily advancing in the first round of the Coppa Italia with a 3-1 victory, and holding strong opponents Roma to a 0-0 draw in the league opener. Including the last two preseason matches (one win and one draw), they are unbeaten in four consecutive games, with high morale. Como, however, is in poor form, eliminated in the first round of the Coppa Italia by Serie B side Sampdoria, and suffering a 0-3 defeat to Juventus in the league opener. Fabregas is still eagerly awaiting his first victory with Como.

In terms of head-to-head results, it’s not necessary to elaborate on distant history. In the past 10 years, the two teams have met six times (four Serie B matches, two friendlies), with Cagliari having a slight advantage with two wins, three draws, and one loss.

In terms of squad availability, Cagliari midfielder Zolta is out due to a shoulder injury. This player scored 2 goals and provided 5 assists in 19 Serie A appearances last season, demonstrating considerable attacking prowess. On the Como side, star central defender Varane continues to be absent due to a knee injury, and three midfielders Baselli, Mazzitelli, and Abildgaard are also sidelined with varying degrees of injuries.

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