Predictions Coppa Italia - Cagliari vs Carrarese

Coppa Italia - Cagliari vs Carrarese
Match Time: 13-08-2024 02:15 Tuesday (GMT+7)
Football Livescore | Match Prediction & Tips
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Almost a year after Claudio Ranieri helped Cagliari return to Serie A via the playoffs, the much-loved veteran saw his side overcome already-relegated Sassuolo on the penultimate matchday of the 2023-24 season, assuring their top-flight survival.

Although a final-day defeat to Fiorentina - one of many former clubs in Ranieri's long career - ended a six-match unbeaten streak on home soil, he signed off his second stay in Sardinia with a smile.

Taking up the challenge of replacing such an icon, Davide Nicola is the new man in charge at Unipol Domus, having helped Empoli stay up last season, following similar rescue acts at Crotone, Torino and Salernitana.

Recent friendlies have brought a mixed bag of results for the Rossoblu: defeat to top-flight newcomers Como being followed by a win over Catanzaro and last week's 2-2 draw with Modena.

Now, Cagliari - Coppa Italia runners-up in 1969, but never winners of Italy's national knockout competition - are preparing for Monday's cup clash and a Serie A opener at home to Roma six days later.

By contrast with their more illustrious hosts, Carrarese could be described as Tuscan minnows from a town best known for producing legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.

Last season, they defied expectations to prevail in the Serie C playoffs, beating Vicenza in the final with a decisive goal by ex-Monza forward Mattia Finotto.

The good work of head coach Antonio Calabro not only led to promotion, but reaching Calcio's second tier also qualified the Giallazzurri for a place in the Coppa Italia's preliminary round.

New signing Leonardo Cerri scored Carrarese's winner in a 2-1 victory over Catania last week, setting them up for an enticing first-round tie in Sardinia.

Prediction: Cagliari 2-1 Carrarese