Fiorentina vs Cagliari - Predictions, Stats & Odds

In a surprising turn of events in Serie A, Cagliari managed to secure a 2-1 victory over Fiorentina on Saturday, 24 January 2026. The match, part of Gameweek 22, saw Cagliari overturn pre-match expectations, as Fiorentina were considered the favorites given their home advantage. The game started with Cagliari taking the lead in the 31st minute through Semih Kılıçsoy, who capitalized on a defensive lapse by Fiorentina. The visitors doubled their advantage shortly after the break, with Marco Palestra (GAP -0.6%) finding the back of the net in the 47th minute. Fiorentina managed to pull one back in the 74th minute when substitute Marco Brescianini scored, but it wasn't enough to change the outcome. Tactically, Cagliari's approach was effective, as they managed to stifle Fiorentina's attacking threats. Robin Gosens (GAP +2.2%) was one of the standout performers for Fiorentina, providing width and creativity, but his efforts were not enough to break down a resilient Cagliari defense. Fiorentina made several changes during the match, bringing in Giovanni Fabbian, Jack Harrison, Niccolò Fortini, and Marco Brescianini from the bench. These substitutions were attempts to inject fresh energy and creativity into the team, but ultimately, they fell short of turning the tide. Cagliari's lineup saw the inclusion of Matteo Prati, Ibrahim Sulemana, Riyad Idrissi, Gennaro Borrelli, and Gabriele Zappa as substitutes, which helped maintain their defensive solidity and counter-attacking threat. This result is a significant boost for Cagliari, who have been struggling in recent weeks. The victory could serve as a catalyst for improved performances in the coming fixtures. Meanwhile, Fiorentina will need to regroup and address their defensive vulnerabilities if they are to maintain their position in the upper half of the table. Post-match reactions highlighted the tactical discipline of Cagliari, with their head coach praising the team's resilience and execution of the game plan. Fiorentina's manager, on the other hand, expressed disappointment at the missed opportunities and defensive lapses that cost them the match.