Inter vs Cagliari Prediction - Serie A: A Challenge for the Top Spot at Giuseppe Meazza
Inter Milan aim to consolidate their lead at the top of Serie A when they host Cagliari, a team struggling in the lower half of the table, in a match taking place at 1:45 AM on April 18th.
The match between Inter and Cagliari at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza took place against the backdrop of the home team cruising towards the Serie A title. With home advantage and a superior squad, Inter were expected to secure all three points to widen the gap with the chasing pack.
Match information
- Time:01:45 on April 18, 2026
- Location:Stadio Giuseppe Meazza
- Tournament:Serie A Round 33
Dominant position at the top of the rankings.
Currently, Inter sits comfortably in first place with 75 points after 32 rounds. The team, under the guidance of their head coach, has demonstrated overwhelming strength with 24 wins and only 5 losses since the start of the season. Their goal difference is also incredibly impressive, having scored 75 goals (an average of 2.3 goals per game) and conceded only 29.
In contrast, Cagliari are currently in 16th place with 33 points, just above the relegation zone. The visitors have only managed 8 wins in 32 matches, including 15 defeats. Their defensive capabilities are a major concern, as they have conceded 44 goals.
Head-to-head history and form
The head-to-head history heavily favors the blue half of Milan. In the last five encounters, Inter have won four times and drawn only once. Notably, in the first leg, which took place in September 2025, Inter comfortably defeated Cagliari 2-0 away from home.
In terms of form over their last five matches, Inter have a record of two wins, two draws, and one loss. Meanwhile, Cagliari are in a crisis with four losses in their last five league games, with only one win to salvage their hopes.
Team news and expected lineup
Inter will enter this match significantly missing several key players. Their main striker, L. Martinez, is absent due to injury, along with defenders A. Bastoni (leg injury) and Y. Bisseck (thigh injury). In addition, P. Sucic is also unavailable due to accumulating too many yellow cards.
On Cagliari's side, the situation is also not much better, with M. Felici and R. Idrissi both absent due to knee injuries. L. Mazzitelli and L. Pavoletti are also unable to return to play due to fitness issues.
Tactical analysis and predictions
Despite the absence of their top scorer Martinez, Inter still possesses sufficient squad depth to impose their playing style on their opponents. With superior ball control and the ability to capitalize on set pieces, the home team is likely to take the initiative and attack from the start.
Cagliari are expected to play defensively, focusing on mass defense to try and secure at least one point. However, with a defense that has conceded an average of 1.4 goals per game, it will be difficult for the visitors to withstand the pressure at Giuseppe Meazza.
Predicted result:Inter won.
Team lineup updated at 01:30 on 18/04/2026
Official lineup
Inter
Diagram: 3-5-2
CoachCristian Chivu
Starting lineup:
- 13. Josep Martínez (G)
- 25. Manuel Akanji (D)
- 6. Stefan de Vrij (D)
- 30. Carlos Augusto (D)
- 2. Denzel Dumfries (M)
- 23. Nicolo Barella (M)
- 20. Hakan Calhanoglu (M)
- 22. Henrikh Mkhitaryan (M)
- 32. Federico Dimarco (M)
- 94. Francesco Pio Esposito (F)
- 9. Marcus Thuram (F)
Substitutes:
- 1. Yann Sommer
- 12. Raffaele Di Gennaro
- 15. Francesco Acerbi
- 51. Christos Alexiou
- 7. Piotr Zielinski
- 11. Luís Henrique
- 16. Davide Frattesi
- 36. Matteo Darmian
- 17. Andy Diouf
- 48. Mattia Mosconi
- 14. Ange-Yoan Bonny
Cagliari
Diagram: 3-5-2
CoachFabio Pisacane
Starting lineup:
- 1. Elia Caprile (G)
- 32. Zé Pedro (D)
- 26. Yerry Mina (D)
- 15. Juan Rodríguez (D)
- 2. Marco Palestra (M)
- 8. Michel Adopo (M)
- 10. Gianluca Gaetano (M)
- 25. Sulemana (M)
- 33. Adam Obert (M)
- 94. Sebastiano Esposito (F)
- 29. Gennaro Borrelli (F)
Substitutes:
- 24. Giuseppe Ciocci
- 12. Alen Sherri
- 22. Alberto Dossena
- 18. Othniël Raterink
- 28. Gabriele Zappa
- 14. Alessandro Deiola
- 90. Michael Folorunsho
- 20. Agustín Albarracín
- 27. Joseph Liteta
- 9. Semih Kılıçsoy
- 37. Yael Trepy
- 31. Paul Mendy
- 19. Andrea Belotti
