AC Milan vs Cagliari Prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds

The Italian giants enjoyed winning the Supercoppa Italiana in the last match.

AC Milan enter this clash riding high after securing the Supercoppa Italiana with a thrilling win over Inter Milan in a Derby della Madonnina triumph.

Sergio Conceicao has injected new energy into the team, replacing Paulo Fonseca and already delivering significant results. The W over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu was the highlight. However, the Rossoneri need consistency to solidify their top-tier status in the Serie A under their new manager.

Cagliari, led by Davide Nicola, are teetering near the relegation zone but showed resilience with a comeback win over Monza last weekend. Goals from Nadir Zortea and Roberto Piccoli secured a crucial victory after conceding early.

The Sardinians have struggled for form but remain a threat on their day. They’ll hope to build on their recent success to climb further away from the bottom three.

Kick-off

Saturday, January 11, 7:45 p.m. UK time

Sunday, January 12, 1:15 a.m. IST

Location: San Siro

Form

AC Milan: W-L-D-W-D

Cagliari: L-L-L-L-W

Players to watch

Rafael Leao (AC Milan)

Rafael Leao has been a key spark for AC Milan this season, combining precision with flair. With three goals, four assists, and an 80% passing accuracy, the Portuguese winger’s pace and sharp dribbling make him a constant menace for defenders and a game-changer for his team. Just look at the match-winning assist in the final. Yes, he’s a big game player.

Of course Rafael Leão was smiling as he made his game-winning assist to Tammy Abraham in stoppage time of the Supercoppa Italiana final 😁❤️ pic.twitter.com/L2WyM0Cw8G

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 6, 2025

Roberto Piccoli (Cagliari)

Cagliari will pin their hopes on Roberto Piccoli, their 6’2″ target man and top scorer with five league goals. Known for his aerial dominance, sharp positioning, and relentless work rate, the 23-year-old is a constant threat to opposition defences.

Match facts

• Both teams have one win in their last three games
• Milan have scored 26 goals while Cagliari have conceded 32 goals
• Cagliari were on a four-match losing streak before a win in the last game

AC Milan vs. Cagliari: Betting tips & odds

• Tip 1: Milan to win-5/14 QuinnBet
• Tip 2: Leao to score-15/8 bet365
• Tip 3: Over 3 goals-39/40 VBet

Injury & team news

AC Milan will be without Emerson Royal, who is suspended, while Rafael Leao remains a doubt due to injury. The Rossoneri will look to adjust their attacking setup if their star winger is unavailable for the clash.

Cagliari could miss Jakub Jankto, sidelined by illness, along with attacking doubts Zito Luvumbo and Kingstone Mutandwa. Despite these potential absences, the Sardinians will aim to field a competitive side.

Head-to-head

Matches: 26

Milan: 20

Cagliari: 1

Draws: 5

Predicted lineups

AC Milan (4-5-1)

Maignan; Calabria, Tomori, Thiaw, Hernandez; Pulisic, Bennacer, Fofana, Reijnders, Leao; Morata

Cagliari (4-4-2)

Scuffet; Zappa, Mina, Luperto, Obert; Zortea, Adopo, Makoumbou, Felici; Viola, Piccoli

Match prediction

Milan have been experiencing a resurgence lately. Fresh off the Supercoppa win, expect them to light San Siro against a poor Cagliari defence.

Prediction: AC Milan 3 – 1 Cagliari

Telecast

India: GXR World

UK: TNT Sports 2

USA: fubo TV, Paramount+

Nigeria: DStv Now, SuperSport

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