Cagliari: Encouraging Start and a Strong Record at Home

Fabio Pisacane's team have opened the new season in promising fashion. After beginning their league campaign with a win over Parma, the Sardinians suffered only a narrow 1-0 defeat against reigning champions Inter, remaining competitive against one of Italy's strongest sides for much of the match.

Cagliari also successfully negotiated the previous Coppa Italia round, overcoming Arezzo thanks to an Alessandro Deiola penalty. Their recent history against Verona provides another reason for confidence, as the Sardinians produced a dominant 4-0 home victory over the same opponents last season.

Verona: Adjusting After Dropping Down to Serie B

Verona's new campaign has been more complicated. Marco Baroni's side progressed in the Coppa Italia only after a tense penalty shootout against Virtus Entella, following a 2-2 draw in regular time.

Their Serie B form has also been unconvincing, with a defeat to Ascoli followed by a 1-1 draw against Padova. With promotion back to Serie A remaining the club's primary objective, Verona could choose to rotate their squad for this cup tie. Still, Amin Sarr has made a positive individual start, scoring twice in his first three appearances and establishing himself as one of the visitors' main attacking threats.

Match Facts and Head-to-Head

Cagliari have won two of their opening three competitive matches this season.

Verona are still without a victory in normal time in their Serie B campaign.

Cagliari recorded a convincing 4-0 home win over Verona last season.