Bologna travels to Sardinia with confidence after the Rossoblù won their last four competitive games against Cagliari, scoring in each of them. On Sunday afternoon, Cagliari welcomes FC Bologna to the Unipol Domus for the seventh matchday of Serie A; the hosts are in 11th place with 8 points, while Bologna has 10 points and is in 7th place. The bookmakers see Bologna as the favorites despite playing away from home — based on their recent dominance in head-to-head matches — especially since Cagliari has not been able to celebrate a home win against the Emiliani since January 2024 and has conceded at least one goal in each of their last five encounters.
- Venue: Unipol Domus, Cagliari
- Date and time: October 19, 2025, 3:00 p.m.
- Competition: Serie A (Matchday 7)
The data suggests a high-scoring game with goals at both ends. Cagliari has scored in four of its last five games and all five games have ended with more than 1.5 goals, while Bologna has conceded goals in four consecutive games. Defensive problems for the hosts, especially possible absences in central defense, increase the likelihood of conceding goals.
The main bets are: Both teams to score: Yes and Over 1.5 goals. Both options appear attractive due to Cagliari’s consistent offensive performance and Bologna’s defensive vulnerability. For more conservative bettors, the double chance X2 is recommended as a hedge. The bookmakers see Bologna as the favorites (approx. 2.10 for an away win) and the draw is quoted at around 3.30.
In terms of personnel, the hosts benefit offensively from Kilicsoy and Obert. If a center back like Mina is out, Bologna’s chances of scoring increase, while Cagliari continues to have its own scoring opportunities. Both teams to score and over 1.5 goals are considered moderate risk bets with good value; the double chance X2 offers lower odds with reduced risk. The stake should correspond to your personal risk appetite.
Cagliari form & record check
Cagliari are in 11th place with eight points and have recently shown decent, but slightly fluctuating form. In their last five league games, the Sardinians have recorded three wins, including away wins in Lecce (2-1) and a 2-0 home win against Parma. They also won 4-1 against Frosinone in the cup. Their last league game against Udinese ended 1-1, with Borrelli scoring early on.
Statistically, Cagliari have scored in four of their five games, but have conceded just as often; all five games have seen at least two goals, with the second half often proving less prolific. Yerry Mina is back in team training after his calf injury, but his participation remains questionable. Di Pardo, Rog, and the long-term injured Belotti are still out, while Gaetano has thigh problems. Luperto could return after his break and stabilize the central defense alongside Mina, if he is fit in time.
Several players are returning from their national teams with confidence: Obert scored a goal for Slovakia, Palestra recorded an assist for the U21s, and Kilicsoy shone with an overhead kick for the Turkish U21s. Borrelli, who scored in Udine, is a candidate for the striker position while Belotti is out.
Cagliari should play compactly, focus on counterattacks and set pieces, and remain active, especially in the first half, where they score more frequently. Defensively, they need to avoid losing concentration in the second half. With a reasonably complete defense and consistent form, a close game is likely; a draw or a narrow home win are realistic scenarios, while a clear victory is less likely given the personnel uncertainties.
Cagliari are expected to line up in their usual 3-5-2 formation. Yerry Mina is working on his comeback in the back three and has been training with the team again in parts; if Mina is fit, he would form the defense alongside Luperto and Zé Pedro. If Mina is unavailable, Adam Obert will move into the center of defense.
In midfield, the players returning from international duty are available: Palestra is likely to start on the right after his U21 assist, with Felici occupying the left flank. The central midfield is expected to consist of Folorunsho, Prati, and Deiola. Following Belotti’s absence, Pisacane will once again rely on Borrelli as striker, with Sebastiano Esposito likely to play alongside him.
Belotti is definitely unavailable, as is possibly Mina. Other injured or absent players are Di Pardo, Rog, Gaetano, and Zappa.
FC Bologna form & record check
Bologna are in 7th place after six games, level on points with Atalanta in 6th. Vincenzo Italiano’s team have shown a very strong offense recently, especially in their 4-0 win against Pisa (in which Pisa were down to ten men from the 36th minute).
In their last five competitive games, Bologna has scored in four and conceded in four. Results during this period: 4-0 against Pisa, 2-2 in Lecce, 1-1 against Freiburg (Europa League), 0-1 at Aston Villa, and 2-1 against Genoa. Bologna is active and dangerous in attack but remains vulnerable defensively.
With Cambiaghi, Orsolini, Odgaard, and Bernardeschi, Bologna has several creative attacking players. Immobile is unavailable due to not being eligible to play in the Europa League. On a positive note, Skorupski has extended his contract until 2027, which means stability in goal. Overall, Bologna plays an attacking game with a good goal tally, but the regular goals conceded indicate existing deficiencies in defense.
Bologna is expected to line up in Vincenzo Italiano’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation. Skorupski, who recently extended his contract until 2027, will be in goal. Zortea (right), Casale and Lucumí (central defense) and Miranda (left) are likely to start in defense.
The defensive midfield will probably be controlled by Moro and Freuler. Orsolini is set to play on the right wing in attack; Ferguson could operate centrally behind the striker, while Cambiaghi will provide attacking impetus on the left. Castro is mentioned as an option in attack. Immobile is definitely out, but otherwise the squad is largely complete; Odgaard, Pobega, and Dallinga are possible substitutes.
Cagliari – FC Bologna Head-to-head & statistics
The recent record clearly favors Bologna: In the last five encounters, Bologna has celebrated four victories, while Cagliari has won only once (2-1 in January 2024). In all five encounters, the Sardinians conceded at least one goal, indicating recurring defensive weaknesses against this opponent.
The games have mostly been close: in around 80% of the games, there was no more than one goal in the first half, with the outcome often only being decided after the break. Overall, the head-to-head record suggests close, hard-fought encounters with goals at both ends.
