Cagliari
ArezzoBy Dele Lawal — Football expert specializing in European and Russian competitions
Cagliari have never lifted the Coppa Italia trophy in their entire history, yet the Sardinians have made a habit of reaching the round of 32 every season since 2014. They will look to extend that streak when they host modest Arezzo, a side whose best run in this competition remains a quarterfinal appearance back in 2006/07.
A year ago, Cagliari placed their faith in youth-team coach Fabio Pisacane, and the gamble paid off handsomely. The 40‑year‑old instilled a solid defensive structure and, crucially, unlocked Marco Paletra – the Serie A’s own Best Defender for 2025/26 – who then departed for Chelsea in the summer. Yet even without their star centre‑back, the islanders remain highly competitive, as they proved in the final matchday of last season. That stunning 2‑1 victory over Milan was achieved with minimal involvement from the young wing‑back, who only entered the pitch when the score was already 2‑1 in the Rossoblù’s favour.
Cagliari also went unbeaten through pre‑season, beating Modena 1‑0, drawing 0‑0 with Nice before winning on penalties, and sharing the spoils with Sampdoria (0‑0) and Union Berlin (2‑2). In the closing third of the previous campaign, Pisacane fully committed to a 3‑5‑2 formation, a switch that secured top‑flight survival and even allowed his side to finish above wealthier clubs like Fiorentina and Genoa. The new season will begin in the same shape and with a virtually identical lineup. Only two changes are expected compared to the last official match: in midfield, Fazzini – on loan from Fiorentina – replaces Gaetano, who moved to Bergamo, while the rapidly improving youngster Pol Mendi, who scored against Union Berlin in pre‑season, partners Esposito up front.
Arezzo will begin their new campaign in Serie B – the first time they have played in the second tier since the distant 2006/07 season – and they cannot be written off as mere cannon fodder. Cristian Bucci remains at the helm, and the Tuscan side did not sell any of their key men during the summer. Instead, they added several talented young players: Antonio Nunziante from Udinese, Kevin Leone from Sassuolo, Marlon Mena Martínez from Parma, and Mattia Sala from Pisa. The experienced Julián Illanes arrived from Carrarese to add class to the centre of defence.
After a sensational 3‑1 friendly victory over a Napoli side that had just returned from holiday and was clearly lacking match fitness, Arezzo failed to win any of their other pre‑season friendlies. However, that four‑match winless run came to an end in the preliminary round of the Coppa Italia, where the Amaranto comfortably dispatched Unione Brescia 2‑0. Footballing wisdom says you never change a winning side, so we expect Bucci to field the same eleven that started that match at the Unipol Domus. Notably, that game was the first time since April 12 that Arezzo kept a clean sheet – a vital asset given they will spend long spells defending on Sardinia.
Cagliari (3‑5‑2): Caprile – Ze Pedro, Mina, H. Rodríguez – Zappa, Deiola, Adopo, Fazzini, Obert – Esposito, Mendi Unavailable: Idrissi (injured) Head coach: Fabio Pisacane
Arezzo (4‑3‑3): Nunziante – Renzi, Illanes, Gigli, Righetti – Ioniță, Chierico, Sala – Arena, Cerri, Tavernelli Unavailable: None Head coach: Cristian Bucci
Arezzo have prepared well for life in Serie B, but on Friday the newcomers to Italy’s second division will face a side of a considerably higher calibre. Even so, a rout is not expected. Cagliari’s style is built first and foremost on containment and devastating counter‑attacks; their positional attacking play is far less polished. Over their last 17 official home matches at the Unipol Domus, the Sardinians have managed only a single victory by more than one goal. Last year’s cup struggle at the same stage against Virtus Entella (1‑1, progressing on penalties) also serves as a reminder of their difficulties in breaking down stubborn opponents. Therefore, the recommended bet is Arezzo +1.5 at 1.73.
For the total goals market, Arezzo showed in the preliminary round that their defence is in good order, while Cagliari’s pre‑season featured only one high‑scoring match (against Union Berlin). In their other three friendlies, a combined total of just one goal was scored. This makes under 2.5 goals at 2.03 an attractive alternative.
The editorial prediction is provided for informational purposes only and should not be treated as a direct call to action. Every reader should do their own analysis before deciding on a bet.
Cagliari3-5-2
Arezzo4-3-3The Coppa Italia clash between Cagliari and Arezzo on August 14th looks ripe for a bet on over 1.5 goals in the first half at odds of 2.76. I'm taking a bit of a risk here, but my gut is telling me this is the spot to go bold.
Cagliari’s class difference and home advantage point squarely to them scoring at least twice. That’s the bet I’m backing with confidence.
Cagliari’s handicap (-1) at 1.89 is the play here. I expect the hosts to win by a comfortable margin, covering the spread without much trouble.
Cagliari will handle Arezzo at home and cover the -1.5 handicap. The odds of 2.58 make that a straightforward call — they're simply the stronger side and should win by a clear margin.
Over 8.5 corners in the Coppa Italia match between Cagliari and Arezzo. That's my call.
Cagliari are being underestimated here. I’m expecting goals from them.
Cagliari against Arezzo in the Coppa Italia — I see a narrow home win coming. The most likely outcome is 2-1, and at odds of 7.80, that correct score offers real value. The hosts should do enough to advance, but Arezzo will make it competitive.
Cagliari hosting Arezzo in the Coppa Italia might seem like a mismatch, but the handicap 2 (0) bet on the guests is far less crazy than it looks. Dig past the Serie A label, and the numbers tell a clear story. The mathematical projection for Cagliari's individual total is under 1.5 goals, which is a major red flag—analysts simply don't expect the hosts to score more than once. With that on the table, a draw or even an Arezzo win stops being a fantasy. The Coppa Italia is notorious for top-tier sides struggling against lower-division opponents who come with a solid defensive and counter-attacking game plan.
Arezzo's recent form backs this up. They've been mixing losses with wins, but they've won their last two official matches, signaling momentum and a mental boost. On the road, they're disciplined, and in a cup clash against a Serie A club, their motivation is through the roof—it's the game of their season. Cagliari, meanwhile, has been inconsistent, with two losses and a draw in their last five. Plus, with the league season just starting, they're likely to rotate and rest key players in a cup match against a Serie C side. That essentially erases their class advantage. A zero handicap on Arezzo protects against a loss: a Cagliari win by more than one goal would be a loss, but that's unlikely given their low goal projection. A draw returns the stake, and an Arezzo win pays out at 4.00. In knockout tournaments, surprises are the norm, and this match is ripe for another one.
Cagliari are the clear favorites in this Coppa Italia clash. They'll take control from the opening whistle and keep Arezzo pinned back in their own half. That constant pressure leads to a steady stream of corner kicks. Over 5.5 corners for the hosts at 1.82 is the straightforward play here.
Both teams to score is the clear call in this Coppa Italia matchup. Cagliari and Arezzo should each find the back of the net, and the 1.92 price makes it a solid bet.
Cagliari and Arezzo meet in the Coppa Italia, and I’m expecting a decent number of corner kicks. The total corners line is set at 8.5 with odds of 1.78, which looks like a solid play to me. I’m backing the over on that mark.
Cagliari and Arezzo meet in the Coppa Italia, and I’m backing both teams to find the net. The Sardinians have a habit of conceding against lower-division sides in this competition, while Arezzo will be eager to prove themselves on a bigger stage. With the hosts likely to push for an early goal and the visitors capable of hitting back on the counter, a goal exchange feels like the most probable outcome here.
The price of 1.92 offers solid value for a bet that aligns with the typical flow of these early-round cup ties. I don’t see either side keeping a clean sheet given the attacking intent on display, so backing both to score is the straightforward play.
Cagliari meeting Arezzo in the Coppa Italia is a straightforward call: the hosts win. Backing the home side at 1.54, with Cagliari expected to control the tie and come out on top.
Cagliari and Arezzo meet in the Coppa Italia, and with Italian sides usually prioritizing defense, I don't see this turning into a goal fest. My bet is under 2.5 goals at 1.88 — straightforward and confident.
Backing Cagliari to win at home is the most straightforward pick. I see this as the more reliable outcome in the Coppa Italia.
This is a straightforward angle call. I like the corners market here and am backing the Over 8.5 line. I expect a high number of set pieces in this Coppa Italia matchup between Cagliari and Arezzo.
The Coppa Italia clash between Cagliari and Arezzo looks like a clear spot for both teams to score. I'm backing that outcome at 1.92 — a solid value pick for this matchup.
Cagliari vs Arezzo in the Coppa Italia has the makings of a tight, low-scoring match. Neither side looks likely to run up a big score, so I’m taking under 2.5 goals at 1.89.
Cagliari faces Arezzo in the Coppa Italia, and this is a clear mismatch on paper. The hosts are simply on another level, and I expect them to handle this comfortably without any real drama.
There’s no reason to overthink this one. Cagliari has the quality to control the game from start to finish, and at these odds, the home win is the straightforward call.
Over 8.5 corners is the clear call for this Coppa Italia matchup between Cagliari and Arezzo. The match dynamics point to a busy afternoon from the corner flag, and at 1.78 the value is straightforward.
Cagliari and Arezzo are set to deliver a match with plenty of corner kicks. I’m backing the total to go over 8.5, as both sides have the attacking intent to force multiple set-piece opportunities. This is a solid bet for the Coppa Italia clash.
Arezzo rarely walks off the pitch without a goal — they consistently convert their chances. That finishing ability makes me confident they’ll find the net against Cagliari in this Coppa Italia clash.
Cagliari and Arezzo will both find the net in this Coppa Italia clash. Both sides are built to attack, so expect an open game with chances at both ends. I'm calling a final score of 2-1 or 3-2, with both teams scoring being the smart play at nearly 2.00 odds.
Cagliari hosts Arezzo in the Coppa Italia on August 14. I'm backing the over 2.5 goals at 1.80 – that's the play.
Cagliari’s defense is tough to break down, and Arezzo simply don’t have the firepower to crack it. That makes a low-scoring affair the most likely outcome here.
I’m backing Under 2.5 goals at 1.96. The hosts’ backline should keep things tight, and the visitors won’t find a way through.
Cagliari certainly have the firepower to handle Arezzo in the Coppa Italia, and I see no reason to settle for a narrow win. Their home form has been consistently strong, so backing a comfortable victory is the logical play. That’s why I’m taking the home side with a -1.5 handicap at 2.20 — a solid line for what should be a dominant performance.
The Coppa Italia meeting between Cagliari and Arezzo has a clear angle for me: I’m backing the visitors to rack up more than 2.5 corners. At 1.72, that means Arezzo need just three corners — a mark they should be able to reach.
Cagliari against Arezzo in the Coppa Italia — I’m backing the visitors to find the net. My system flags this as a strong play, and I’m putting it to the test. Arezzo scoring at least once at 1.75 feels like solid value, plain and simple. Let’s see how this holds up over the long haul.
Cagliari is usually a completely different team when playing at home on Sardinia. That's why I'm backing them to win by at least two goals here, despite the handicap line being set at -1.5 at 2.20 odds. Their strong home form makes this a solid bet for me.
Both teams to score at 1.98 feels a bit too generous here. Cagliari are a consistent presence in the Coppa Italia, they're in good form and really tough to beat at home. But Arezzo have some fight in them and will try to breach that defense — and they might just pull it off.
I'm backing both sides to get on the scoresheet. Cagliari should find the net, but Arezzo will create their chances, making the "Yes" on both teams to score the smart play.
The Coppa Italia match between Cagliari and Arezzo looks set to be a low-scoring affair. I’m backing the under 2.5 goals market here, as the visitors will clearly focus on a solid defensive setup. With Arezzo prioritizing a strong backline, breaking through won’t be easy for Cagliari, and I don’t expect a goal fest. The odds of 1.96 offer good value for this prediction.
This Coppa Italia tie between Cagliari and Arezzo looks like a low-scoring affair. I’m backing Under 2.5 goals here, as I don’t expect either side to push the tempo or take many risks in the early rounds. The odds at 1.96 offer solid value for what should be a tight, cautious contest.
Cagliari is still finding its rhythm early in the season, so this Coppa Italia match against Arezzo provides a perfect setup. The gap in class isn't as wide as the division difference suggests at this stage.
Arezzo will have their opportunities to hit the net. I'm backing the visitors to score at least once, and at 1.75, that's solid value given the circumstances.
Cagliari are hosting Arezzo in the Coppa Italia, and I'm backing them to cover a -1.5 handicap at 2.20. The home side should have more than enough quality to win by at least two goals in this one.
Cagliari and Arezzo meet in the Coppa Italia, and the visitors are good for a goal. I'm backing Arezzo to score, priced at 1.75 for over 0.5 team goals.
This is a Coppa Italia clash, but I don’t see it turning into a goal-fest. Both sides are Italian, so I’m expecting a very tactical, tight affair with few real chances. For me, this has all the makings of a classic under 2.5 match, and at odds of 1.98, I’m happy to take that bet.
Cagliari take on Arezzo in the Coppa Italia, and I'm backing the hosts to win by a margin of at least three goals. The handicap line at -2.5 is the play — essentially a victory by three or more, and with odds of 3.36, the value is clear for a side that should dominate this matchup.
Cagliari meeting Arezzo in the Coppa Italia is a straightforward call: the hosts win. Backing the home side at 1.54, with Cagliari expected to control the tie and come out on top.
Backing Cagliari to win at home is the most straightforward pick. I see this as the more reliable outcome in the Coppa Italia.
Cagliari faces Arezzo in the Coppa Italia, and this is a clear mismatch on paper. The hosts are simply on another level, and I expect them to handle this comfortably without any real drama.
There’s no reason to overthink this one. Cagliari has the quality to control the game from start to finish, and at these odds, the home win is the straightforward call.
The Coppa Italia clash between Cagliari and Arezzo on August 14th looks ripe for a bet on over 1.5 goals in the first half at odds of 2.76. I'm taking a bit of a risk here, but my gut is telling me this is the spot to go bold.
Cagliari’s class difference and home advantage point squarely to them scoring at least twice. That’s the bet I’m backing with confidence.
Over 8.5 corners in the Coppa Italia match between Cagliari and Arezzo. That's my call.
Cagliari are being underestimated here. I’m expecting goals from them.
Cagliari are the clear favorites in this Coppa Italia clash. They'll take control from the opening whistle and keep Arezzo pinned back in their own half. That constant pressure leads to a steady stream of corner kicks. Over 5.5 corners for the hosts at 1.82 is the straightforward play here.
Cagliari and Arezzo meet in the Coppa Italia, and I’m expecting a decent number of corner kicks. The total corners line is set at 8.5 with odds of 1.78, which looks like a solid play to me. I’m backing the over on that mark.
This is a straightforward angle call. I like the corners market here and am backing the Over 8.5 line. I expect a high number of set pieces in this Coppa Italia matchup between Cagliari and Arezzo.
Over 8.5 corners is the clear call for this Coppa Italia matchup between Cagliari and Arezzo. The match dynamics point to a busy afternoon from the corner flag, and at 1.78 the value is straightforward.
Cagliari and Arezzo are set to deliver a match with plenty of corner kicks. I’m backing the total to go over 8.5, as both sides have the attacking intent to force multiple set-piece opportunities. This is a solid bet for the Coppa Italia clash.
Arezzo rarely walks off the pitch without a goal — they consistently convert their chances. That finishing ability makes me confident they’ll find the net against Cagliari in this Coppa Italia clash.
Cagliari hosts Arezzo in the Coppa Italia on August 14. I'm backing the over 2.5 goals at 1.80 – that's the play.
The Coppa Italia meeting between Cagliari and Arezzo has a clear angle for me: I’m backing the visitors to rack up more than 2.5 corners. At 1.72, that means Arezzo need just three corners — a mark they should be able to reach.
Cagliari against Arezzo in the Coppa Italia — I’m backing the visitors to find the net. My system flags this as a strong play, and I’m putting it to the test. Arezzo scoring at least once at 1.75 feels like solid value, plain and simple. Let’s see how this holds up over the long haul.
Cagliari is still finding its rhythm early in the season, so this Coppa Italia match against Arezzo provides a perfect setup. The gap in class isn't as wide as the division difference suggests at this stage.
Arezzo will have their opportunities to hit the net. I'm backing the visitors to score at least once, and at 1.75, that's solid value given the circumstances.
Cagliari and Arezzo meet in the Coppa Italia, and the visitors are good for a goal. I'm backing Arezzo to score, priced at 1.75 for over 0.5 team goals.
Cagliari and Arezzo meet in the Coppa Italia, and with Italian sides usually prioritizing defense, I don't see this turning into a goal fest. My bet is under 2.5 goals at 1.88 — straightforward and confident.
Cagliari vs Arezzo in the Coppa Italia has the makings of a tight, low-scoring match. Neither side looks likely to run up a big score, so I’m taking under 2.5 goals at 1.89.
Cagliari’s defense is tough to break down, and Arezzo simply don’t have the firepower to crack it. That makes a low-scoring affair the most likely outcome here.
I’m backing Under 2.5 goals at 1.96. The hosts’ backline should keep things tight, and the visitors won’t find a way through.
The Coppa Italia match between Cagliari and Arezzo looks set to be a low-scoring affair. I’m backing the under 2.5 goals market here, as the visitors will clearly focus on a solid defensive setup. With Arezzo prioritizing a strong backline, breaking through won’t be easy for Cagliari, and I don’t expect a goal fest. The odds of 1.96 offer good value for this prediction.
This Coppa Italia tie between Cagliari and Arezzo looks like a low-scoring affair. I’m backing Under 2.5 goals here, as I don’t expect either side to push the tempo or take many risks in the early rounds. The odds at 1.96 offer solid value for what should be a tight, cautious contest.
This is a Coppa Italia clash, but I don’t see it turning into a goal-fest. Both sides are Italian, so I’m expecting a very tactical, tight affair with few real chances. For me, this has all the makings of a classic under 2.5 match, and at odds of 1.98, I’m happy to take that bet.
Cagliari’s handicap (-1) at 1.89 is the play here. I expect the hosts to win by a comfortable margin, covering the spread without much trouble.
Cagliari will handle Arezzo at home and cover the -1.5 handicap. The odds of 2.58 make that a straightforward call — they're simply the stronger side and should win by a clear margin.
Cagliari hosting Arezzo in the Coppa Italia might seem like a mismatch, but the handicap 2 (0) bet on the guests is far less crazy than it looks. Dig past the Serie A label, and the numbers tell a clear story. The mathematical projection for Cagliari's individual total is under 1.5 goals, which is a major red flag—analysts simply don't expect the hosts to score more than once. With that on the table, a draw or even an Arezzo win stops being a fantasy. The Coppa Italia is notorious for top-tier sides struggling against lower-division opponents who come with a solid defensive and counter-attacking game plan.
Arezzo's recent form backs this up. They've been mixing losses with wins, but they've won their last two official matches, signaling momentum and a mental boost. On the road, they're disciplined, and in a cup clash against a Serie A club, their motivation is through the roof—it's the game of their season. Cagliari, meanwhile, has been inconsistent, with two losses and a draw in their last five. Plus, with the league season just starting, they're likely to rotate and rest key players in a cup match against a Serie C side. That essentially erases their class advantage. A zero handicap on Arezzo protects against a loss: a Cagliari win by more than one goal would be a loss, but that's unlikely given their low goal projection. A draw returns the stake, and an Arezzo win pays out at 4.00. In knockout tournaments, surprises are the norm, and this match is ripe for another one.
Cagliari certainly have the firepower to handle Arezzo in the Coppa Italia, and I see no reason to settle for a narrow win. Their home form has been consistently strong, so backing a comfortable victory is the logical play. That’s why I’m taking the home side with a -1.5 handicap at 2.20 — a solid line for what should be a dominant performance.
Cagliari is usually a completely different team when playing at home on Sardinia. That's why I'm backing them to win by at least two goals here, despite the handicap line being set at -1.5 at 2.20 odds. Their strong home form makes this a solid bet for me.
Cagliari are hosting Arezzo in the Coppa Italia, and I'm backing them to cover a -1.5 handicap at 2.20. The home side should have more than enough quality to win by at least two goals in this one.
Cagliari take on Arezzo in the Coppa Italia, and I'm backing the hosts to win by a margin of at least three goals. The handicap line at -2.5 is the play — essentially a victory by three or more, and with odds of 3.36, the value is clear for a side that should dominate this matchup.
Both teams to score is the clear call in this Coppa Italia matchup. Cagliari and Arezzo should each find the back of the net, and the 1.92 price makes it a solid bet.
Cagliari and Arezzo meet in the Coppa Italia, and I’m backing both teams to find the net. The Sardinians have a habit of conceding against lower-division sides in this competition, while Arezzo will be eager to prove themselves on a bigger stage. With the hosts likely to push for an early goal and the visitors capable of hitting back on the counter, a goal exchange feels like the most probable outcome here.
The price of 1.92 offers solid value for a bet that aligns with the typical flow of these early-round cup ties. I don’t see either side keeping a clean sheet given the attacking intent on display, so backing both to score is the straightforward play.
The Coppa Italia clash between Cagliari and Arezzo looks like a clear spot for both teams to score. I'm backing that outcome at 1.92 — a solid value pick for this matchup.
Cagliari and Arezzo will both find the net in this Coppa Italia clash. Both sides are built to attack, so expect an open game with chances at both ends. I'm calling a final score of 2-1 or 3-2, with both teams scoring being the smart play at nearly 2.00 odds.
Both teams to score at 1.98 feels a bit too generous here. Cagliari are a consistent presence in the Coppa Italia, they're in good form and really tough to beat at home. But Arezzo have some fight in them and will try to breach that defense — and they might just pull it off.
I'm backing both sides to get on the scoresheet. Cagliari should find the net, but Arezzo will create their chances, making the "Yes" on both teams to score the smart play.
Cagliari against Arezzo in the Coppa Italia — I see a narrow home win coming. The most likely outcome is 2-1, and at odds of 7.80, that correct score offers real value. The hosts should do enough to advance, but Arezzo will make it competitive.
The match takes place on 14 August 2026 at 17:30 local time at the Unipol Domus in Sardinia.
The recommended bet is Arezzo +1.5 at odds of 1.73, as Cagliari rarely win by more than one goal at home in official matches.
Cagliari are the clear favourites, being a Serie A side against Arezzo, who just returned to Serie B. However, the editorial suggests a close contest.
Yes, Cagliari will be without Idrissi due to injury. Arezzo have no unavailable players reported.
Cagliari went unbeaten in pre-season (1 win, 3 draws) and ended last season with a 2-1 win over Milan. Arezzo won their Coppa Italia preliminary round 2-0 but had only one win in pre-season friendlies.
Under 2.5 goals at 2.03 is an attractive alternative, given Cagliari's low-scoring pre-season and Arezzo's solid defence in the preliminary round.