7M - Parma vs Cagliari Preview: Battle for Serie A Safety at the Ennio Tardini

Parma will look to extend their survival bid when they welcome Cagliari to Stadio Ennio Tardini on Friday evening in Serie A gameweek 27. The hosts sit 12th in the standings, just above their visitors, as both sides chase precious points to secure another season in Italy's top flight.

Match Context

Parma arrive on the back of a run of solid form recently, having won three of their last six league matches. They are aiming to build on last week's standout performance at San Siro, where a late winning goal helped maintain momentum under coach Carlos Cuesta. The Emilian club have shown signs of improvement at home, and another positive result would bolster their survival push.

Cagliari head to Parma sitting 13th, four points clear of the relegation zone. The Sardinians have struggled for consistency on the road this term, collecting only eight points from 12 away matches, with just two wins. They will be hopeful of a positive result to pull level with Parma and ease relegation fears.

Team News

Parma can welcome back defender Alessandro Circati from suspension, while Zion Suzuki has been nearing a return after a hand injury. Edoardo Corvi is expected to continue in goal, with Mateo Pellegrino, who has been a threat up front, likely to lead the attack alongside him. Unavailable for Parma remain Abdoulaye N'Diaye, Pontus Almqvist and Matija Frigan.

Cagliari travel with a largely fit squad aside from a few knocks. Gianluca Caprile will likely start in goal, with the usual back four of Ze Pedro, Rodriguez, Dossena and Obert. The forward line could feature Toni Martinez and Lucas Boye, with Denis Suarez pushing to start in midfield.

Predicted starting lineups

Parma: Corvi; Circati, Troilo, Valenti; Del Prato, Bernabe, Keita, Sorensen, Valeri; Strefezza; Pellegrino

Cagliari: Caprile; Ze Pedro, Rodriguez, Dossena, Obert; Palestra, Adopo, Sulemana, Idrissi; Esposito, Kilicsoy

Prediction: Parma 1-1 Cagliari

A tightly contested clash between two teams scrapping for survival, with both sides capable of grinding out a result. A share of the spoils would suit both camps.