Serie A Matchday 17 | Saturday, December 27, 2025 | 2:00 PM CET (1:00 PM UTC)
Torino host Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino on Saturday in a clash between two sides battling for mid-table breathing room. The hosts sit 13th with 20 points while Cagliari occupy 15th, just five points above the relegation zone heading into the winter break.
Stakes and Context
This fixture carries significant weight for both clubs. Torino are pushing to break into the top half and distance themselves from any late-season anxiety. Cagliari desperately need points to establish a safety buffer before January. The visitors arrive with a concerning goal difference of minus six (17 scored, 23 conceded), while Torino’s minus 10 (16 scored, 26 conceded) tells its own story about defensive frailties.
Head-to-Head
History suggests a tight contest. At this venue over the last six meetings, the record reads 2-2-2. The overall last 10 shows Torino with a slight edge at 4-3-3. This is traditionally a low-scoring affair, though recent defensive wobbles on both sides could change that pattern.
Torino Form
The Granata have managed just two wins from their last six overall (W2-D1-L3), averaging 1.00 goals scored and 1.67 conceded per game. At home over the last three matches, results have been worse (W1-D0-L2), with the defense shipping 2.00 goals per game. Concerning is the pattern of conceding first in four of their last six matches.
Cagliari Form
The Sardinians show one win in their last six overall (W1-D2-L3), scoring 1.17 and conceding 1.50 per game. Away form is the real concern: three straight defeats with just 0.67 goals scored and 2.00 conceded per game over that span. They have conceded in 90 percent of their away matches this season.
Styles and Tactical Hinge
Torino average 48 percent possession with a direct passing approach, while Cagliari sit lower at 43 percent, relying on counters and set pieces. The physical duel between Duvan Zapata and Yerry Mina could define the match. Torino’s habit of starting slowly meets Cagliari’s tendency to fade in the final 15 minutes of away games.
Team News
Torino are without long-term absentee Perr Schuurs (knee) and Savva, while Coco (muscle) and Masina remain doubts. The backline lacks organization. Cagliari miss Luvumbo (international duty prep) and Borrelli. Andrea Belotti (lower leg) and Folorunsho are doubtful, potentially denying the former Torino captain his emotional homecoming.
Probable Lineups
Torino (3-5-2): Milinkovic-Savic; Walukiewicz, Maripan, Masina; Pedersen, Vlasic, Ricci, Ilic, Lazaro; Adams, Zapata
Cagliari (4-2-3-1): Scuffet; Zappa, Mina, Luperto, Augello; Zortea, Marin, Makoumbou, Gaetano; Viola; Piccoli
Numbers to Watch
Torino’s 2.00 goals conceded per home game (last 3). Cagliari’s 0.67 goals scored away (last 3). Referee Davide Massa officiates in freezing conditions around 2°C with possible fog.
Where to Watch
DAZN (Italy), Paramount+ (US), TNT Sports (UK)
