Cagliari are set to line up in a 4-3-2-1 formation against Inter Milan, with Gaetano Oristanio and Gianluca Gaetano supporting Eldor Shomurodov in attack.
This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews.
Cagliari coach Claudio Ranieri will have to do without strikers Andrea Petagna and Leonardo Pavoletti as he selects his starting eleven for this evening’s match.
The pair of centre-forwards are both absent through injury.
There is one striker available for the Rossoblu who can act as a more traditional focal point. Former AC Milan striker Gianluca Lapadula is fit.
However, the Gazzetta report, Ranieri is thinking about taking a different approach.
Cagliari To Line Up In 4-3-2-1 Vs Inter – Oristanio, Gaetano & Shomurodov To Start In Attack
This season, Ranieri has lived up to his reputation as a “tinker man” as he’s tried a variety of systems and combinations of players between different matches for Cagliari.
At times, the Rossoblu have played without an out-and-out centre-forward.
Inter-owned Gaetano Oristanio, more of an attacking midfielder, has often played in the forward line.
The same has been the case for winger Zito Luvumbo.
And according to the Gazzetta, Ranieri has decided to use a “Christmas tree” formation against Inter this evening.
That will mean a back four, then a midfield trio. And in front of the midfield, there will be two fairly narrow attacking midfielders behind a striker.
All three forwards will be players on loan from big clubs in Serie A. That fact certainly highlights the importance of the loan market for Cagliari.
One will be Nerazzurri-owned Oristanio.
Then, also playing in attacking midfield will be Gianluca Gaetano. The 23-year-old joined Cagliari on loan from Napoli during the January transfer window.
Leading the line will be Eldor Shomurodov. The 28-year-old has been on loan at Cagliari from Roma this season.
