Serie A returns with an intriguing clash as Cagliari host AC Milan at the Unipol Domus Stadium in the first league fixture of the new year. Read our prediction for the Cagliari vs AC Milan match. With Milan firmly in the title race and Cagliari fighting to stay clear of relegation trouble, both sides will be desperate for points. Read on for our full preview and prediction.
The match is scheduled for Friday, with kickoff set to take place in Cagliari. MatchPlug brings you the latest odds, analysis, and betting insights for this Serie A encounter.
Betting Preview for Cagliari vs AC Milan
● Venue: Unipol Domus Stadium
● Date: Friday, 2nd of January, 2026
● Time: 20:45 CET
● Teams to play: Cagliari vs AC Milan
● Odds as provided by: 1XBet
Betting On Cagliari
● 1XBet Spread: +1.5
● 1XBet Moneyline: 6.00
● 1XBet Over/Under: Under 2.5
Cagliari have struggled for consistency this season but ended the year on a positive note with a 2-0 away win over Torino, only their fourth victory of the campaign. That result lifted them six points clear of the relegation zone and offered some much-needed breathing room.
Home form has played a key role in their survival bid, with half of their points coming at the Unipol Domus. However, history is firmly against them here. Cagliari are winless in their last 15 meetings with AC Milan and have failed to score in several recent home encounters against the Rossoneri. Inconsistency remains a major issue, particularly against top-tier opposition.
Betting On AC Milan
● 1XBet Spread: -1.5
● 1XBet Moneyline: 1.55
● 1XBet Over/Under: Over 2.5
AC Milan head into the new year fully focused on the Serie A title race. The Rossoneri sit second in the table, just one point behind leaders Inter Milan, and remain the only team unbeaten away from home in the league this season.
Despite disappointment in cup competitions, Milan closed 2025 on a high with a convincing 3-0 win over Verona. Their away performances have been particularly impressive, combining defensive solidity with clinical finishing. Milan have also won four of their last five visits to Cagliari, underlining their dominance in this fixture.
MatchPlug Prediction for Cagliari vs AC Milan
Cagliari will take confidence from their recent win, but consistency has been lacking all season, and this represents a major step up in quality. Milan, meanwhile, are chasing the Scudetto and cannot afford to drop points against teams in the bottom half.
The visitors’ excellent away record, superior squad depth, and long-standing dominance in this matchup make them clear favorites. With Milan fully focused on league action, they should have enough to control the game and claim all three points.
Final Prediction: AC Milan Moneyline
