
- Fixture: Galatasaray vs Cagliari (International Club Friendly)
- Date: Wednesday, 23 July 2025
- Venue: Raiffeisen Arena, Pasching, Austria
The Preview
Two proud clubs from Turkey and Italy lock horns in an intriguing pre-season friendly as Galatasaray face Cagliari at Raiffeisen Arena. Both sides have plenty to prove ahead of their respective domestic seasons and will see this match as a high-quality test of their summer preparations. Expect an upbeat night of football as fans from both teams bring their colors and noise to Austria for this continental clash.
Galatasaray come into this fixture on the back of a stunning run that saw them finish their Süper Lig campaign in supreme form. The Turkish giants won their final five league matches, sweeping aside teams like Kayserispor (3-0), Trabzonspor (2-0), and İstanbul Başakşehir (2-0), scoring regularly and barely conceding a goal. Most recently, they handled Admira Wacker 2-1 in a tune-up friendly. However, summer injuries have struck: key forward Mauro Icardi is set to miss out with a cruciate ligament issue, and Yunus Akgün may also be absent, while some first-teamers such as Victor Nelsson and Derrick Köhn are nursing minor knocks.
Cagliari, meanwhile, are regrouping after a challenging Serie A season and eager to take the momentum from a strong close to the league campaign. They triumphed over Venezia in their final run and also beat Verona away (2-0), but recent form is mixed, with losses to Napoli, Fiorentina, and Como highlighting some vulnerabilities. The squad is not at full strength: Gianluca Gaetano and veteran striker Leonardo Pavoletti are both confirmed absentees with knee injuries, which limits Cagliari’s attacking options.
Both managers are expected to experiment, blending upcoming talent with established stars. For Galatasaray, the likes of Arda Ünyay, Yusuf Demir, and Lucas Torreira bring creative spark, while Cagliari will look to striker Roberto Piccoli and midfield general Răzvan Marin to anchor their performance. The match will likely feel open, with both sets of fans eager for a summer spectacle and both coaches keen to glean useful insights before the competitive action returns.
Key Players to Watch
- Galatasaray:
- Lucas Torreira: Midfield engine, responsible for dictating tempo and pressing.
- Yusuf Demir: Creative winger, offers skill and flair, dangerous on the counter.
- Arda Ünyay: Emerging star, provides fresh attacking impetus.
- Cagliari:
Predicted Outcome
Given Galatasaray’s impressive end to last season and the attacking firepower still available, they are slight favorites—even if friendly lineups can be unpredictable. However, the absence of several Cagliari attackers could make their task even tougher. Expect an entertaining contest, but Galatasaray’s superior depth and current momentum should edge it—something like Galatasaray 2-1 Cagliari seems plausible.
Betting Odds & Markets
| Market | Selection | Odds (Fractional) | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time Result | Galatasaray | 8/13 | Bet Now |
| Full-Time Result | Draw | 14/5 | Bet Now |
| Full-Time Result | Cagliari | 4/1 | Bet Now |
| Both Teams To Score | Yes | 10/11 | Bet Now |
| Over 2.5 Goals | Yes | 10/11 | Bet Now |
| Anytime Goalscorer | Roberto Piccoli | 3/1 | Bet Now |
| Handicap (-1 Galatasaray) | Galatasaray | 15/8 | Bet Now |
Odds are for illustration and may vary; please check your sportsbook for current markets.
Expect a fun contest and some summer sparkle as these two storied clubs get ready for the season ahead!

