Juventus’ impressive recent form, with the 5-0 victory over Cremonese on Monday their latest positive result, had catapulted them into the SA title conversation, albeit as outsiders. Here, they faced a side with just two victories in their previous 16 league outings, suggesting it would be a comfortable evening for the Bianconeri.
However, their first-half display was anything but convincing as they struggled to create almost any chances of note.
Goalkeeper Elia Caprile was truly tested just once, when he kept out Fabio Miretti’s low drive from inside the box with his feet.
Miretti, who was the main protagonist in a tepid opening period, thought he had won his side a penalty after seemingly being fouled by Luca Mazzitelli in the area, but referee Davide Massa’s initial decision was overturned following his trip to the pitchside monitor.
The second half offered more goalmouth action, with Miretti missing the target before Caprile parried Andrea Cambiaso’s attempt from distance to safety.
There were then wayward efforts from Lloyd Kelly and the unusually quiet Kenan Yıldız before Cagliari ripped up the script to take the lead. Mazzitelli was the goalscorer, producing a fantastic flicked finish on the volley to beat Mattia Perin from Gianluca Gaetano’s free-kick.
The remainder of the match was effectively attack versus defence, as the Old Lady pinned Cagliari back as they looked for an equaliser. Nevertheless, the hosts were in a resilient mood, putting their bodies on the line to deny their opponents a clear sight of goal.
As a result, while they dominated possession, Juve were unable to create enough to fashion an equaliser besides a deflected Yıldız effort that hit the post and therefore fell to a bitterly disappointing defeat.
Luciano Spalletti’s men now sit 10 points adrift of leaders Inter Milan and could finish the weekend fifth if Roma beat Torino on Sunday. Meanwhile, Cagliari move eight points clear of the bottom three, with this only their second triumph in eight home league matches.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Gianluca Gaetano (Cagliari)
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