A brilliant brace from Kenan Yildiz rescues Juve after Cagliari’s fast start; Vlahović exits injured as Spalletti earns his first home victory.
Juventus once again leaned on the magic of Kenan Yildiz, who delivered a decisive brace to overturn Sebastiano Esposito’s early goal and hand the Bianconeri a 2–1 win over Cagliari at the Allianz Stadium. The victory, however, came at a cost: Dusan Vlahović limped off in tears after a muscle injury just past the half-hour mark.
Cagliari stunned the Stadium early. The Sardinian side, well-organized under Pisacane, struck first thanks to an electric run from Palestra — the best player in red and blue — whose burst and cross (helped by a touch from Locatelli) set up Esposito for a sharp finish and a 1–0 lead.
But Juventus possess a difference-maker. Yildiz responded immediately, burying his first goal just one minute later after a neat assist from Thuram. The Turkish attacker then struck again right before halftime, converting Kalulu’s service to complete a rapid turnaround and make it 2–1.
The second half saw Juve push for a third — chances from Koopmeiners and Conceição came close — while Cagliari struggled to rediscover the intensity of their bright opening spell. Palestra continued to threaten on the right, and Esposito showed flashes of class before making way, but the rossoblù never quite regained momentum.
Juve managed the final stages well and secured Spalletti’s first home win of his new tenure, though the mood was tempered by the concern surrounding Vlahović’s injury.
Match Report
Juventus 2–1 Cagliari
Scorers: 26’ Esposito (CAG), 27’ Yildiz (JUV), 45+1’ Yildiz (JUV)
Juventus (3-4-2-1):
Perin; Kalulu, Kelly, Koopmeiners; McKennie, Locatelli, Thuram (70’ Miretti), Kostic (46’ Cambiaso); Conceição (85’ Cabal), Yildiz (85’ Openda); Vlahović (31’ David).
Manager: Spalletti
Cagliari (4-5-1):
Caprile; Zappa, Deiola, Luperto, Obert (53’ Idrissi); Palestra, Adopo (81’ Gaetano), Liteta (53’ Prati), Folorunsho (81’ Kilicsoy), Esposito (69’ Felici); Borrelli.
Manager: Pisacane
Referee: Crezzini
Bookings: Obert, Folorunsho, Felici, Prati, Cambiaso, Deiola
Red Cards: None
