A stunning second-half volley seals a surprise win for Cagliari, ending Juventus’ seven-game unbeaten run on Matchday 21.
Juventus’ positive momentum came to an abrupt halt in Sardinia, as Cagliari claimed a crucial 1-0 home victory thanks to a brilliant strike from Luca Mazzitelli. In difficult weather conditions at the Unipol Domus, the Bianconeri dominated possession but failed to turn control into goals, paying the price for a lack of cutting edge.
Juventus started aggressively, pressing high and keeping the ball for long spells. Early controversy arrived in the 15th minute when Miretti went down in the box and referee Massa initially pointed to the spot, only for VAR to overturn the decision: the Juventus midfielder had in fact made contact with Mazzitelli first. Moments later, Mazzitelli nearly made the most of it at the other end, forcing Caprile into a sharp reflex save.
The pattern continued after the break, with Juventus pushing forward and Cagliari sitting deep, ready to counter. Against the run of play, the hosts found the breakthrough. From a free kick delivered by Gaetano, Mazzitelli drifted away from his marker and struck a magnificent first-time volley past Perin, sending the home crowd into raptures.
Spalletti reacted by throwing on attacking reinforcements, including Zhegrova and Openda, but Juventus’ late pressure produced little more than frustration. Yildiz tried to spark a response with individual initiative, yet the equalizer never came.
The defeat ends Juventus’ run of seven consecutive positive results across league and Champions League, while Cagliari earn a vital three points with a disciplined and determined performance.
Match Report
Cagliari 1-0 Juventus
Goals:
65’ Mazzitelli (Cagliari)
Cagliari (3-5-2):
Caprile; Zé Pedro, Mina, Luperto; Palestra, Adopo, Mazzitelli, Gaetano, Obert; Esposito (Idrissi 64’), Kılıçsoy (Borrelli 54’).
Coach: Pisacane
Juventus (4-2-3-1):
Perin; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly, Cambiaso (Conceição 80’); Locatelli (Zhegrova 66’), Koopmeiners; McKennie (Thuram 80’), Miretti (Openda 66’), Yildiz; David (Adžić 88’).
Coach: Spalletti
Referee: Massa
Yellow cards: Yildiz (Juventus)
Red cards: None
