As in the previous week, a top Serie A team stumbled against Cagliari. The newly promoted side caused Juventus problems this time, but were unable to hold on to a 2-0 lead
Cagliari Calcio have proved to be a scare for the favorites in recent weeks. The newly promoted side beat Atalanta (1-2) two weeks ago and held leaders Inter to a draw last Sunday. However, Juventus, who made two changes to their starting line-up after the Derby della Capitale (0-0) (Weah and Alcaraz for McKennie and Kostic), were not really sharp. The Old Lady were prone to errors in attack time and again, allowing the home side to launch counter-attacks.
However, the first big chance did not come from a counter-attack, but from a set-piece: Zito failed to hit the ball well after Dossena’s header (27′). Referee Marco Piccinini then looked at the scene himself on the monitor after being advised by the VAR and then correctly pointed to the spot. Bremer had deflected Dossena’s header with an outstretched arm. Gaetano did not miss the opportunity and struck into the bottom left corner – Szczesny dived into the other corner (30′).
Szczesny’s déjà-vu
After Zito’s volley had flashed past (33), there was a carbon copy of the goal six minutes later – only this time with a different scorer: Yerry Mina safely converted the spot-kick Szczesny had awarded to Zito (36′). As Vlahovic’s goal was disallowed shortly before the break due to a close offside call by preparer Chiesa (43′), they went into the break 2-0 up
The game changed after the restart. Juve exerted more pressure. Nevertheless, the Old Lady needed a set-piece to score the equalizer. Vlahovic’s free-kick from a half-left position flew through a gap in the wall and into the net (61′). The hosts then continued to defend their lead with great sacrifice
Yilidz even misses the winning goal
Turin ran out of time and were threatened with their fifth defeat of the second half. However, Allegri’s side were able to avert it – even if it was a lucky escape: Dossena bent a Yildiz cross into his own net with his shin (87′). The visitors almost turned the game completely on its head through Yildiz. However, the youngster failed to hit the ball (90.+5), meaning the score ultimately remained 2:2
With fifth place in the Champions League already secured in Serie A, Juventus still have a comfortable cushion on the first Europa League place: they are twelve points ahead of Lazio, who are currently sixth in the table.
The Turin side continue their campaign on Tuesday with the semi-final second leg of the Coppa Italia at Lazio (9pm). Cagliari are not back in action in the league until next week. The promoted team will visit Genoa on Sunday.