Juventus had 22 shots and 10 on target at Cagliari but needed an 81st-minute goal from Randal Kolo Muani to salvage a 1-1 draw on Sunday (October 11). Daniel Maldini put the hosts in front, while the visitors’ control brought little reward until late on.
Football Italy and Sky Sport reported the same scores and goalscorers. Juventus had 72 per cent possession but Cagliari’s lead lasted just over an hour as the Bianconeri struggled to create clear-cut chances.
Maldini punished the mistake of “Juventus”.
Maldini opened the score in the 20th minute after winning the possession of Francisco Conceicao. His first attempt was blocked but the rebound came back to him and he finished from close range. According to Football Italia, the goal extended his scoring streak to four consecutive Serie A games.
Juventus had already threatened Nico Gonzalez, whose close-range effort went wide with the dismissal of Weston McKennie. Although they dominated the ball, they ended the first half with one shot on target. Having won three consecutive matches and four of their first five games, Cagliari has overtaken Juventus in the standings.
Among the visitors, Kenan Yıldız, Khéphren Thuram, Manuel Locatelli, Jérémie Boga, Jeff Ekhator, Kamil Grabara and Arkadiusz Milik did not participate. “Football Italia” reports that Neto was not used due to suspension.
Kolo Muani levels up, then hits the bar
Karim Alajbegovic, who was presented together with Edon Jegrova after the break, scored the equalizing goal. Kolo Muani got in front of Adam Obert at the far post and headed his header past Elia Caprile. This was the forward’s first goal of the season.
Four minutes later, an almost identical cross gave Kolo Muani a chance to put Juventus ahead. This time, his shot from close range hit the underside of the crossbar. Andrea Cambiaso also tested Caprili, while Jegrova was forced to make several saves after coming on.
Late pressure failed to turn a draw into a win. Juventus avoided defeat, but a 22-shot tally highlighted the difference between their territorial advantage and finishing. According to the match report, an altercation between Luciano Spalletti and Fabio Pisacane at the final whistle ended with both coaches showing red cards.