MATCH REPORT : Cagliari - Juventus (02.04.2019)

Juventus travelled to Sardinia in the midst of an injury crisis with 5 first team regulars missing, most notably Cristiano Ronaldo, Mario Mandzukic and Paulo Dybala. Thankfully this meant that in form Moise Kean was presented with a rare starting place in the first team. The question though, was could the rising star take advantage of the opportunity?

Both teams began the game brightly, as Cagliari showed little signs of fear and gave as good as they got from Juventus. Both teams also shared the same method of attack, get the ball and cross into the centre of your opponents box, its a method that Juventus have used throughout the season and tonight would be no different. The first chance of the game would come on the 8th minute, Alex Sandro with a good cross towards Emre Can who headed the ball high and over the woodwork. It didnt take much time until Juventus had another opportunity to score, this time coming from a set piece as Pjanic dangerously crossed into the penalty area, but Caceres couldnt properly connect with the ball. With almost 20 minutes played Moise Kean appeared to be fouled for a potential penalty, until replays showed that the youngster had went to ground a little too easily and was rightfully booked instead. Shortly after Moise Kean embarrasing himself, the opening goal of the night finally arrived in the form of an unlikely name, Leonardo Bonucci, who drifted into the Cagliari box and got on the end of a corner kick, completely unmarked to head the ball into the bottom corner of Cagliari's goal for 1-0. With Juventus now in front the Bianconeri would play with more confidence and look for a second goal before half time, most notably both Matuidi & Emre Can having efforts on goal that failed to reach the target

HALF TIME : CAGLIARI 0 - 1 JUVENTUS

Cagliari could consider themsevles lucky not to be down to 10 men during the opening 5 minutes of the half, as Lykogiannis (who was already booked) forcibly shoulder barged Kean off  the pitch and against an advertising board. Moise Kean would again be at the centre of attention, getting onto the end of a long range cross from Pjanic, showing strength and determination to muscle past the remaining two Cagliari defenders for an attempt on goal that was comfortably saved by the goalkeeper. Towards the 70th minute Bernardeschi almost scored what would have been goal of the night, side footing a low cross from Matuidi only for his effort to deflect off a team mate and out for a goal kick. With the lead in tact Juventus slowed the pace of the game down as the tired legs of Cagliari no longer looked as threatening as they did for periods of the first half. This would change however as Cagliari would have their best chance of the half to equalise, as Pavoletti got on the end of a free kick but headed over the crossbar from a promising position. Yet again Pavoletti would have a similar chance to rescue a point for his side late on, and yet again he could only head the ball over the woodwork. Unfortunately for the home side shortly afterwards Juventus would go up the other end of the pitch and put the result beyond doubt as Bentancur drilled a low cross in front of goal towards a running Moise Kean who slotted the ball into the net, after being booed by the home fans throughout the night it was a goal that was fully deserved to win the game for Juventus 2-0


THE GOOD :

• Despite some notable absentees Juventus not only played significantly better than the previous game against Empoli, but still managed to take all three points from a tough away fixture.

• Moise Kean showed maturity beyond his age not to respond to Cagliari players (as well as their fans) attempting to provoke him, it could have been all too easy for the teenager to angrily react, practically being thrown off the pitch by Lykogiannis & abuse (some of which was unfortunately racist) from Cagliari fans throughout the night. 

THE BAD :

• Another injury, Caceres had to be substituted in the second half due to what looked like a potential injury. Despite being a back up player you have to hope that its nothing serious. Juventus have enough players injured without adding Caceres to the list

• Cagliari fans, racism is something that unfortunately still exist's in society and it has risen its head one time too many during the current Serie A season. You can only hope that this will change over time but its very likely to remain and sadly few will be surprised is this happens again during next season.