JUVENTUS SEASON 2024-2025

[Socrates 8,252]

Juventus vs Cagliari: Preview and Prediction

 

 

Juventus are riding high after back-to-back away wins and will return to their home ground on Sunday to face a struggling Cagliari side. With momentum in their favour, the Bianconeri are now within reach of the Serie A summit, and their latest victory, a thrilling five-goal encounter against RB Leipzig in the Champions League, further boosted their confidence.

 

Meanwhile, Cagliari head into this match fresh off their first league win of the season, which has lifted their spirits and helped them climb out of the relegation zone. Under the guidance of head coach Thiago Motta, Juventus showcased their resilience and determination in their UEFA Champions League clash with RB Leipzig. ............

 

Juve’s defence has been rock solid, allowing very few chances and goals across all competitions. However, the injury to Bremer will be a blow as they prepare for Cagliari. On the other hand, Cagliari’s recent form has been less impressive, but they finally broke their winless streak with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Parma. Goals from Nadir Zortea, Razvan Marin, and a late match-winner from Roberto Piccoli helped Davide Nicola’s men get their first Serie A win of the season.

 

While their defence has struggled, conceding goals regularly, they will hope to build on their latest win as they head to Turin. However, facing Juventus, who have dominated them in recent years, will be a daunting task. Historically, Cagliari have had a tough time against the Turin giants, losing 12 of their last 14 league meetings.

 

Juventus will look to extend their perfect defensive record in Serie A this season, having kept a clean sheet in each of their first six matches. Cagliari, meanwhile, will need to find some attacking inspiration to break down one of Europe’s most disciplined defences. The Hard Tackle delves into the potential elevens and tactics for this highly-anticipated clash.

Team News & Tactics

Juventus

Juventus will likely line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Michele Di Gregorio starting between the posts. Danilo and Andrea Cambiaso are expected to occupy the full-back positions, while Pierre Kalulu and Federico Gatti will form the central defensive partnership, stepping in for the injured Gleison Bremer.

 

Manuel Locatelli and Weston McKennie are expected to hold the midfield in a double-pivot role, providing balance and support.

 

Further up the field, Francisco Conceicao, who played a key role in midweek, could slot into the right-wing position, with Teun Koopmeiners operating centrally and Kenan Yildiz on the left. Leading the attack will be Dusan Vlahovic, who has a strong track record against Cagliari and will look to add to his impressive goal tally.

 

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Di Gregorio; Danilo, Kalulu, Gatti, Cambiaso; Locatelli, McKennie; Conceicao, Koopmeiners, Yildiz; Vlahovic

Cagliari

Unavailable for this match are key players Mateusz Wieteska, who remains sidelined, and forwards Leonardo Pavoletti and Gianluca Lapadula, both of whom are significant doubts due to injury concerns. These absences could leave the visitors a bit short-handed, especially in the forward positions.

 

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Scuffet; Zappa, Mina, Luperto, Obert; Makoumbou, Marin; Zortea, Gaetano, Luvumbo; Piccoli

Key Stats

• Juventus have won 12 of their last 14 Serie A matches (D1 L1) against Cagliari, scoring at least two goals in 12 games during this period, including exactly two goals in each of their last four encounters.
• Juventus have won each of their last seven Serie A home games against Cagliari, keeping a clean sheet in five of those matches. Among teams currently in top-flight, only Venezia have a longer home winning streak against a single opponent than Juventus’ 10 home wins in a row.
• Juventus will play a ‘lunchtime match’ in Serie A for the first time since March 2024. Prior to their last game at 12:30, Juventus had won their six previous matches played in this timeslot, scoring at least two goals in each of those games.
• Juventus have kept a clean sheet in each of their first six Serie A games this season, marking the first time they have achieved this feat in their top-flight history. Only three teams have managed to keep clean sheets in their first seven Serie A matches of a season, including AC Milan in 1993/94, Cagliari in 1966/67, and Bologna in 1946/47. ............

Player to Watch

Dusan Vlahovic

Dusan Vlahovic has been in fine form for Juventus this season, and his record against Cagliari makes him the standout player to watch in this encounter. The Serbian striker has scored six goals in nine Serie A appearances against the Sardinian side, including two direct free kicks. ............

Prediction

Juventus 2-0 Cagliari

Given Juventus’s stellar defensive record and their dominance over Cagliari in recent years, it is hard to see anything other than a home victory. The Bianconeri have kept clean sheets in all of their Serie A matches so far, and Cagliari’s struggles to score regularly, especially against top-tier opponents, make it likely they will be shut out again.

 

With Dusan Vlahovic in excellent form and the home advantage at Allianz Stadium, Juventus should have enough firepower to secure a comfortable 2-0 win.

 

Read more -> https://thehardtackle.com/round-up/2024/10/05/juventus-vs-cagliari-preview-and-prediction/

[Socrates 8,252]

[Socrates 8,252]

Two penalties and a red card as Cagliari earns a point at Juventus

 

 

Juventus dropped two points in a frustrating 1-1 draw against a resilient Cagliari side this afternoon.

 

The in-form Bianconeri started the match as the dominant team, aiming to build on their two-game winning streak. Their early pressure paid off when they were awarded a penalty, which Dusan Vlahovic converted to continue his fine run of form.

 

After taking the lead, Juventus pushed for a second goal, with Teun Koopmeiners coming close, but the Cagliari goalkeeper made a crucial save. ............

 

Despite their dominance, Juventus couldn’t add to their lead before halftime. Cagliari defended well, but Juventus’ inability to capitalise on their chances also played a role in the lack of a second goal. ............

 

Juventus failed to score again, and their missed chances came back to haunt them. Razvan Marin equalized for Cagliari from the penalty spot after a poor tackle by Douglas Luiz.

 

Things worsened for Juventus when Conceição received a second yellow card for simulation and was sent off. Despite being down to ten men, Juventus continued to dominate but couldn’t find the winner, leaving them to settle for a draw and shared points with their visitors.

 

Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/two-penalties-and-a-red-card-as-cagliari-earns-a-point-at-juventus/

 

Edited Sunday at 04:36 PM by Socrates

[Socrates 8,252]

Video – Watch Vlahovic and teammates dedicate goal to Bremer

 

Dusan Vlahovic gave Juventus the lead against Cagliari this afternoon with a penalty and immediately dedicated the goal to his injured teammate, Gleison Bremer.

 

The Brazilian defender sustained a long-term injury earlier this week during Juventus’ Champions League match against RB Leipzig, and it appears he may miss the rest of the season. ............

 

After scoring, Vlahovic quickly ran to the touchline, grabbed a Juventus shirt with Bremer’s name on it, and held it up in tribute.

It was a heartwarming moment that showed how much the team cares for their injured teammate. ............

 

 

Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/video-watch-vlahovic-and-teammates-dedicate-goal-to-bremer/

[Socrates 8,252]

Player Ratings: Juventus 1-1 Cagliari – Wasteful Vlahovic, Douglas Luiz disaster

 

 

Douglas Luiz caused a penalty kick for the second game in a row at Juventus, while Dusan Vlahvic scored his fifth goal in a week but missed an incredible chance in the second half, minutes before Cagliari‘s equaliser. ............

 

They had taken the lead in the first half with Vlahovic’s fifth goal in three games, but the Serbian could have made it six in the second half when he pounced on a rebound but sent the ball wide with Simone Scuffet unable to get on the ball.

 

Cagliari left the ball to Juventus, finishing the match with 26% possession. ............

Juventus 1-1 Cagliari – player ratings

Juventus: Di Gregorio 6; Savona 6 (70′ Danilo 5.5), Kalulu 6.5, Gatti 6.5, Cambiaso 5.5; Locatelli 6 (62′ McKennie 5.5), Thuram 5.5 (62′ Douglas Luiz 4.5); Conceicao 5, Koopmeiners 6 (46′ Fagioli 6), Mbangula 5 (77′ Yildiz 5.5); Vlahovic 5.5. Coach: Motta 5.5.

 

Best Juventus players: Kalulu and Gatti 6.5 – Juventus can still rely on a solid defensive partnership despite Gleison Bremer’s injury. However, it wasn’t enough to keep a seventh consecutive clean sheet in Serie A.

 

Lowest Juventus rating – Douglas Luiz 4.5 – Another appearance as a substitute and another penalty kick caused. This time, it was clear as he came steaming into Roberto Piccoli. A €50m signing in the summer. A disaster, for now.

 

Coach: Thiago Motta 5.5 – Juventus were a bit tired after Wednesday’s victory in Leipzig. Kenan Yildiz rested, Teun Koopmeiners was not fully fit and was replaced at the break. Despite Vlahovic’s big chance in the second half, Juventus didn’t create much more.

 

Cagliari: Scuffet 6.5; Zappa 6.5, Mina 7, Luperto 7, Obert 6.5; Makoumbou 6.5 (65′ Marin 7), Adopo 6.5 (77′ Deiola); Zortea 6 (77′ Mutandwa 6), Viola 5.5 (57′ Gaetano 6), Augello 6 (57′ Luvumbo 6.6); Piccoli 7 Coach: All. Nicola 6.5. ............

 

Read more -> https://football-italia.net/juventus-1-1-cagliari-player-ratings-vlahovic/

[Socrates 8,252]

Thiago Motta: “We managed the game instead of attacking. Vlahovics’ miss? It happens to everyone”

 

 

Juventus manager Thiago Motta expressed his disappointment following his team’s 1-1 draw against Cagliari, highlighting missed opportunities and a lack of attacking intent. The Bianconeri led for most of the match but conceded a late equalizer, marking their first goal allowed in Serie A this season.

 

Motta began by analyzing the team’s performance: “We controlled the game in the first half, but we managed instead of attacking. In the second half, we created chances but didn’t finish them. There was always a feeling that Cagliari could get back into the game. We did almost everything ourselves.”

 

Addressing Dusan Vlahovic’s missed opportunity, Motta showed understanding: “You don’t say anything to strikers in such situations, it’s a game situation. It happens. There are other things we need to do better to compete and continue growing in our journey.” ............

 

Regarding Douglas Luiz conceding another penalty, Motta stressed the importance of collective effort: “We’ll need to give even more every day. Both him and everyone else, there will be positive things for him in the future as well.” ............

 

Read more -> https://www.footitalia.com/thiago-motta-we-managed-instead-of-attacking-vlahovic-it-happens-to-everyone/

[Socrates 8,252]

Juventus Player Ratings vs Cagliari: Douglas Luiz Impedes the Old Lady Again

 

Juventus (4-2-3-1)

Michele Di Gregorio – 6

 ............

Nicolò Savona – 6

A solid performance from the Juventus youngster. Although he didn’t have a major impact in attack, he did well to limit the danger of Tommaso Augello and Ziti Luvumbo.

Pierre Kalulu – 6.5

The Milan loanee was largely untroubled at the back. Looked sharp and composed as ever.

Federico Gatti – 6.5

The Juventus captain prevailed in most of his duels, especially against Roberto Piccoli. He also did well to push his teammates forward.

Andrea Cambiaso – 6

 ............

Manuel Locatelli – 6.5

Juventus looked much more solid with the former Sassuolo man on the pitch. He did well to shield the backline and pile pressure on the opposition.

Khephren Thuram – 6

 ............

Francisco Conceicao – 5

The Portuguese winger saw much of the ball but didn’t produce his usual scintillating dribbles. Left Juventus with a man down after receiving a second yellow card for simulation.

Teun Koopmeiners – 6

The former Atalanta man won back possession in dangerous areas on several occasions and combined well with Vlahovic. However, his final touch is still leaving much to be desired.

Samuel Mbangula – 5.5

The young Belgian formed a triangle with Cambiaso and Thuram, but hardly made himself noticed.

Dusan Vlahovic – 6

A mixed bag from the Serbian who converted the spot-kick expertly, but should have bagged at least another goal, especially when he found himself in front of an open net.

Substitutes

Nicolò Fagioli – 6

A decent showing from the Italian who kept the ball rolling in midfield, but not quite as influential as his most recent showing against Leipzig.

Weston McKennie – 5.5

 ............

Douglas Luiz – 5

For the second match in a row, the Brazilian gave away a spot-kick after entering the pitch in the second half. His early-season struggles are leaving Juventus fans puzzled.

Danilo – N/A

Kenan Yildiz – N/A

 

Read more -> https://cultofcalcio.com/juventus-player-ratings-vs-cagliari-douglas-luiz-impedes-the-old-lady-again/

[Socrates 8,252]

Gatti rues Cagliari draw: “No excuses, It could return to haunt us”

 

 

Juventus stand-in captain Federico Gatti insists his team cannot offer any excuses for dropping points at home against Cagliari.

 

The Bianconeri shared the spoils for the fourth time this season, and the third at home. Despite taking an early lead through a Dusan Vlahovic spot-kick, they failed to put the match to bed. ............

 

For his part, Gatti feels these two squandered points could return to haunt the Old Lady at some stage during the campaign.

 

“There are no excuses for the result,” said the 26-year-old in his post-match interview.

 

“These are home games that must be won, we threw away two points that could return to haunt us in the long run.” ............

 

“Bremer will be missing because he is one of the best defenders in the world. It’s a major loss, so we all have to give more for him, for the team, for the club and the fans.

 

“You can’t draw a game like that, but this result must help us mature”.

 

“I’m sorry for the unbeaten run, but even more for the result as well as for Francisco’s expulsion. He’s a very important player for us and we can’t fall into these mistakes. We must all improve.” ............

 

Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/gatti-rues-cagliari-draw-no-excuses-it-could-return-to-haunt-us/

 

Edited Sunday at 05:39 PM by Socrates

[Socrates 8,252]

Motta to use McKennie in a new role against Lazio

 

 

Juventus could be without several key players when club football resumes, as they prepare to face Lazio next weekend. ............

 

As Juventus plans for the match, one key player will be Weston McKennie. The American has gone from the verge of leaving the club to becoming a vital player once again. So far this season, he has primarily played as a central midfielder under Thiago Motta.

 

However, McKennie is likely to be deployed in a different role against Lazio, with Motta reportedly planning to use him as a right winger. The coach believes McKennie could be crucial in limiting the impact of Nuno Tavares, who has been in excellent form, providing numerous assists this season. ............

 

Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/motta-to-use-mckennie-in-a-new-role-against-lazio/