Juventus will be eyeing a late push for the second spot in the Serie A standings when they take on Cagliari on Friday night.
Cagliari are set to host Juventus at the Unipol Domus on Friday, aiming to build on their recent positive performances in Serie A. Under the guidance of Claudio Ranieri, they secured a commendable 2-2 draw against champions-elect Inter Milan in their last outing, following a notable 2-1 victory over Atalanta in the previous week. This recent form has bolstered their confidence as they prepare to take on Juventus.
The Isolani’s resilience has been evident in their recent matches, including a comeback draw against Hellas Verona and a thrilling 2-1 win over Atalanta. With these results, they have managed to forge a four-point cushion over 18th-placed Frosinone, ensuring they remain above the relegation zone even in case of a defeat against Juventus.
Hosting Friday’s match at the Unipol Domus, Cagliari aims to extend their unbeaten streak at home to five matches. Under Ranieri’s guidance, they have secured eight points from their last four home matches, making them a formidable opponent on their home turf.
Meanwhile, Juventus are determined to continue their dominance over Cagliari, aiming for a sixth consecutive victory against the Rossoblu. Led by Massimiliano Allegri, Juventus face a tough challenge, especially considering their inconsistent away form since the start of the year.
Despite Allegri’s confidence in securing a Champions League spot, Juventus have faced setbacks, winning only two of their last 11 matches. However, with Italy expected to secure an additional Champions League slot, there is some cushion for Juventus in the league standings. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up for the game and their tactics.
Team News & Tactics
Cagliari
Claudio Ranieri is likely yo have to manage Friday’s fixture without Gaetano Oristanio, Andrea Petagna, Marco Mancosu, and Leonardo Pavoletti, all sidelined due to injuries. Nicolas Viola has emerged as a valuable asset, displaying his scoring prowess with goals in the previous two game weeks after coming off the bench.
The midfielder’s capability to make a difference off the bench will give the veteran Italian manager an ace up his sleeve. Ranieri is likely to deploy his side in a 3-5-2 formation, with Simone Scuffet in goal. The 27-year-old should be protected by the back three of Gabriele Zappa, Yerry Mina, and Alberto Dossena.
The trio of Ibrahim Sulemana, Antoine Makoumbou and Alessandro Deiola will hold the fort in the middle of the park, freeing up Tommaso Augello and Nahitan Nandez to provide the width. Eldor Shomurodov scored against Inter Milan last time but should make way for Gianluca Lapadula and Zito Luvumbo in attack.
Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Scuffet; Zappa, Mina, Dossena; Nandez, Deiola, Makoumbou, Sulemana, Augello; Luvumbo, Lapadula
Juventus
Paul Pogba is still serving a suspension due to a doping violation, while Nicolo Fagioli remains sidelined for breaching betting regulations, leaving Massimiliano Allegri without their services.
The availability of Moise Kean and Arkadiusz Milik for Friday’s match remains uncertain, with the latter having a better shot of featuring, at least on the bench. Federico Chiesa was noticeably frustrated after being taken off in the Turin Derby but should return to the lineup.
Wojciech Szczesny is sidelined for the game, meaning Mattia Perin will take the reins in goal for the visitors. He should be protected by the trio of Federico Gatti, Gleison Bremer and Danilo as the Bianconeri set up in a 3-5-2 formation.
Manuel Locatelli should start as the midfield anchor, with Weston McKennie and Adrien Rabiot for support. Andrea Cambiaso and Filip Kostic should provide the width, with Dusan Vlahovic and Federico Chiesa leading the frontline up top.
Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Szczesny; Gatti, Bremer, Danilo; Cambiaso, McKennie, Locatelli, Rabiot, Kostic; Vlahovic, Chiesa
Key Stats
- Juventus have won 12 of their last 13 matches against Cagilari in Serie A. Against no other team have the Bianconeri secured more wins since 2016/17 in the Italian top flight.
- Juventus have won 19 times away to Cagliari in Serie A. Cagliari have not lost as many games to any other side in the Italian top flight at home.
- Cagliari have lost just one of their last eight league games.
- The last time Cagliari defeated a top three side in the league was in 2020, when they beat Juventus 2-0. Since then, they have gone gone winless in 15 games against opposition meeting the criteria.
- Cagliari have won six home games in Serie A this season, bettering their record over the last couple of top flight campaigns.
Player to Watch
Dusan Vlahovic
The Serbian striker is Juventus’s best attacker and will hope to get his side to within touching distance of second-placed AC Milan on the night. Vlahovic has not found the back of the net in his last four Serie A appearances and has lacked the killer instinct since returning from his suspension.
With just six more games to go, Juventus cannot afford to cede any more ground in the race for a top-two finish. Should Vlahovic return to his best, the Bianconeri have a good shot at bringing high-flying Cagliari crashing back to earth.
Prediction
Cagliari 1-1 Juventus
While Juventus have a solid record against the Isolani, Cagliari are in good form and will be brimming with confidence at the moment. Add to it the visitors’ soft underbelly, and it is fair to say that Claudio Ranieri can smell blood. The game is likely to be closer than expected and should end with both teams settling for a point.
