Juventus has returned from their challenging match in the Arctic Circle, hoping to leave behind the harsh winter conditions for the upcoming weeks as the late fall progresses into winter. The team is keen to build momentum from their first Champions League victory of the season, as they aim to improve their domestic form, which has been characterized by several frustrating draws in recent weeks.
Despite their cold journey, the weather forecast for Turin this weekend does not promise much warmth. Juventus faces Cagliari on Saturday evening, a clash that comes after three consecutive draws in all competitions. Manager Luciano Spalletti is eager to avoid a repeat of those results against Cagliari, who currently sit in 14th place, just three points above the relegation zone. Juventus’ recent history shows too many dropped points against lower-ranked teams, a pattern they must break to secure a spot in the top four by the end of the year.
Juventus enters the match in seventh place in Serie A, reflecting their struggles this season, particularly at home where they have a mixed record of four wins and two losses in their first six home matches. Their current position in the league is concerning, especially as Como recently defeated Sassuolo, putting further pressure on Juventus to perform.
The key question leading into the match is whether Juventus will show the resilience they displayed in the second half of their midweek clash against Bodø/Glimt or revert to the struggles of their previous matches. Cagliari has not won since late September, sharing just one other positive result in that timeframe—a scoreless draw against Como. Juventus needs to capitalize on this opportunity, especially given their strong record against “smaller” teams, having won 14 of their last 17 encounters with Cagliari.
In terms of team news, Spalletti did not hold a pre-match press conference, leaving uncertainty around player availability. Federico Gatti, recovering from the flu, may be available from the bench, while Gleison Bremer, Carlo Pinsoglio, Daniele Rugani, and Arek Milik are confirmed to miss out due to injuries. It’s also crucial for Teun Koopmeiners to avoid a yellow card to remain eligible for the upcoming match against Napoli.
One player to watch is Filip Kostić, who has delivered strong performances this season, including a key goal in their last match against Fiorentina. Kostić is anticipated to start on the left wing for this game, a vital opportunity for him to provide the attacking threat that Juventus desperately needs.
As Juventus prepares to face Cagliari at the Allianz Stadium on Saturday at 6 p.m. local time, fans hope the team will finally secure a much-needed win to kickstart a successful run in the league and bolster their campaign for Champions League qualification. The fixture promises to be pivotal, not just for immediate points but also for the morale of the players heading into a packed schedule in the coming months.