Juventus continued their surge up the Serie A table with a 1-0 victory over Cagliari at Unipol Domus on February 23, 2025. The match was highlighted by Dusan Vlahovic's decisive goal, which helped the Bianconeri secure their fourth consecutive win and reclaim the fourth spot, solidifying their position for Champions League qualification.
The match kicked off with the visitors quickly asserting themselves. Juventus employed rapid passing and fluid offense, which was evident as they sought to dominate the game from the start. It took just 12 minutes for them to capitalize on Cagliari's defensive blunder. Vlahovic, who had returned to the starting lineup after nearly a month on the sidelines, intercepted a careless back pass by Yerry Mina. He raced past the Cagliari goalkeeper, Caprile, and coolly placed the ball in the net, putting Juventus ahead 1-0.
Despite their strong start, Juventus didn't stop pushing for more. The team's control was evident as they created several scoring opportunities, particularly through talented young forward Yildiz, who tested Caprile's reflexes multiple times. Caprile was pivotal for Cagliari, making impressive saves against Yildiz and Conceiçao, keeping the score at 1-0 and giving his team hope.
By the end of the first half, Juventus had dominated possession and had more substantial chances, but they failed to convert. Cagliari struggled to break through Juventus’s strong defense, with their best efforts being easily handled by Di Gregorio, Juventus's goalkeeper. The first half concluded with the Bianconeri holding the slender advantage.
After the interval, Cagliari emerged with renewed vigor, introducing Luvumbo to add pace on the flank. The home team attempted to ramp up the pressure and create scoring opportunities. Nevertheless, as the match advanced, Juventus continued to execute effective counterattacks, limiting Cagliari's options.
The tension rose as Cagliari pushed for the equalizer. A notable moment came at the 78th minute, where Vlahovic had the chance to double the lead, but once again, Caprile showcased his skills, denying the Serbian forward with another solid save. Despite Juventus’s potent attack and pressure, they struggled to add to their lead.
Late game nerves set in for the Bianconeri as Cagliari launched more desperate attacks, including attempts from Coman and Viola, both of which failed to find the target. Juventus, aware of the importance of managing their lead, maintained composure as the game approached its conclusion. The final whistle blew, signaling another hard-fought victory for Juventus and three precious points.
With this win, Juventus seeks to reclaim their form after the disappointment of exiting the Champions League at the hands of PSV Eindhoven. Coach Thiago Motta emphasized the need for his side to improve their game management to avoid unnecessary late-game pressure. The importance of this win cannot be understated as it positions Juventus favorably for their upcoming match against Empoli for the Coppa Italia and their league clash against Verona.
Cagliari, meanwhile, suffered a setback after their recent unbeaten run. They remain five points above the relegation zone, highlighting the need for improvement to avoid falling back down. Their next challenge will be against Bologna, as they seek to regain lost momentum.