18 August 2017
JUVE CAN HAVE A GREAT SEASON
After registering two wins and two defeats in pre-season, the Bianconeri followed this up with a rare 0-0 draw in the traditional pre-season friendly against Juventus B at Villar Perosa on Thursday.
In their first competitive outing, Juventus were edged out by Lazio, 3-2, in the Italian Super Cup in Rome last Sunday. After trailing 2-0, Paulo Dybala scored his first goal for Juventus in the iconic number 10 shirt with a stunning free-kick, before keeping his cool to level the tie from the penalty spot. With the game looking as though it was heading into extra time, Lazio struck right at the death to ensure that the Super Cup was heading to Rome.
Coach Massimiliano Allegri spoke on Thursday about the team looking to “redeem themselves” against Cagliari. He went on to add: “During a season, we know that everyone makes mistakes, but we won’t lack respect for our rivals and we will show the desire to gain victories through sacrifice and without ever underestimating the other teams.”
CAGLIARI AIM TO KEEP THE STATUS QUO
Last term, Cagliari finished in an impressive 11th place on their first season back in the top flight, after one year in Serie B, where they finished as champions.
Manager, Massimo Rastelli can take credit for spearheading Cagliari’s ascension back into Serie A. Rastelli was given the reigns after impressing at Avellino and re-paid the faith shown in him by guiding the Sardinians back to Italy’s top flight at the first attempt as league winners.
Cagliari have already made a start to their season, participating in the third round of the Coppa Italia where they saw off Palermo to reach the fourth round. Gli Isolani won the tie, held in Turin, 4-2 on penalties after the match had finished 1-1 following extra time.
Former Juventino, Marco Boriello was Cagliari’s top scorer last season with 16 goals. Fellow former Bianconeri, Simone Padoin and Niccolo Giannetti are among the players who could feature on Saturday.
LAST TIME AGAINST CAGLIARI
Last season Juventus didn’t break a sweat against Cagliari as they romped to a 4-0 home win, with goals coming from Daniele Rugani, Gonzalo Higuain, Dani Alves and an own goal.
Juve would also put in a confident display away from home, winning 2-0 with both goals coming from Higuain.
In fact, the Bianconeri are undefeated against Cagliari in their last 14 matches in all competitions, with the last victory for the Rossoblù coming in November 2009.
KEY JUVENTUS VS CAGLIARI NUMBERS
- Juventus have beaten Cagliari 35 times in Serie A.
- Juventus have scored in all 18 Serie A home matches played against Cagliari.
- 10 of the last 13 goals Juventus have scored against the Sardinians have come in the first half.
- In their entire history, Juventus have only lost once on the opening day, against Udinese in 2015.
- Last season Cagliari never kept a clean sheet away from home.
- La Vecchia Signora have boasted the best defence in the last six seasons.
- Cagliari conceded 76 goals in Serie A last season, the most in their history.
- Allegri has never lost in 11 games against his former club, winning nine and drawing twice.
