Cagliari are the surprise package of the early season. After five rounds they sit two points above Juventus and just one off top spot, and they will want the long international break to leave that momentum intact when the Bianconeri visit Sardinia on Sunday evening.
Match Preview
Juventus won their first two league games, since which results have been mixed, though the start to 2026-27 has been broadly positive. They needed a late equaliser to avoid defeat to AC Milan, then lost 3-2 at Sassuolo despite twice fighting back from behind. The response was immediate: a 5-0 Europa League thrashing of NEC Nijmegen, followed by a 2-0 home win over Atalanta just before the break.
Luciano Spalletti’s strikers are yet to hit their stride, but he can take comfort from four clean sheets in six competitive games. Juve have also faced fewer shots than any other Serie A side. The trip to Sardinia is a tricky one, though. They lost 1-0 there last season and have won only two of their last five league meetings with Cagliari, home or away.
Over a longer period the head-to-head favours the visitors, with the hosts losing seven of the last ten. Current form tells a different story. Cagliari ended their last outing with a 1-0 win at Udinese, taking them to 12 points and fourth place. Fabio Pisacane’s team also have the league’s best defensive record, with only two goals conceded, even though they have faced more shots than 18 other clubs. They have already beaten Atalanta and Lecce at home this season, so they will be hoping to carry that form into the Juve game.
Team News
Juventus lost a low-key friendly against Cremonese last week, in which several fringe players featured, but a more familiar XI should start now the internationals are back. Randal Kolo Muani failed to score in that game and has yet to find the net in Serie A since returning to Turin. He has started all five league games but has had only 11 shots. He should still edge out Newcastle loanee Nick Woltemade, as Spalletti has few other options up front.
The injury list is long. Kenan Yildiz and captain Manuel Locatelli are out, along with Khephren Thuram, Jeremie Boga, Jeff Ekhator and reserve goalkeeper Kamil Grabara.
Cagliari are also short-handed. Mattia Felici, Yael Trepy, Alessandro Deiola and Riyad Idrissi are all out, and Kevin Carlos is a major doubt. There is good news too, as Alessandro Romano made his Italy debut in the Nations League and Daniel Maldini reached nine senior caps. Maldini scored in three straight league games before the break and should partner Paul Mendy in attack.
Probable Starting XI’s
Cagliari (4-3-2-1): Caprile; Ze Pedro, Mina, Rodriguez, Obert; Romano, Winks, Fazzini; Adopo, Maldini; Mendy.
Juventus (3-4-2-1): Vicario; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly, Cambiaso; Sarr, Douglas Luiz; Zhegrova, McKennie, Alajbegovic; Kolo Muani
Prediction
Juve’s defeat at Sassuolo came while chasing a win, and it is their only loss in eight Serie A away games going back to last season. Cagliari have been a little fortunate to concede so few, and a three-week layoff may not help them, so the visitors should edge a tight game.
Prediction: Cagliari 0-2 Juventus
