Juventus vs Cagliari: Preview and Prediction

Juventus vs Cagliari
2016/17 Italian Serie A.
Date: Wednesday, 21 September 2016
Kick-Off: 19:45 UK,
Venue: Juventus Stadium (Turin).

Juventus have not had a great past few days. The Bianconeri first were subdued as they failed to score against Sevilla – despite having the lion’s share of opportunities. Then they lost their first Derby d’Italia in several years this weekend. Despite taking an early lead, Juventus were unable to make it count and ended up on the wrong side of a 2-1 score-line.

That marked the first loss for them at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza since 2010, and Massimiliano Allegri’s side now will be hoping to snap their two match winless streak against Cagliari in Turin this Wednesday.

It’s only natural that Juventus, like any other team, will not win every single fixture this season. Nonetheless, this has not prevented some from criticizing some of Allegri’s tactics in terms of personnel management. Many fans could not understand why Miralem Pjanic was on the bench so long against Sevilla, or how he plans to effectively use and rotate key strikers Gonzalo Higuain, Paulo Dybala, and Mario Mandzukic.

In any case, the season is still in its infancy and there will be plenty of opportunities for Juventus to get back to winning ways, although upcoming opponents Cagliari will be determined to try to cause an upset.

Marco Borriello already has netted against several of his former clubs, including Roma, Genoa, and most recently, Atalanta. The veteran striker, who has led a nomadic existence throughout his career also once donned the Bianconeri kit and would love nothing but to make it four ex-teams he’s scored against this Wednesday.

However, facing the reigning Serie A champs is no easy task. Especially when they have had a frustrating week. Cagliari have not fared well historically in this tie, and in fact, last tasted victory in November 2009. Since then, they have drawn three and lost nine. That being said, they did manage to hold Juve to a 1-1 draw the last time they met in Turin, and will look to take advantage of a team that has looked a bit off-color in their past two games.

Juventus vs Cagliari: Head-to-head statistics

• Juventus have won their last 18 home fixtures in Serie A.
• The Bianconeri are undefeated in their last 12 meetings with Cagliari across all competitions.
• La Vecchia Signora have not lost to the Rossoblu in Turin since January 31, 2009.
• Juventus have not lost any of their past 20 home games against teams ranked lower than them in the table (18 wins, two draws).
• Cagliari have lost 13 out of their last 20 away games against teams ranked higher than them in the table (three wins, four draws).

Juventus vs Cagliari: Prediction

Cagliari may be fancying their chances, but Juventus should be able to grind out a win in this fixture. With Napoli now a point ahead, the Bianconeri will want to make sure they do not allow the Partenopei any more wiggle room to inch further away. Given that their Scudetto rivals are taking on a potentially tricky Genoa, nothing short than all three points will suffice on Wednesday evening. The home crowd will be expecting it, as will Allegri after losing this weekend’s Derby d’Italia.

The Rossoblu may have finally earned their first win of the season, but anyone who follows calcio is well aware that Atalanta are nowhere near the level of Juventus – even when La Vecchia Signora is experiencing a bump in the road. The fact that Juve are unbeaten in their past 12 meetings with Cagliari cannot be disregarded. 2-1 for the Bianconeri to rebound after a tough week.

Juventus vs Cagliari: Betting tips

Juventus to win at 1/6 (1.17)
Over 2.5 goals at 8/15 (1.53).