Luciano Spalletti’s side now sits 10 points behind leaders Inter, who beat Udinese earlier.
The match developed into a siege of Cagliari’s penalty area, yet the hosts secured three points through concentrated defending. Juventus created the clearer openings and produced far more attempts, but Cagliari’s compact shape, disciplined back line and decisive finishing made the difference in a tense encounter.
Numbers from the game underline Juventus’ frustration. The visitors generated 1.28 expected goals from 20 efforts, while Cagliari posted only 0.11 xG from three shots. However, the home team converted their only attempt on target, leaving Juventus without reward despite long spells of pressure.
Cagliari had only 21.9% of possession, yet still managed the key moment. Goalkeeper Elia Caprile actually registered the most touches for the hosts with 46, and also completed the joint-highest number of passes for Cagliari, finishing on 20 alongside central defender Yerry Mina.
Mina produced a standout defensive display at the heart of Cagliari’s back line. Mina made 10 clearances, tied with Sebastiano Luperto for the most in the match. Mina also won all four aerial duels, which helped Juventus’ frequent crosses rarely become real danger inside the penalty area.
Earlier incidents had hinted at a different outcome. Juventus believed a penalty had been given on 15 minutes when Fabio Miretti went down under Mazzitelli’s challenge. After a brief VAR review, the referee overturned the decision, and Cagliari escaped without conceding from the spot during that early spell.
The first half contained few clear chances, especially for Cagliari, who did not register a single shot before half-time. Juventus looked more assertive. Miretti produced the best opening for the visitors before the interval, but a deflected attempt lacked power and Caprile gathered the ball comfortably.
The decisive passage arrived shortly after the hour. From a Cagliari free-kick, Gianluca Gaetano mishit a cross, yet the ball dropped kindly for Mazzitelli. The midfielder met it first time on the volley and sent a controlled strike into the bottom-right corner beyond the reach of the Juventus goalkeeper.
Spalletti’s side pushed hard for an equaliser as the minutes ticked away. Kenan Yildiz came closest when a fierce shot took a deflection off Mina and struck the left post. The rebound stayed out, and Juventus’ late efforts faded as Cagliari held firm until the final whistle.
The result leaves Juventus further adrift in the Serie A title race, especially with Inter winning against Udinese earlier on 17 January 2026. Cagliari, meanwhile, gain a valuable home victory built on resilience, efficient organisation and one clinical strike in an otherwise one-sided attacking contest.