Italy

Cagliari 2-0 Juventus: Nene & Matri Pile Pressure On Ferrara

The Old Lady's problems continue.

Nov 29, 2009 10:50:34 AM

Nenè - Cagliari-Juventus - Serie A (Getty Images)

Juventus recent struggles continued as they were defeated 2-0 in Serie A by Cagliari in Sardinia.

A first half wonder goal by Nene, and a late breakaway second by substitute Alessandro Matri did the damage as the Bianconeri produced their second dismal performance in the space of a week.

Juventus desperately needed a win in this game, but they were without the injured David Trezeguet, Vincenzo Iaquinta and Fabio Grosso. Amauri was passed fit to play in attack, but Alessandro Del Piero was dropped to the bench. Claudio Marchisio returned after a lay-off.

Cagliari were minus injured defenders Lino Marzoratti and Michele Canini as they hoped to return to winning ways. Star man Andrea Cossu returned from suspension.

The home side were the first to threaten as Jeda crossed from the right and Andrea Lazzari couldn't get enough on his header, before Nene nodded over.

Juventus' play was disjointed, and they had another let-off on 18 minutes as Gianluigi Buffon flew to his right to push out a free kick from Daniele Conti.

The son of 1982 World Cup winning legend Bruno Conti went even closer a few minutes later with a ferocious 25-yard half volley that fizzed just wide.

A Cagliari goal was coming and it arrived in stunning fashion on the half-hour mark through Nene. The Brazilian fired an incredible, swerving, dipping 35-yard thunderbolt from way out on the right that broke the top corner of the net.

Juventus' first dangerous effort of the game did not arrive until 35 minutes as Marchisio cut in from the left and curled over.

Diego also fired well wide as Juventus trailed 1-0 at the break after a very poor first half display.

Amauri thought he had equalised

Into the second half and Juventus thought they had equalised straight away as Amauri headed home, but the goal was correctly ruled out for offside.

Cagliari then asked for a penalty when Martin Caceres handled in the box, the referee deemed it ball to hand.

Juventus threw on Del Piero for the last half hour as they desperately tried to salvage something from the game.

Only a last-gasp Caceres tackle on Cagliari substitute Alessandro Matri, though, prevented a second home goal. The latter also headed wide when well placed.

Juventus were struggling, but they were denied a clear penalty on 70 minutes as Francesco Pisano pushed Amauri in the box as he looked set to head home. Amauri was furious and was booked for protesting.

The away side piled on the pressure in the closing stages, and Cristian Molinaro saw a volley blocked while Marchetti came to the rescue from a Del Piero free kick. The goalkeeper also twice saved low from Diego.

With Juve pushing forward, Cagliari hit them on the break with two minutes remaining to close the game. Matri beat Cannavaro in a one-on-one before sliding the ball past Buffon.

Del Piero and Diego missed injury time sitters for Juve, but this was a dreadful performance from the visitors.

This result means that Juventus fall further behind Inter, while Cagliari continue their fine season.

Anthony Sormani, Goal.com

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