Cagliari ended Juventus’ eight-game unbeaten run in Serie A with a 1-0 victory at the Unipol Domus, marking only their second win in 14 home meetings against the Bianconeri.

Juventus had arrived on the back of a 5-0 triumph over Cremonese on Monday and were briefly in Scudetto conversation, albeit as outsiders. Facing a Cagliari side with just two wins in their previous 16 league matches, the Bianconeri appeared set for a routine evening.

However, Juventus’ first-half performance was underwhelming. They struggled to create meaningful chances, with goalkeeper Elia Caprile called into action only once, making a low-foot save to deny Fabio Miretti inside the box. Miretti also believed he had won a penalty after a challenge from Luca Mazzitelli, but referee Davide Massa overturned the decision following a pitchside VAR review.

The second half offered more action, with Miretti missing a close-range effort and Caprile parrying Andrea Cambiaso’s long-range strike. Chances also went begging for Lloyd Kelly and a subdued Kenan Yıldız.

Cagliari then stunned the visitors with a moment of brilliance. Luca Mazzitelli met Gianluca Gaetano’s free-kick with a perfectly timed flicked volley, sending the ball past Mattia Perin to give the hosts a shock lead.

The remainder of the match saw Juventus dominate possession as they searched for an equaliser, but Cagliari defended resolutely, blocking shots and denying clear opportunities. A deflected effort from Yıldız that struck the post was the closest Juve came to scoring, leaving the Bianconeri frustrated.

The defeat leaves Luciano Spalletti’s side 10 points behind league leaders Inter Milan and at risk of dropping to fifth if Roma beat Torino on Sunday. Cagliari, meanwhile, move eight points clear of the relegation zone, securing only their second home league victory in eight attempts.