In Cagliari, Juventus left Sardinia with a point but without either coach escaping sanction after a fractious finish to their 1-1 Italian league draw. Luciano Spalletti and Cagliari counterpart Fabio Pisacane were sent off by referee Matteo Marcenaro following a confrontation after the final whistle.
The tension began during the customary handshake between the benches. Spalletti made a pointed remark about Cagliari’s ability to run down the clock, despite also praising their performance. Pisacane objected, took hold of the Juventus coach’s arm and the pair exchanged words at close range before staff members stepped in to separate them.
Marcenaro showed red cards to both managers once the match had ended.
A late Juventus response
Cagliari had put themselves ahead in the 20th minute through Daniel Maldini and protected that advantage deep into the second half. Juventus eventually found an equaliser in the 81st minute, with Kolo Muani heading in Alajbegovic’s cross.
The draw took Cagliari to 13 points, enough for fourth place after six rounds. Juventus are sixth on 11 points.
Coaches play down the dispute
Spalletti said the incident had been overstated, explaining that his comment had referred to several elements of Cagliari’s game.
“There was nothing in it,” he said. “I told them they are a good side, that they play well and that they also know how to waste time. He asked what I meant, then the referee dismissed us. That is all.”
Pisacane regretted that what should have been a routine post-match exchange turned sour, but saw Spalletti’s concern as evidence of Cagliari’s growing standing.
“It could have ended with an embrace, which is a shame,” Pisacane said. “Spalletti had already shown concern before the game, and that gives us credit. If Juventus are worried about being unable to beat Cagliari in the sixth round, then we are moving in the right direction.”
