Juventus are likely to be without Luciano Spalletti for only one league match after the final whistle incident at Cagliari, with the sporting judge expected to examine referee Mercenaro’s report before confirming the punishment.
Spalletti and Cagliari coach Fabio Pisacane were both sent off following a confrontation as the teams left the pitch after Cagliari-Juventus. The pair exchanged angry words and made contact close to the tunnel, with Mercenaro positioned only a few metres away.
The television images offered an uncomfortable ending to the afternoon, but the dispute did not develop further. Those nearby intervened quickly and succeeded in calming the situation rather than allowing it to escalate.
A one-match ban appears the most likely outcome
The two dismissals are expected to be treated in the same way, given that both coaches received red cards during the same incident. The referee’s written account will be central to the decision, particularly in establishing the nature of the contact and the language used.
With no wider consequences from the altercation, there is a growing expectation that Spalletti and Pisacane could each receive a one-match touchline ban rather than a longer suspension.
That would rule Spalletti out of Juventus’ home match against Lazio at the Allianz Stadium next Sunday. He would then be available again for the following Serie A trip to Lecce.
Pisacane, meanwhile, would be expected to miss Cagliari’s meeting with Monza. The episode leaves both clubs awaiting the formal ruling, but it is unlikely to become a longer-running disciplinary issue in the season.
