Juventus, three points under the Allegri tree at -4 from the Champions area

Cagliari beaten 2-0 at the Stadium. The goals of Kean and Bernardeschi decide The bianconeri do not enchant but they go up again and reach fifth place

Torino

Juventus’ troubled 2021 ends with a double-sided victory: not very reassuring in terms of the game, full of hopes for the effects in the standings. Juve struggles beyond the lawful against a Cagliari that only takes care to defend itself, passes with Kean after hitting a wall, takes a big risk in the only two opponents sorties and breathes only in the final with Bernardeschi (2-0), but the three points allow to bring Atalanta closer to Marassi from Genoa, so the Champions area is now 4 lengths.

The first 40 minutes, in particular, are a résumé of well-known defects: overflowing possession, absolute control and yet only one goal. Cuadrado packs it and Kean finishes it, the gored without fail shatters on the pole. For the rest, zero shots in the mirror, exactly like Cagliari waiters, unforgivable in their renouncing attitude although intelligent in their disposition. Aware of the functionality of the trident experienced in Bologna, with Bernardeschi and Kean very wide, Mazzarri in fact renames Bellanova full-back, lowering him on the defensive line. On the clogged lanes, in addition to the two external ones, Cuadrado gets bogged down, even though he is free to push, while Morata ends up trapped by the defense that cuts Caceres and Godin out.

Verticalizations and long balls could help, but the anomalous midfield (Arthur between Bentancur and Rabiot) has no panache and Bonucci’s parables do not make up for it. Moral, the stubbornness of the Sardinians borders on the clouded ideas and the sterility of Juventus: the result is a boring game that does not warm up even a little the brave eleven thousand who challenge the Allianz frost. At 40 ‘, however, Bernardeschi ventures into a personal action and Kean, pouncing on the launch, punishes Cragno. The two Azzurri are among the most active, even if lighting the game is tiring: even after the advantage the maneuver is dissolved, the greater tranquility and energy of McKennie who replaces Rabiot barely affect.

Cagliari, moreover, although forced to chase, does not shake: certainly the unique sense of the match reflects an exorbitant difference in values, but passivity, the inability to dare, the renunciation of any attempt to put quality to good use remain inadmissible. by Joao Pedro. To feed the regret, the black-and-white staggering in the only circumstance in which a worthy action blossoms: Bellanova-Pereiro combination, downhill and low center for Dalbert who, in front of Szczesny, incredibly sends out. Mazzarri then plays the Pavoletti card, glimpses openings and tries to insinuate himself: he is about to rejoice when Zappa crosses for Joao Pedro but Szczesny flies on his header.

Drops of courage and small fears canceled by Bernardeschi’s first goal of the season, meanwhile hijacked to the left after the entry of Kulusevski who signed the assist. End of games, end of a troubled year: the Befana will start again with the challenge against Napoli, the first of a series of direct clashes to which Allegri, not exactly serene but relieved, entrusts the hopes of a comeback. –