Cagliari 1 - 1 Juventus
Suazo pen 44 (C), Cannavaro 96 (J)
Stadio Sant'Elia
Fabio Cannavaro's goal with the last kick of the game prevented Cagliari inflicting Juve's second defeat of the season!
The Bianconeri have been really struggling of late and were without a win in five official games, during which they'd scored just twice. The poor form of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, David Trezeguet and the injuries to Alessandro Del Piero, David Trezeguet and Emerson certainly affected the team, while Lilian Thuram was suspended for this tie. There were fears over the fitness of both Juve goalkeepers, but Gigi Buffon and Christian Abbiati recovered in time. Adrian Mutu was surprisingly picked ahead of Mauro Camoranesi on the right wing.
Cagliari are still battling against the drop and focused all their attacking potential into the form of David Suazo, with 17 goals under his belt going into the game. Former Juventus goalkeeper Antonio Chimenti recovered at the last minute from a knee injury.
Fabio Cannavaro required a decisive tackle in the opening minutes as Suazo out-sprinted Robert Kovac.
At the other end, Massimo Bega handed the ball straight to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who drilled over the bar from the edge of the box.
Ibrahimovic hasn't scored in two months and volleyed a Pavel Nedved free kick over the bar with the inside of his right foot.
Del Piero's free kick whistled wide of the upright, but the Bianconeri were very fortunate not to be left in 10 men when an already-booked Manuele Blasi hacked down Mauro Esposito. The Italian international was hurt in the incident and limped off to be replaced by Antonio Langella.
There was a great chance for the Turin giants on 35 minutes, as Chimenti performed a stunning save on Del Piero's half-volley from point-blank range on a fine Ibrahimovic assist.
There was controversy on the stroke of half-time, as the referee pointed to the spot for Cagliari. Gianluca Zambrotta made a last-ditch tackle on Antonio Langella and seemed to get the ball, but he also held back the striker by the shoulder in order to get there. Suazo converted the penalty to give the Sardinians a shock lead.
Suazo was booked for simulation in stoppages, as he fell after a challenge from Kovac outside the area.
A disappointing Mutu was replaced by Camoranesi at half-time, as Juve had to fight back to prevent their lead at the top being cut to just four points with four games to go.
Del Piero's free header from a Camoranesi free kick was wide of the near post.
The referee pointed to the spot again on 58 minutes, as Zambrotta was ready to head the ball when Daniele Conti mistimed his jump and effectively landed on top of the full-back. Cagliari were furious with the decision and maintained their lead, as Chimenti saved from Del Piero with his foot. The two were former teammates, so he had practised spot-kicks with him.
Suazo's pace continued to cause problems and Cannavaro was booked for tripping the Honduras international on the edge of the area. From the resulting free kick, Langella drilled wide.
Juventus' desperation was affecting their finishing, as Del Piero hit his half-volley over the bar from seven yards.
Camoranesi sparked a scuffle when he reacted to Agostini's foul by elbowing him in the chest, but was not carded for the gesture. Zambrotta tried to calm the Italian international, who seemed particularly tense.
Chimenti again denied Del Piero by pushing a free kick out of the top corner of the net.
It looked as if Juve were going to suffer their second defeat of the season but, for the second week running, Cagliari conceded a heart-breaking equaliser with the final kick of the game. Fabio Cannavaro rose for a powerful header on Camoranesi's corner kick, sparking scenes of wild jubilation amid the Bianconeri and furious anger from the Sardinians.
Langella was sent off for dissent and Chimenti had to be dragged away by directors and teammates.
Cagliari: Chimenti; Ferri, Canini, Bega, Pisano (Agostini 72); Esposito (Langella 29), Abeijon, Conti, Conticchio (Budel 61), Gobbi; Suazo
Juventus: Buffon; Zambrotta, Kovac, Cannavaro, Chiellini (Balzaretti 66); Mutu (Camoranesi 46), Blasi (Zalayeta 80), Vieira, Nedved; Ibrahimovic, Del Piero
Ref: Ayroldi
Missed penalty: Del Piero 59 (J)
Sent off: Langella 96 (C)
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