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Juventus

Juventus fight back for Cagliari draw away from home

Juventus produced a remarkable second-half comeback from two goals down to rescue a 2-2 draw with Cagliari on Friday night. The result leaves Claudio Ranieri’s side still in the Serie A relegation battle, squandering a chance to move seven points clear of the drop zone.

Cagliari were thoroughly dominant in the first half and deservedly led through Gianluca Gaetano’s penalty and Yerry Mina’s spot-kick after Wojciech Szczesny’s foul. The hosts spurned numerous other opportunities to extend their lead, with Zito Luvumbo, Ibrahim Sulemana and Eldor Shomurodov all missing gilt-edged chances.

Half-time substitute Kenan Yildiz made an immediate impact for Juventus, teeing up Dusan Vlahovic to halve the deficit with a superb 20-yard free-kick. The visitors laid siege to the Cagliari goal, but found their opponents in resolute defensive form after withdrawing a striker.

Ultimately it took an own goal from Alberto Dossena, diverting Yildiz’s cross into his own net, for Juventus to level proceedings. While the Bianconeri avoided defeat, their winless run on the road extended to six matches – their longest such streak since 2010.

Despite losing a two-goal lead, Cagliari’s point means they have lost just once in nine games as they battle to retain their Serie A status.