BERNA BREAKTHROUGH
For the majority of the match, this had threatened to be the most frustrating of nights for the Bianconeri. Paulo Dybala and Federico Bernardeschi struck the crossbar and post respectively in a frantic first half and a host of other chances subsequently came and passed them by.
Therefore, it was with a significant sigh of relief that Bernardeschi ultimately broke the deadlock in the 74th minute, stabbing home from point-blank range after excellent work down the right by Douglas Costa to beat two men and whip a perfect cross into the box.
This was Berna’s fourth goal of the season in all competitions and undoubtedly his biggest to date.
SZCZESNY SAVES THE DAY
Juve now have six clean sheets in their last seven matches and, once again, Wojciech Szczesny excelled himself between the Bianconeri sticks.
The Polish goalkeeper made two stunning saves at the Sardegna Arena to keep Cagliari at bay. First, he dived low to his right to keep out Leonardo Pavoletti’s goal-bound bullet header. Just minutes later, he got his left glove across to tip Diego Farias’ ferocious close-range shot – destined for the bottom corner – on to the post.
Bravo, Wojciech!
AWAY RECORD ROLLS ON
Juventus have now scored in 24 consecutive Serie A matches away from home, setting a new record for Italy’s top tier.
The Bianconeri have dropped just five points on their travels in the league this season, the last occasion being all the way back on 19 November against Sampdoria.
SPECIAL MILESTONES FOR MAX
This was Massimiliano Allegri’s 100th Serie A victory in charge of Juventus and also the 200th win of his managerial career.
Congratulations, Mister!
ENTERING HOLIDAYS ON A HIGH
With the next match pencilled in for Monday 22 January at home to Genoa, the Bianconeri now have over a fortnight to recharge their batteries before the business end of the campaign gets underway.
Hot on the heels of league-leaders Napoli, who remain one point ahead, Juventus have also hit the 50-point mark. In the era of three points for a win, only on two occasions have La Vecchia Signora done better after 20 Serie A matchdays (2013/14 and 2005/06).
When the winter break is over, it will very much be a case of carrying off where we left off. Fino Alla Fine!