Cagliari-Juventus draw ends with Spalletti and Pisacane sent off

Juventus again struggled to impose Luciano Spalletti’s plan against Cagliari, and the 1-1 draw ended with both coaches sent off after a heated exchange. Whether Spalletti and Fabio Pisacane can take charge in the next round now depends on the sporting judge’s decision; both are expected to be suspended.

The friction had built during the match. La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Spalletti objected to Cagliari defender Yerry Mina’s provocations towards Weston McKennie, Douglas Luiz and Pape Matar Sarr, and raised the issue with the fourth official. At half-time, Spalletti waited near the dressing-room entrance to speak to Mina.

There was a recent sporting backdrop, too. Cagliari had beaten Juventus on 17 January, and Spalletti had prepared his side to contain their energy and Mina’s style. But Juventus again found themselves chasing the game and, according to the reporting, struggled to create the moves their coach wanted. The draw therefore came with a familiar frustration for Spalletti: his team had not managed to control the contest as planned.

At full-time, the coaches approached to exchange greetings, but the meeting became an argument and staff members intervened. In a reported lip-read exchange, Spalletti asked Pisacane, “What are you doing?” Pisacane replied, “No, what are you doing?” Spalletti was then seen saying, “I’ll slap you.” Referee Marcenaro sent both coaches off.

Spalletti later said he had praised Cagliari as a good team that played well, while also saying they knew how to waste time. Pisacane said, “It could all have ended with a hug, I’m sorry,” and added that Juventus’ concern about not winning in Cagliari made his side proud.

The disciplinary ruling is the immediate consequence to watch: a suspension would keep either coach off the touchline for the next round. Cagliari, fourth with 13 points from six games, are due to visit Monza on Monday 19 October. Juventus are set to face Lazio next.