Conceicao admits Juventus did not start well against Cagliari | OneFootball

Juventus claimed a 2-1 win over Cagliari in Serie A this evening, delivering the result many supporters had hoped for, although the performance again raised questions about the team’s early game approach. Luciano Spalletti had been facing growing scrutiny, with some suggesting he was beginning to resemble the manager he replaced, which made this match particularly significant for him.

Early Pressure and Match Dynamics

Cagliari appeared to sense Juventus’ shaky confidence and used it to their advantage, approaching the game with conviction. Their intent was rewarded when they scored the opening goal, putting immediate pressure on the Bianconeri. Juventus eventually responded with determination, scoring twice to overturn the deficit and secure back-to-back victories. Although the result was important and certainly welcome, it did not mask the recurring issue of slow starts that has drawn considerable criticism in recent weeks.

Expectations had been rising for Juventus to open matches more assertively, yet the anticipated improvement failed to appear. The team once again struggled to establish early control, allowing their opponents space and belief. This inconsistency has become a talking point, and the opening phase of this match provided further evidence that the issue remains unresolved.

(Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Post Match Reflections and Player Insight

Francisco Conceicao offered a forthright assessment of the performance, acknowledging that the team fell short of the strong start they had been seeking. As cited by Tuttojuve, he explained, “Yes, I think we played to win with more goals. I had a chance to do that, too, but I did not. But I think we did not start well, but then we improved, and in the second half we could have closed the game out.”

His comments encapsulate the mixed nature of the evening. While the final scoreline reflects resilience and the ability to recover under pressure, the persistent issue of ineffective beginnings continues to overshadow progress. Even so, the victory offers Juventus momentum, and it provides Spalletti with both relief and a platform from which to address the structural concerns that continue to surface at the start of matches.