Juventus dominated much of the contest but struggled to convert their chances, with Cagliari goalkeeper Elia Caprile producing several important saves to protect the hosts’ advantage.
The draw extended Juventus’ frustrating run of dropped points, while Cagliari maintained their position among the league’s leading sides.
Maldini puts Cagliari ahead
Juventus started brightly and created an early opportunity in the 14th minute when Nico González volleyed narrowly wide after a well-worked move involving Zeki Çelik and Weston McKennie.
However, Cagliari took the lead in the 20th minute through Daniel Maldini, who finished a move he helped initiate, with Zito Luvumbo providing an important contribution in the build-up.
Maldini’s goal gave the hosts the advantage despite Juventus enjoying promising spells in possession. Cagliari threatened to extend their lead, but Juventus remained within touching distance at half-time.
Juventus increase pressure after the break
Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti made changes at the interval, introducing Edon Zhegrova and Kerim Alajbegovic as the visitors searched for a way back into the match.
Douglas Luiz tested Caprile early in the second half, while Zhegrova repeatedly troubled the Cagliari defence with his direct running and shooting.
Caprile responded with several excellent saves, denying Juventus the equaliser as the pressure mounted.
Kolo Muani heads Juventus level
Juventus finally found their breakthrough in the 81st minute through Randal Kolo Muani.
Alajbegovic delivered an accurate cross into the penalty area, and the French forward timed his run perfectly before directing a header into the net to make it 1–1.
The goal rewarded Juventus’ sustained pressure and set up a tense finish as both sides looked for a decisive second goal.
Juventus miss late chance as managers see red
Kolo Muani almost completed the comeback four minutes later, but his close-range effort struck the crossbar. Nick Woltemade was unable to convert the rebound, allowing Cagliari to survive another dangerous attack.
Juventus continued to push for a winner, but Caprile and the Cagliari defence held firm until the final whistle.
Tensions then boiled over after the match, with Spalletti and Cagliari manager Fabio Pisacane both shown red cards following a confrontation.
What the result means
The 1–1 draw left Juventus frustrated after their second-half dominance failed to produce all three points. Kolo Muani’s first goal of the campaign rescued a point, but the visitors will reflect on the chances they missed.
Cagliari, meanwhile, will take encouragement from their defensive resilience and Caprile’s outstanding performance. Maldini continued his impressive scoring form, while the hosts earned another valuable point against one of Serie A’s major clubs.
Juventus must now improve their finishing if they are to close the gap on the teams above them in the league table.