Juventus has positioned themselves firmly in the Scudetto race following an impressive run of form, and Kenan Yildiz is set to play despite recently battling flu symptoms. They will face off against Cagliari, managed by Semih Kilicsoy, with kick-off scheduled for the Unipol Domus Stadium at 19:45 GMT (20:45 CET).
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SASSUOLO, ITALY – JANUARY 06: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, observes before the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Juventus FC at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on January 06, 2026, in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
The Bianconeri have triumphed in five of their last six Serie A matches, their only blemish being a 1-1 draw with Lecce, and they recently claimed a comprehensive 5-0 victory over Cremonese.
While there were concerns about Kenan Yildiz, he has overcome flu symptoms and is set to start, joining Jonathan David and Fabio Miretti, with Weston McKennie positioned in a more advanced role.
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Francisco Conceicao and Federico Gatti are back in the squad, although neither is at full fitness, while Dusan Vlahovic, Daniele Rugani, and Arek Milik remain sidelined.
Manuel Locatelli is sitting on a yellow card, leading to speculation he might be rested ahead of the upcoming clash with Napoli. However, it is Khephren Thuram who finds himself on the bench, making way for Teun Koopmeiners.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – JANUARY 06: Jonathan David of Juventus celebrates after scoring his team’s third goal during the Serie A match against US Sassuolo Calcio at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on January 06, 2026, in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
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Cagliari has managed to secure only one point from their last three matches, including a comeback 2-2 draw away at Cremonese, and most recently suffered a 3-0 defeat against Genoa.
Coach Fabio Pisacane has adjusted his tactics once again, reverting to a three-man defense now that veteran Yerry Mina has returned from injury.
Unavailable players include Michael Folorunsho, Alessandro Deiola, Andrea Belotti, and Mattia Felici, with Gabriele Zappa listed as a late injury concern.
This match will be an intriguing all-Turkish talent showdown, as Kenan Yildiz squares off against Semih Kilicsoy, who netted two goals in his last five appearances.
Kilicsoy will be partnered with Sebastiano Esposito and Gianluca Gaetano, with Marco Palestra, who is on loan from Atalanta, attacking down the right flank.
TURIN, ITALY – DECEMBER 27: Semih Kilicsoy of Cagliari Calcio is challenged by Gvidas Gineitis of Torino FC during the Serie A match between Torino FC and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on December 27, 2025, in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
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Cagliari vs. Juventus Line-ups
Cagliari: Caprile; Ze Pedro, Mina, Luperto; Palestra, Gaetano, Adopo, Mazzitelli, Obert; Kilicsoy, S. Esposito
Juventus: Perin; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly, Cambiaso; Locatelli, Koopmeiners; McKennie, Miretti, Yildiz; David