Rolando Maran was “proud that Cagliari fought it out blow for blow with a very strong” Juventus after their 3-1 defeat.
The Sardinians went behind within 44 seconds to a Paulo Dybala goal and had equalised through Joao Pedro, but moments later Filip Bradaric put through his own net.
The game remained in the balance until the 85th minute, when Cagliari failed to make the most of a goalmouth scramble and Juve scored on the counter for the final 3-1 result.
Rolando Maran was “proud that Cagliari fought it out blow for blow with a very strong” Juventus after their 3-1 defeat.
The Sardinians went behind within 44 seconds to a Paulo Dybala goal and had equalised through Joao Pedro, but moments later Filip Bradaric put through his own net.
The game remained in the balance until the 85th minute, when Cagliari failed to make the most of a goalmouth scramble and Juve scored on the counter for the final 3-1 result.
“We put in the performance that we wanted to and kept the game open despite conceding practically straight out of the gate. We then scored the second goal ourselves,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.
“There was such a good chance for 2-2, but then we conceded for 3-1 instead. I’m proud that we fought it out blow for blow with a very strong side and pushed to the end for an equaliser. Unfortunately, it didn’t come.”
Both teams had penalty appeals rejected after VAR viewings, as Medhi Benatia nodded the ball on to his own arm, while Bradaric was adjudged to have used his shoulder when controlling with the top of his arm.
“Incidents can be judged in many different ways, but I don’t want to talk about that, as I’d rather focus on the performance of my team.
“We must never lack ambition, even in the toughest arenas, and we will get results if we keep playing like this. Self-belief can then make the difference.
“The next step now is to be more clinical and convert more of our scoring opportunities, but the performances are improving and that’s our focus.”