Pogba's Juve return joy dented by Cagliari

Cagliari spoiled Juventus' home title celebrations and Paul Pogba's goal-scoring return after two months out by snatching a late 1-1 draw to keep their slim Serie A survival hopes alive.

Defender Luca Rossettini struck five minutes from the end in Turin, pouncing on the rebound off the post of his own header to cancel out Pogba's 45th-minute opener.

The result closed the gap between third-from-bottom Cagliari and Atalanta, who travel to Palermo on Sunday, to five points.

France midfielder Pogba had been out since tearing a thigh muscle during Juve's 3-0 win at Borussia Dortmund on March 18, but showed no signs of rustiness on his return.

He struck seconds before half-time with a long range strike that deflected off unfortunate Cagliari defender Luca Ceppitelli.

The 22-year-old received a standing ovation when he was substituted just after the hour mark.

However, coach Massimiliano Allegri said he was undecided as to whether Pogba would start against Real Madrid on Wednesday, when Juve will try to a defend a 2-1 Champions League semi-final first leg lead.

“I will assess the situation between now and Wednesday, but I've seen in training that he's in good physical condition. He's a young lad and he's in good shape,” said Allegri.

“We know that the Madrid game will be difficult because they have players with great technique, and we will have to play much more offensively. We have to score, because if we don't it will be really hard to go through.”

Pogba's easy display was also a reminder why Europe's top clubs are queueing up to sign him, although Juventus chief executive Giuseppe Marotta insisted the club was intent on keeping the rising star.

“I answer these questions every day,” said Marotta pre-match. “We know Pogba is one of the best young players around, but we have said many times that he is fundamental for our future."

Juve won the league for the 31st time last weekend and Allegri packed his line-up with second-string players as part of the preparations for Wednesday's clash in Madrid.

A lively Cagliari could even have grabbed victory in injury time had Marco Sau not blasted over from close range with only keeper Marco Storari to beat.

The away side have now only lost one of their four games since Gianluca Festa took charge at the end of April, during which time they have won two and revived hopes of an escape from the drop.

Later Saturday, second-placed Roma look to take a step closer to the Champions League next season when they travel to mid-table AC Milan.
Source: AFP