Spalletti threatens Pisacane after Juventus draw with Cagliari

“I’ll slap you”: Luciano Spalletti directed the threat at Pisacane after Juventus drew 1-1 with Cagliari in Serie A. The confrontation broke out at the final whistle during the coaches’ handshake, and the referee sent both men off.

Juventus had fallen behind to Maldini’s goal in the 20th minute. Kolo Muani equalised in the 81st minute at Unipol Domus, but missed another chance that could have won the match for his team. The result ended Juventus’ run of wins following its victory over Atalanta.

In the reported exchange, Pisacane grabbed Spalletti’s arm. The Juventus coach asked what he was doing, and Pisacane turned the question back on him. Members of both coaching staffs stepped in to separate them before the referee dismissed both coaches.

Spalletti later played down the incident. He said he had told his opposite number that Cagliari knew how to play well, but also how to waste time, prompting the coach’s protest. Pisacane, meanwhile, joked about how the confrontation might have ended: he said it could have finished with an embrace rather than a sending-off. He added that Juventus’ fear of failing to beat Cagliari on matchday six should be a source of pride for his team.