Dusan's Vlahovic goal was enough to make it a formidable run of four Serie A victories on the spin, to keep Juventus on course for a top four league finish.
The visitors dominanted the opening 45 minutes but were outclassed by the Sardinia side after the turnaround, with Motta's squad becoming more depleted following second half injuries to Andrea Cambiaso and Douglas Luiz.
Having been toppled midweek to be dumped out the Champions League by PSV Eindhoven, head coach Thiago Motta shuffled his pack with the recalled Serbia striker sealing precious points and celebrating in style.
Old Juve’s Player Ratings
Starting XI:
Michele Di Gregorio - 6
Very quiet first half. He was more threatened in second half, but stayed composed and never looked like conceding.
Timothy Weah - 6
Took a more attacking role while still deputising at right-back. Constantly beaten by the impressive Zito Luvumbo.
Federico Gatti -7
Played in a more advanced role to snuff out the counterattacks. Solid enough and made no clear errors.
Lloyd Kelly - 6
Big shoes to fill after Renato Veiga’s injury. Had a lot of help from Michele Di Gregorio, but looked more reassured than his previous outings.
Andrea Cambiaso - 6
Did not 100% fit, with Weah picking up a lot of his slack. Hobbled off injured during the battling second half.
Manuel Locatelli - 7
Did well as a second line of defence and constantly got the ball up the middle of the park, to play a pivotal role for the win.
Teun Koopmeiners - 5
Another disappointing display, and yet to reach the potential following his megabucks summer move to the Turin giants
Francisco Conceicao - 5
The Derby D'Italia winning scorer surprisingly made endless mistakes and had a poor game, so was hauled off.
Weston McKennie - 5
His relentless running over the past few matches appear to have their toll, as lacked his usual the same energy and verve.
Kenan Yildiz - 7
Linked up well with Weston McKennie but fluffed his half-chances. Managed to slink himself into the middle of the park when the ball was on the other wing.
Dusan Vlahovic - 7 (Old Juve Man of the Match)
Recalled in favour of Kolo Muani following a spell on the bench. Excellent goal, and was shoved to the floor when it looked like he would add to his tally.
Substitutes:
Douglas Luiz - 6
Lasted just nine minutes with an ankle knock, after his return to action following muscle fatigue. Seemed eager but short-lived appearance.
Kolo Muani - 5
Failed to get into the match as the Sardinia side swarmed forward throughout the second half, without causing any real danger of bagging an equaliser.
Jonas Rouhi - 6
Rare outing, and kept on his toes by Cagliari's attacks. Slotted in well, but didn't look anything special.
Khephren Thuram - 6
Didn't see much action as a late substitute, but looked solid enough in the cauldron of the Unipol Domus Stadium.
Samuel Mbangula - 6
Not enough time to showcase his silky skills, and lacked the service to make any impact despite some darting runs.