Paulo Dybala's strike inside the opening minute set Juventus on course for their 10th win of the Serie A campaign, although Cagliari made things more uncomfortable than the 3-1 scoreline suggests.
The table-topping Bianconeri got off to the dream start thanks to their Argentinian star, but the visitors came back into proceedings and equalised superbly though Joao Pedro.
However, Cagliari were level for just 125 seconds as Filip Bradaric turned into his own net at the Allianz Stadium.
Bradaric was perhaps fortunate not to give away a penalty shortly afterwards and Cristiano Ronaldo rattled the woodwork at the end of a first half that was followed by a far less interesting second period.
Ronaldo did not find the net on Saturday night but supplied Juan Cuadrado as the Turin giants struck on the break late on.
It was a solid response to nearest rivals Inter Milan romping to a 5-0 win against Genoa.
Despite making five changes with half an eye on the upcoming Champions League clash with Barcelona, the Nerazzurri put their foot on the gas from the start.
Roberto Gagliardini - one of five changes made by boss Luciano Spalletti - opened the scoring in the 14th minute, with Matteo Politano adding a second two minutes later.
Gagliardini wrapped up his brace in the 49th minute, with Joao Mario and Radja Nainggolan adding gloss in stoppage time.
Saturday's only other Serie A fixture saw Roma peg back Fiorentina at the death at the Artemio Franchi.
Former Aston Villa midfielder Jordan Veretout's half-time penalty had put the hosts on course for three points that were staying in Florence until the 85th minute.
Fiorentina goalkeeper Alban Lafont failed to fully clear a cross by Aleksandar Kolarov and Alessandro Florenzi secured Roma a late 1-1 draw.