Juventus Season 2013-2014

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

March 9, 2014 - 12:30 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Orsato officiates Juve-Fiorentina

Mar 6, 2014

The referees for Serie A Week 27 have been assigned, as Daniele Orsato takes Juventus-Fiorentina and Gianluca Rocchi officiates Napoli-Roma.

AMAZONIAN

It is a return for Rocchi, who was also in charge when Napoli beat Roma 3-0 in the Coppa Italia semi-final last month.

Orsato has the difficult task of officiating Juventus-Fiorentina, a fixture that has always been fiery and now more than ever is under the spotlight following recent controversial decisions.

AMAZONIAN

Bologna-Sassuolo (Guida)

Catania-Cagliari (Rizzoli)

Chievo-Genoa (Gervasoni)

Inter-Torino (Calvarese)

Juventus-Fiorentina (Orsato)

Lazio-Atalanta (Peruzzo)

Napoli-Roma (Rocchi)

Parma-Verona (De Marco)

Sampdoria-Livorno (Giacomelli)

Udinese-Milan (Russo)

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

March 9, 2014 - 12:30 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Neto: 'Not afraid of Juve'

Mar 6, 2014

Fiorentina goalkeeper Neto assures he is “not afraid of Carlos Tevez” or Juventus ahead of Sunday’s clash.

AMAZONIAN

The rivals go head-to-head in Serie A this weekend, then will meet twice for the Europa League Round of 16.

“We know how important this game is, but we must maintain a high level of concentration. That’s the only way to get a result,” the Brazilian said in his Press conference.

“We are well aware of how the city perceives this challenge and in speaking to Anderson I explained to him the rivalry that exists between the clubs. The city lives through this game without thinking about anything else.

AMAZONIAN

“Do I fear Tevez now he’s Capocannoniere? No, there’s no fear. After all, our Giuseppe Rossi was top scorer until last week.

“We mustn’t focus only on Tevez and Fernando Llorente, but play our game and recreate what we test out in training during the week. We know of Juve’s strengths, but we have ours too and can’t just try to limit them.

“Juve will play their game and we will play ours. Gigi Buffon is a wonderful goalkeeper who needs no introduction, but there are others of his level and perhaps even better. I really like Iker Casillas, for example, even if he’s not playing regularly.”

AMAZONIAN

Neto had been bitterly criticised at the start of his Fiorentina career, but has won over the supporters with some strong performances, including the 4-2 victory over Juventus.

“My mentality is that this game was truly important and remains in the history of the club. However, this will be a different match with a different atmosphere. We must gain from that performance the confidence that we are strong.

AMAZONIAN

“If we look at the statistics, we have the third best defence in the League. What irritated me was that at the start I didn’t play, but the media did not influence that, because criticism is part of football.

“I am taking it one day at a time and hope to be the goalkeeper of Fiorentina in future too. You’d have to ask the club or my agent about a contract extension, but if the proposal satisfies everyone then I am happy.”

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

March 9, 2014 - 12:30 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Juventus have been sensational, says Llorente

The towering attacker has hailed the titleholders' fine run of form
and says they will be gunning for revenge against Fiorentina on Sunday.

Mar 7, 2014

Fernando Llorente has voiced his delight with Juventus' "sensational" form this season, but warned his team-mates they cannot afford to lose focus as the Serie A title race is not over yet.

AMAZONIAN

The reigning champions currently hold an 11-point lead over second-placed Roma - who have a game in hand - but the Spanish striker has stressed Juve must keep up their current form until the end of the season in order to win the Scudetto again.

"The distance we’ve established over the Giallorossi has even surprised me a little. Our campaign has been sensational so far but it’s not easy to pick up this many points," Llorente told Sky Sport Italia.

"What matters now is continuing this form right until the very end.

AMAZONIAN

"The important thing is to not let our focus slip for even a moment, because Roma would be ready to pounce at any opportunity."

Llorente then went on to discuss this weekend's match against Fiorentina, who beat Juventus 4-2 earlier this season, and made it clear that the Bianconeri are desperate to get their revenge.

"We want revenge. Fiorentina are the only side that have managed to beat us in the league and we want to demonstrate that what happened in Tuscany was just an error.

AMAZONIAN

"We had played a great first half and we could even have scored again right after the break. Then there were those twenty minutes in which Fiorentina came to life and we made some mistakes. I don’t really know how to explain what happened."

Juventus also meet Fiorentina in the Europa League round of 16.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

March 9, 2014 - 12:30 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Tevez: Juve know our strength

Mar 7, 2014

Carlos Tevez has spoken of his pride in wearing the shirt of Juventus, and on how he is not surprised by the team’s form this term.

AMAZONIAN

The Argentine currently leads the Serie A scoring charts midway through his first season with the Old Lady and notably holds the No 10 shirt made famous by the likes of Michel Platini, Roberto Baggio and Alessandro Del Piero.

“The No 10 jersey is very important for the fans and also a little for me too,” Tevez has commented today to JTV.

“When I wear the shirt of Juventus, this is the identity of the club. I am happy whether on a Sunday or a Thursday, whenever I play, to wear the shirt of Juventus. I think it is important for a player.”

AMAZONIAN

Tevez was asked how he feels his early work in Turin has gone, and his adaptation in the city.

“I believed that if I have worked hard to adapt, I knew I could do everything right on the field. I have remained physically fit, which I had hoped for this year. When I arrived, I said: if physically fit, we can do great things.

“Yes I expected such a start at Juventus, because we knew of our potential in the field, inside and out. We are a strong team and we know it. When we all play together, it is hard to beat Juventus.

AMAZONIAN

“How has it been in Turin? I really the city as a city, because I lived seven or eight years in Manchester and to live in Manchester is difficult.

“Turin is like living in an Argentine city, not Buenos Aires because that is too large, but it is similar to an Argentine city. For me, for my family, it has been easy to adapt to Turin.

“The most difficult is the Italian League. I have played in many countries, but the most difficult is the Italian League because it is very tactical, the game is too tactical, the Coach tactically controls the game. It is why Italian football is very difficult.”

AMAZONIAN

The Argentine was also asked for comment on whether last week’s goal scored at Milan was his best yet.

“I always think that the next goal is the most beautiful, if it arrives against Fiorentina or after that. The next goal is always the most beautiful.”

This weekend the Bianconeri host Fiorentina.

AMAZONIAN

“I think it will be a very good game, because they are the only team to have beaten us in the first half of the season. It is going to be a very nice game.”

One objective that Juve have fallen short of this term has been the Champions League.

“I think it is the dream of everyone, not just the fans, but also the players. But we have to remove the pressure of winning the Champions League, otherwise it will be impossible to win.”

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

March 9, 2014 - 12:30 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Valero 'confident' ahead of appeal

Mar 7, 2014

Borja Valero has claimed he is ‘confident’ that his four-match ban can be overturned this afternoon.

AMAZONIAN

The Fiorentina midfielder was sent off during Fiorentina’s match with Parma and was handed the additional punishment for laying hands on the referee while he protested.

This infuriated Viola fans, players and directors alike, with supporters making their feelings clear by holding protests against match officials during their most recent League game with Lazio.

But ahead of a meeting with the FIGC this afternoon, the Spaniard has revealed he is calm.

AMAZONIAN

“I am confident,” he told reporters. “I am here today because I want to explain my reasons.

“I want to thank the city of Florence and all the fans for their solidarity.

AMAZONIAN

“I have received so many messages, and they have all been on my side.

“I am calm. But whatever happens, I hope Fiorentina do well against Juve.”

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

March 9, 2014 - 12:30 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Chiellini fit for Fiorentina

Mar 7, 2014

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini has been passed fit for the Old Lady’s match with rivals Fiorentina, report Tuttosport.

AMAZONIAN

The 29-year-old has only recently returned to full training following injury but was controversially called up by Italy Coach Cesare Prandelli for the Azzurri’s friendly with Spain.

He has however returned from international duty unscathed and, though he has not played in a competitive game for around a month, it is reported he may even start Sunday’s encounter with the Viola.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

March 9, 2014 - 12:30 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Marchisio's future and Fiorentina

Mar 8, 2014

Claudio Marchisio talked about his Juventus future, including the triple showdown with Fiorentina.

AMAZONIAN

The two clubs will face off three times in the next few weeks, starting in Serie A on Sunday at 12.30 CET and then twice in the Europa League Round of 16.

“It won’t be a chance for revenge as far as we are concerned, but it is an important game and an opportunity to send another signal for the season,” said the midfielder at a Hugo Boss presentation on Friday evening.

“It won’t be easy to play at that time on a Sunday, but we will get on to the field in a focused way.

AMAZONIAN

“This is a fundamental phase of the campaign, as we will face Fiorentina three times and decide how our season goes.

“We’ll aim to give our best in the Europa League too, as the effort and concentration will be the same, regardless of who is playing.”

Marchisio had seemed likely to leave Juve after dropping out of the first choice line-up, but has come back with a bang in recent weeks.

AMAZONIAN

“I want to stay here for a long time, but I am not thinking about the contract renewal, as I still have two years left.

“What counts is having the faith of the club and the Coach, which I always sense. I have often changed position on the field to avoid going on to the bench, because versatility and availability must be the priorities of every player.”

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

March 9, 2014 - 12:30 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Montella: 'Fiorentina not Juve victims'

Mar 8, 2014

Vincenzo Montella says Fiorentina must “not be victims” when taking on Juventus for the first of three clashes.

AMAZONIAN

The Viola visit Turin on Sunday at 12.30 CET.

They’ll then face off against the Bianconeri in the Europa League Round of 16 on March 13 and 20.

“Of course we would’ve preferred to face a different team in Europe, but these are exciting challenges. Any result can happen against Juventus, but the important thing is to play with enthusiasm and character. We must prove that we have important objectives,” said Montella in his Press conference.

AMAZONIAN

“Will we rotate the squad? We’re playing against a team you really can’t beat if you hold something back.”

Fiorentina fought back from 2-0 down to beat Juve 4-2 earlier this season, a result that remains Antonio Conte’s only Serie A defeat of the season.

“Why are we the only team to have beaten Juventus? You have to look at it logically. Juve are a very strong team both as individuals and as a tactical unit,” said Montella.

AMAZONIAN

“They have an excellent leadership and a winning history as a club. This game does bring particular motivation and I am sure the players are aware of this. We’ve got to give our all and I expect to see a team not afraid to push forward its ideas of football.

“In the 4-2 victory earlier this season we did what we usually do. I should also show the team the first 70 minutes of that match, which were not exactly encouraging...”

Borja Valero will not take part, as his four-match ban was cut to three on appeal, something President Andrea Della Valle called “a defeat for football.” However, Montella is eager to calm the situation.

AMAZONIAN

“We must not be victims of anything. Over the course of a campaign there are moments where you’re more easy-moving in your results and style. The important thing is to continue what we believe in, not losing conviction, enthusiasm or personal confidence. Besides, life is full of injustice...”

Mario Gomez could well start, as he is heading towards complete recovery after five months out with a knee injury.

“He is improving and probably he feels the weight of not delivering what he knows that he can, but he certainly isn’t guilty of anything. Injuries happen. He has realised when out for a long time it takes a while to get back into gear, but I think he’ll soon be back to his level. He just needs a goal, even a scuffed one,” continued the Coach.

AMAZONIAN

“Are Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente a stronger pairing than Gomez and Giuseppe Rossi? I don’t want to motivate our opponents with my answer. I’ll just say it would’ve been nice to have Rossi-Gomez for the whole season.”

With Borja Valero banned and the fans furious, Montella warned Fiorentina cannot keep making the situation worse.

AMAZONIAN

It’s particularly a concern because referee Daniele Orsato has assigned the most yellow cards for dissent this season.

“We have to understand the referee and not protest. Orsato doesn’t accept dissent and we know that.”

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

March 9, 2014 - 12:30 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Chiellini in, Pirlo out

Mar 8, 2014

Andrea Pirlo is suspended, but Giorgio Chiellini returns for Juventus-Fiorentina on Sunday.

AMAZONIAN

Pirlo is absent in midfield due to a one-match ban, though Arturo Vidal is back following his suspension.

Chiellini was at the centre of a row with Italy Coach Cesare Prandelli last week when Juve complained he was called up for international duty despite not being 100 per cent fit.

AMAZONIAN

Mirko Vucinic and Simone Pepe are still sidelined.


Juventus squad for Fiorentina: Buffon, Chiellini, Caceres, Ogbonna, Pogba, Marchisio, Tevez, Giovinco, Peluso, Llorente, Barzagli, Osvaldo, Bonucci, Padoin, Asamoah, Vidal, Lichtsteiner, Quagliarella, Storari, Isla, Rubinho

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

March 9, 2014 - 12:30 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Fiorentina squad for Juventus

Mar 8, 2014

Borja Valero sits out a ban as Fiorentina visit Juventus in the first of three meetings over two weeks.

AMAZONIAN

Borja Valero is suspended after his four-match ban was reduced to three on appeal, though he continues to maintain he did not push or insult the referee.

Nenad Tomovic is also ruled out by the Disciplinary Commission with Giuseppe Rossi and Ante Rebic sidelined.

AMAZONIAN

These two teams will go head-to-head in the Europa League Round of 16 on March 13 and 20.


Fiorentina squad for Juventus: Ambrosini, Anderson, Aquilani, Bakic, Compper, Cuadrado, Diakite, Mati Fernandez, Gomez, Ilicic, Joaquin, Lupatelli, Matri, Neto, Pasqual, Pizarro, Rodriguez, Roncaglia, Rosati, Matos Ryder, Savic, Vargas, Wolski

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

March 9, 2014 - 12:30 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Juve and Fiorentina, best of enemies

Richard Thomas investigates the Juventus-Fiorentina rivalry and is convinced
that a new, controversial chapter is waiting to be written over the next fortnight.

Mar 8, 2014

It would be the understatement of the century to say there is no love lost whenever Juventus and Fiorentina go head to head. To put it simply, fans of the two clubs cannot stand one other. But why?

AMAZONIAN

The cities of Florence and Turin lie approximately 400 kilometres apart, meaning geographical proximity can hardly be considered a factor. Neither, even the most ardent Viola fan would admit, do the two clubs boast remotely comparable trophy hauls. Juve have won 29 official Scudetti to Fiorentina’s comparatively meagre two. The Bianconeri also have nine Coppa Italias, two European Cups, three UEFA Cups and one Cup Winners’ Cup to their name. The Florence outfit have six, zero, zero and one respectively. While still a total that is the envy of the vast majority of clubs around the peninsula, the Viola have not slugged it out for honours with their old foes on a particularly regular basis.

Perhaps this is the root of the hatred in another sense though. On one of the few occasions Fiorentina have managed to go toe to toe with the Old Lady over the course of a season, they, to this day, feel they were robbed of a rare moment of glory. The year was 1982 and heading into the final day of the Serie A season the two sides were level on points at the top of the table. The Viola were chasing their third Scudetto and travelled to Cagliari, while the Bianconeri were after their 20th and prepared to take on Catanzaro. The rest is, as they say, history. The men from Tuscany had a seemingly legitimate second half goal chalked off and could only muster a goalless draw in Sardinia. Over in Calabria meanwhile, Catanzaro had strong appeals for a penalty turned down before Juve themselves were awarded a dubious one. Liam Brady tucked it away and, before you could say ‘ladri’ - thieves in Italian - the Old Lady were champions once again. What is it with Fiorentina and referees?

Viola fans have never quite gotten over this perceived injustice and events since have only escalated the ill-feeling between the clubs. Fast forward to 1990 and a certain Roberto Baggio had become the new darling of the Artemio Franchi, only for that pesky Old Lady to stick her nose in where it wasn’t wanted once more. Taking advantage of the Viola owners’ willingness to cash in on their star man, Juve paid a then world record €10m to land the player and with it, send the city of Florence into a state of anarchy. Full scale rioting occurred and around 50 people were injured.

AMAZONIAN

On the off chance that this wasn’t enough to incense everyone with a persuasion for purple, for good measure the Bianconeri beat their old adversaries in that season’s UEFA Cup Final while the saga was ongoing. It didn’t end there though – when the sides faced each other in Florence the following season, Baggio refused to take a penalty awarded to Juve against his old side and later even left the field with a Viola scarf around his neck. Acts that needless to say did not go down well with fans of the club who paid his wages.

More recently, the two clubs were once again at loggerheads in the summer of 2012 when the Old Lady made a late attempt to hijack Fiorentina’s attempts to sign Dimitar Berbatov from Manchester United. In the end the Bulgarian chose to move to neither of them but this did not stop the Viola then issuing an official statement attacking Juve’s ‘reckless and arrogant actions’ and claiming that the Turin club ‘knew nothing of the values of honesty, fair play and sporting ethics’.

Quite a shared history then, and one which makes the prospect of these two grand old Italian footballing institutions locking horns not once, not twice, but thrice over the next fortnight all the more mouth-watering for the neutral. After facing off at Juventus Stadium in Serie A this Sunday, the two sides will meet again in Turin for the first leg of their Europa League Last 16 tie four days later. A week later comes the return at what is sure to be a rocking Artemio Franchi, after which another new and fiery chapter will have surely been written in one of Italian calcio’s most bitter rivalries.

AMAZONIAN

The scene is perfectly set for this. As has so often been the case down the years, Juve come into the games as clear favourites and in the hunt for trophies once again. The Scudetto is theirs to lose once more and in the League game at least Fiorentina will be reduced to the role of trying to halt their rivals’ title charge as opposed to challenging to win it themselves.

This is not to say Vincenzo Montella’s side don’t need the three points – far from it, they need them very badly if they are to maintain any hope of catching Napoli in third place and securing Champions League qualification. They have shown they are capable of getting them too, being the only team to beat Antonio Conte’s winning machine in Serie A so far this season.

AMAZONIAN

The Viola will also have the chance to really hurt the Bionconeri in Europe. Victory against the Old Lady over two Europa League legs would end their hopes of playing a final that they themselves are hosting. It would also clear a sizeable obstacle on the Florence side’s own potential path to glory. Juve meanwhile are the tournament favourites and their motivation is clear.

Both sides have it all to play for and as this much anticipated three-part drama approaches, the two chief protagonists have been cast in their familiar historical roles. The Bianconeri are on another relentless march to glory and will not want their old adversaries getting too big for their boots, while the Viola will be desperate to finally rise from the shadows of their illustrious rivals and write their own little piece of history. Oh, and they have recently had some well-publicised grievances with referees. Now where have we heard that before?

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

March 9, 2014 - 12:30 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Baggio: 'Tevez is my favourite'

Mar 8, 2014

Roberto Baggio played for both Juventus and Fiorentina, but tips Carlos Tevez to make the difference tomorrow.

AMAZONIAN

“I’d never dare give Antonio Conte advice, as he’s doing incredible work,” Il Divin Codino told Tuttosport.

“There had already been signs he’d be a great Coach, as on the field Antonio always knew where and how to move in order to best help the team.

“I adore Tevez and have done since I watched him play for Boca Juniors. He is confirming that he’s a great player. It’s not easy for anyone to score regularly in Serie A, so I am truly happy for him.

AMAZONIAN

“As for Paul Pogba, what more can I say? He is incredibly strong and I’m sure everyone already knows that.”

Baggio turned his focus on to Fiorentina, the club that effectively launched his career before a 1990 move to Turin.

“Vincenzo Montella is also an excellent Coach and I am really appreciating the work he’s doing in Florence.”

AMAZONIAN

These sides will also clash in the Europa League on March 13 and 20.

“Juve are among the favourites for the Europa League trophy, especially if they manage to lock down the Scudetto early on.

“Would I return to Juventus as a director? No, I really don’t think so. Besides, they don’t need me.”

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

March 9, 2014 - 12:30 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Juventus are not out for revenge
against Fiorentina, says Marchisio

The Viola inflicted the Serie A leaders' only league defeat of the season in October
but the midfielder has stressed the importance of preparing for all three up-coming encounters.

Mar 8, 2014

Claudio Marchisio insists revenge will not be Juventus' main incentive in Sunday's eagerly-awaited Serie A showdown with Fiorentina.

AMAZONIAN

Antonio Conte's men have been in supreme form in Italy's top flight this season, and look set to claim a third straight league title after opening up an 11-point gap to second-placed Roma.

Juventus have lost just once in Serie A this season, that coming in a 4-2 defeat to Fiorentina at the Stadio Artemio Franchi in the reverse fixture in October.

Juve have gone 18 league matches without losing since that setback, dropping points on just two occasions.

AMAZONIAN

Sunday's clash at the Juventus Stadium marks the first of three encounters between the teams this month, with the rivals also meeting in the last 16 of the Uefa Europa League.

Marchisio insists the defeat to the Viola does not provide extra motivation to beat Vincenzo Montella's side, but the midfielder is more interested in making another statement of intent.

"It won't be a chance for revenge as far as we are concerned," he said at a function for Hugo Boss. "But it is an important game and an opportunity to send another signal for the season.

AMAZONIAN

"This is a fundamental phase of the campaign, as we will face Fiorentina three times and decide how our season goes.

"We'll aim to give our best in the Europa League too, as the effort and concentration will be the same, regardless of who is playing."

Marchisio's future had looked in doubt after he spent time out of the side, but he has produced a series of fine performances in the heart of Juve's engine room since returning to the starting XI.

AMAZONIAN

The Italy international sees his long-term future at Juventus Stadium, but has no plans to enter discussions on a new deal, with two years to run on his present contract.

He added: "I want to stay here for a long time, but I am not thinking about the contract renewal, as I still have two years left.

"What counts is having the faith of the club and the coach, which I always sense. I have often changed position on the field to avoid going on to the bench, because versatility and availability must be the priorities of every player."

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

March 9, 2014 - 12:30 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Juventus-Fiorentina Preview: Vidal available
but Pirlo out as Viola seek double over Bianconeri

The Bianconeri suffered their only loss of the current Serie A campaign against Vincenzo Montella's
men and will be seeking revenge in Turin in the first of three March meetings.

Mar 8, 2014

Juventus and Fiorentina will be familiar foes in the next few weeks and the first of their three encounters this month will be on Sunday.

AMAZONIAN

There appears to be no stopping runaway Serie A leaders Juve in their quest to win a third consecutive Scudetto, as they hold an 11-point lead over second-placed Roma.

Fourth-placed Fiorentina are the only side to have beaten Antonio Conte's men in the Italian top flight this season when they won 4-2 at the Artemio Franchi back in October, so the Bianconeri will have a score to settle.

This weekend's clash at Juventus Stadium also gives the two sides an opportunity to size each other up ahead of their Europa League last-16 first-leg clash at the same ground next Thursday.

AMAZONIAN

Juve have had to settle for a place in Europe's secondary club competition after being dumped out of the Champions League and they will travel to Florence for the second leg on March 20.

Conte's immediate attention, however, is on stretching the Turin giants' unbeaten run to 19 Serie A matches and moving a step closer to retaining their title.

Giorgio Chiellini is set to return following a three-week spell on the sidelines with a calf injury in a week that Conte expressed his surprise that the defender was called up to the Italy squad to face Spain.

AMAZONIAN

Chiellini ultimately played no part in the 1-0 defeat against the world and European champions on Wednesday, but he could be back in the Juve side against Vincenzo Montella's charges.

Juve welcome back key midfielder Arturo Vidal after he sat out the 2-0 win at AC Milan last weekend due to a one-match ban, but playmaker Andrea Pirlo is unavailable as he serves a one-match suspension as a result of his caution at San Siro.

The champions have reeled off five consecutive wins in all competitions and not conceded a goal in their last four games.

AMAZONIAN

Fiorentina are without a win in three games in all competitions and will be without midfielder Borja Valero, who serves the second of a reduced three-match ban, while defender Nenad Tomovic is also suspended.

The Viola's defeat against Lazio leaves them seven points adrift of third-placed Napoli.

AMAZONIAN

Head to Head

Serie A ‎- Oct 20, 2013 - Fiorentina 4 - 2 Juventus
Serie A ‎- Feb 9, 2013 - Juventus 2 - 0 Fiorentina
Serie A ‎- Sep 25, 2012 - Fiorentina 0 - 0 Juventus
Serie A -‎ Mar 17, 2012 - Fiorentina 0 - 5 Juventus
Serie A ‎- Oct 25, 2011 - Juventus 2 - 1 Fiorentina

AMAZONIAN

Last Five Matches

JUVENTUS

Mar 2, 2014 - AC Milan 0 - 2 Juventus - Serie A
Feb 27, 2014 - Trabzonspor AŞ 0 - 2 Juventus - EL
Feb 23, 2014 - Juventus 1 - 0 Torino - Serie A
Feb 20, 2014 - Juventus 2 - 0 Trabzonspor AŞ - EL
Feb 16, 2014 - Juventus 3 - 1 Chievo - Serie A


FIORENTINA

Mar 2, 2014 - Fiorentina 0 - 1 Lazio - Serie A
Feb 27, 2014 - Fiorentina 1 - 1 Esbjerg - EL
Feb 24, 2014 - Parma 2 - 2 Fiorentina - Serie A
Feb 20, 2014 - Esbjerg 1 - 3 Fiorentina - EL
Feb 15, 2014 - Fiorentina 1 - 2 FC Internazionale - Serie A

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

March 9, 2014 - 12:30 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Juventus-Fiorentina Betting Preview:
La Vecchia Signora to gain revenge in Turin

Antonio Conte's men let a two-goal lead slip to lose 4-2 in the reverse fixture
back in October, but Al Hain-Cole expects them to ease to victory in front of their own fans.

Mar 8, 2014

Revenge will be on the cards when Juventus welcome Fiorentina to Turin on Sunday, with the hosts hoping to make amends for October's 4-2 defeat in the reverse fixture.

AMAZONIAN

Having won 16 and lost none of their last 18 Serie A games since then, Antonio Conte's men are clear 2/5 (1.40) favourites with Paddy Power to gain retribution with a victory here.

With just one win and three defeats to their name in the previous six in the league, la Viola go into this match as 7/1 (8.00) underdogs to secure a first away win over their bitter rivals in six years.

The champions are yet to drop a single point at the Stadio Juventus in the league, but you can get odds of 7/2 (4.50) on the visitors spoiling their perfect home record by coming away with a draw in this one.

AMAZONIAN

This game is the first of three encounters between the sides over the next 12 days, with the pair set to contend the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie in Turin on Thursday.

That draw has added even more significance to a clash that is always one of Italy's most hotly-contested, with little love lost between two teams whose rivalry goes back a long way.

Both sides will now be looking to lay down a marker as they size each other up for their upcoming European battle, with la Vecchia Signora looking much the stronger of the two.

AMAZONIAN

The hosts come into this game on the back of a five-match winning streak that has seen them go in at half-time in the lead on each occasion, meaning they should be confident of starting strongly against a team that have conceded within the first 45 in four of their last five games.

Considering Vincenzo Montella's team have been trailing at the break in seven of their nine defeats this campaign, odds of 11/10 (2.10) offer excellent value on Juventus leading at both half-time and full-time for the 13th time in 14 Serie A games on home soil.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

March 9, 2014 - 12:30 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

MATCH PREVIEW

Mar 8, 2014

Old foes Juventus and Fiorentina are in contrasting form heading into the first of their three March showdowns.

AMAZONIAN

Juventus enjoyed a battling two-goal victory against Milan last weekend, their third League win in succession. Fernando Llorente opened the scoring at the end of a first half in which the Rossoneri had the better chances, while Carlos Tevez doubled the advantage with a second half thunderbolt. It extended their lead at the top of the table to 11 points.

In what is a jam-packed portion of the campaign, Antonio Conte is happy to have most of his players available. He has been able to rotate his side between League and Europa League action in order to keep everybody fresh. They welcome the Viola to Turin twice within a week and will be seeking revenge for that incredible 4-2 loss earlier this season.

Andrea Pirlo sits this game out through suspension, joining the injured Mirko Vucinic and Simone Pepe on the sidelines.

AMAZONIAN

Fiorentina’s Champions League charge has been halted in recent weeks. A downturn in form has left Vincenzo Montella’s men seven points behind Napoli in the race for third. They were disappointed to not take advantage of Napoli’s draw last Sunday, with Lazio sealing a 1-0 Stadio Artemio Franchi triumph. It was their third loss in five matches.

Fans have been craving these three meetings against Juve within 12 days since the draw was released. Montella has looked to keep a lid on the excitement building to that unique European showdown, but a positive result and performance in the League can offer a psychological boost. The Viola are the only team to beat Juve in Serie A this term, thanks to Giuseppe Rossi’s heroics last October.

AMAZONIAN

Borja Valero remains suspended and is joined by Nenad Tomovic. David Pizarro’s ban ends, but Rossi, Ahmed Hegazi and Ante Rebic are out injured.

Viola wins in Turin have been few and far between over the years - just six. Juventus have won 48 times – including a 2-0 win last term – from the 74 encounters.

AMAZONIAN

Keep an eye on: Claudio Marchisio (Juventus) – The Turin-born midfielder will be asked to pull the strings from the base of midfield in Pirlo’s absence. It’s a role Marchisio performed in the Europa League second leg against Trabzonspor, but here he will look to control the game against the Viola’s talented midfield pack.


Form guide: Juventus (W D W W W) Fiorentina (L W L D L)

Last season: Juventus 2-0 Fiorentina

Stat fact: The Viola have not won on their last five visits to Turin, suffering three defeats in the process.

AMAZONIAN

Juventus (probable): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Marchisio, Pogba, Asamoah; Llorente, Tevez

Fiorentina (probable): Neto; Diakite, Rodriguez, Savic, Pasqual; Aquilani, Pizarro, Mati Fernandez; Cuadrado, Matri, Ilicic

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

March 9, 2014 - 12:30 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

MATCH PREVIEW

Mar 8, 2014

In the upcoming days, Juventus and Fiorentina will play three games against each other. First of them is scheduled for Sunday, and it’ll be held at Juventus stadium in Turin. This is the possible “scudetto” decider for Juventus team, and make or break match for Florence boys in their UCL battle with Napoli.

AMAZONIAN

Juventus got trashed in their last encounter against Fiorentina. The game at the Artemio Franchi stadium ended up with 4:2 victory for Tuscany squad, with Giuseppe Rossi bagging a hat-trick. It was their first home victory against the Bianconeri since year 1998. Juventus had no defeats up until that point, and that loss is still the only one in Serie A for Conte’s men. Fiorentina lost six games since 20th October, with three of them occurring during the past month.

Home team now stands firmly on top of the table, eleven points clear of Roma on second. They’ve won their last 13 home matches in Serie A, scoring at least two goals in 10 of their 12 last games in the domestic championship. Fiorentina can’t seem to find some good set of results of late, being struck heavily with injuries and suspensions. The only bright spot during these past weeks has been Europe League, where they eliminated Esbjerg to advance in the next round. And there, Montella and his men will face Juventus again.

Juventus and Fiorentina played a total of 165 games throughout their rich histories, in all competitions. First ever meeting between them took place on 7th October in 1928. when Juventus ran over Florence team with 11:0. “Old Lady” has won 73 games more since that historical encounter, while “Viola” managed to achieve 37 victories against their bitter rivals. The rest of those 165 games finished without winner.

AMAZONIAN

When it comes to domestic championship only, Juventus won 48 out of 74 games played against Fiorentina, scoring 157 goals, conceding only 62. The last time Fiorentina took all three points was a few years back, when they overcame the hosts in the last minute of added time with a strike from Daniel Pablo Osvaldo, who’s currently on Juventus payroll.

Interestingly, of all the players that are now wearing Juventus and Fiorentina shirts, only Buffon and Osvaldo participated in that game.

Daniele Orsato will be the referee for this one. It’s his third time be designated to a game between these rivals. First one ended with 0:0 while the second one finished with a score of 2:1 for Juventus.

AMAZONIAN

Conte won’t be able to count on Pirlo’s services as he must serve his one game ban, after receiving a yellow card in the last game. Chiellini should be back, after missing the Milan game. Vidal picked up a minor injury during the international break, but should be available on Sunday. Montella is having major difficulties in creating standard eleven players, as injuries and suspensions heavily influenced his decisions. Rossi is out; Tomović and Valero will skip this Derby due to suspensions; Ambrosini, Anderson, and Gomez aren’t fully fit. Luckily for Montella and Fiorentina fans, Pizarro is back after suspension.

Should Juventus win this one, they just might be one step closer to winning a third consecutive league title, and watch in peace evening game in Naples, between Napoli and Roma. If Fiorentina conquers Turin, they could get closer to Napoli on third spot. They’ve already missed too many chances, and looking to get back on winning tracks against Juventus is always a difficult task, if not impossible.

AMAZONIAN

Previous meeting: Fiorentina 4:2 Juventus (20.10.2013.)


Author’s Prediction: Juventus 2:0 Fiorentina

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

March 9, 2014 - 12:30 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Conte: 'Juve thank Fiorentina'

Mar 9, 2014

Antonio Conte believes Juventus “ought to thank” Fiorentina for beating them 4-2, as it was a wake-up call.

AMAZONIAN

The Bianconeri have lost only one Serie A game all season, one they were leading 2-0 in Florence until conceding four goals in the space of 14 minutes.

“Considering what happened afterwards, I ought to thank Fiorentina, seeing as since then we haven’t put a foot wrong,” said Conte in Tuttosport.

They come face to face again in Turin today, kicking off at 11.30 GMT. Click here for a match preview.

AMAZONIAN

“Let’s just say that game gave us the wake-up call we needed and now we are going at the right pace. That match was done and dusted, as we were dominating all over the field and had more chances to finish it off.

“Then the imponderable occurred, as we lost a game that we were dominating. In a nightmare 10 minutes we threw it all away and conceded goals that were very unusual for us to let in.”

AMAZONIAN

There is even more to the age-old rivalry this season, as Fiorentina and Juventus will also go head-to-head in the Europa League Round of 16 on March 13 and 20.

“We’ll face them in Serie A first, then we’ll see which one of us goes forward in Europe,” added Conte.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

March 9, 2014 - 12:30 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Vidal: 'Juve analysed errors'

Mar 9, 2014

Arturo Vidal reveals what Antonio Conte said to Juventus ahead of today’s Fiorentina showdown.

AMAZONIAN

“During the week the Coach told us many things about the last time we played Fiorentina,” the Chilean told Sky Sport Italia.

That 4-2 result in Florence remains the only defeat Juve have suffered in Serie A this season.

AMAZONIAN

“This is a very important game for our push towards a third consecutive Scudetto. We looked back over the mistakes made in Florence, just as in our last game against Milan.

“The team is in great shape.”

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

March 9, 2014 - 12:30 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Line-ups: Juventus-Fiorentina

Mar 9, 2014

Juventus launch Carlos Tevez, Fernando Llorente and Paul Pogba against Fiorentina’s Mario Gomez, Juan Cuadrado and Alberto Aquilani.

AMAZONIAN

The bitter Serie A grudge match kicks off at 12.30 CET.

These clubs have never seen eye to eye and the rivalry is only intensifying this season, as the Viola fought back from 2-0 down for a 4-2 victory, becoming the only team to beat Juve in the current campaign.

They will face off again on March 13 and 20 in the Europa League Round of 16, so this is also a taster of what is to come in that competition.

AMAZONIAN

Juventus soared 11 points clear at the top of the Serie A table, albeit with Roma having a game in hand, while Fiorentina are in fourth and fighting for a Champions League spot.

Andrea Pirlo is suspended with Mirko Vucinic and Simone Pepe injured, but Giorgio Chiellini returns to the starting XI and Leonardo Bonucci is rested.

Claudio Marchisio takes over the deep-lying playmaker role and Arturo Vidal is back from suspension with Pogba.

AMAZONIAN

Borja Valero’s four-match ban was cut to three on appeal, though that still rules him out of this clash along with Nenad Tomovic.

Giuseppe Rossi and Ante Rebic are on the injury list, but Gomez is getting back to full fitness after five months out with a knee injury.

He is flanked by Juan Guillermo Cuadrado and Juan Manuel Vargas, while former Manchester United midfielder Anderson starts with David Pizarro and ex-Juve man Aquilani.

AMAZONIAN

Fiorentina have a poor record in Turin, winning only one of their last 21 visits, a 3-2 result in March 2008.

The Tuscans haven’t kept a clean sheet here since November 1981, conceding in the next 27 games.

AMAZONIAN

JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Ogbonna, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Marchisio, Pogba, Asamoah; Tevez, Llorente

Juventus bench: Storari, Rubinho, Caceres, Bonucci, Peluso, Isla, Padoin, Giovinco, Quagliarella


FIORENTINA: Neto; Diakitè, Gonzalo Rodriguez, Savic, Pasqual; Anderson, Pizarro, Aquilani; Cuadrado, Gomez, Vargas

Fiorentina bench: Rosati, Lupatelli, Roncaglia, Compper, Bakic, Mati Fernandez, Ambrosini, Wolski, Joaquin, Matos, Matri, Ilicic

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

March 9, 2014 - 12:30 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

HT 1-0: Asamoah stuns Fiorentina

Mar 9, 2014

Kwadwo Asamoah’s stunner has given Juventus a thoroughly deserved half-time lead over Fiorentina.

AMAZONIAN

This was the first in a triple bill, as these old rivals will also face off in the Europa League on March 13 and 20. The Bianconeri were looking for a 14th consecutive home victory, while the Viola had won just one of their last 21 visits to Turin. Andrea Pirlo was suspended, Mirko Vucinic injured, Leonardo Bonucci rested and Daniel Osvaldo on paternity leave, so Claudio Marchisio was the deep-lying playmaker. Fiorentina had Borja Valero and Nenad Tomovic banned, Giuseppe Rossi and Ante Rebic sidelined, but Mario Gomez was in the starting XI and seeking his first goal since rupturing knee ligaments in September.

The hosts poured pressure on from the start, though Carlos Tevez’s shot was charged down, Stephan Lichtseiner blasted wide with the outside of his boot from an inspired Arturo Vidal assist and Apache fired over from a tight angle. Andrea Barzagli charged down an Alberto Aquilani strike.

On 25 minutes Juve had a great chance, as Kwadwo Asamoah’s effort was deflected and forced Neto into a desperate one-handed reaction save. From the resulting corner, Asamoah’s angled drive flashed wide.

AMAZONIAN

Paul Pogba should’ve done better when left in acres of space in the box, but he controlled a Barzagli cross with his knee and volleyed over.

Juan Manuel Vargas pounced on a poor defensive pass only for his shot to be blocked off, but he was crucial at the other end with practically a goalline clearance to stop Vidal nodding in a Pogba-flicked corner at the back post.

Juventus finally broke the deadlock before half-time with a great goal from Asamoah. He cut in from the left between a group of purple jerseys, rolled the ball along the sole of his boot to break free and curled a scorching right-foot finish in off the inside of the far post. It took a slight deflection on the way through.

AMAZONIAN

Juventus 1-0 Fiorentina (Half-Time)

Scorers: Asamoah 42 (J)

JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Ogbonna, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Marchisio, Pogba, Asamoah; Tevez, Llorente

FIORENTINA: Neto; Diakitè, Gonzalo Rodriguez, Savic, Pasqual; Anderson, Pizarro, Aquilani; Cuadrado, Gomez, Vargas

Ref: Orsato

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

March 9, 2014 - 12:30 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Asamoah: 'My right foot debut!'

Mar 9, 2014

Kwadwo Asamoah had an extra reason to celebrate his goal against Fiorentina. “It’s the first with my right foot!”

AMAZONIAN

The Ghanaian spoke to Sky Sport Italia at half-time after giving Juventus the lead in Turin.

“I am happy, as the Coach has been telling me for a while to cut in and try shooting from that angle. I finally managed to get it in the goal.

AMAZONIAN

“It’s the first with my right foot and I am very happy.”

Fiorentina inspire Asamoah, as he has now scored three of his total 12 Serie A goals against them.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS 1 - 0 FIORENTINA

Kwadwo Asamoah (42′)

March 9, 2014 - 12:30 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato
Attendance:‬ 38000‎

Asamoah exacts Viola revenge

The Bianconeri were beaten 4-2 by Vincenzo Montella's side earlier this season,
but the Ghanaian struck the only goal of the game to maintain the Serie A leaders' title charge.

Mar 9, 2014

A 42nd minute strike from Kwadwo Asamoah was the difference between the two sides as Juventus saw off Fiorentina 1-0 in Turin.

AMAZONIAN

The sides are set to meet three times in less than a fortnight, with Sunday's Serie A clash to be followed by two encounters in the Europa League last 16.

Juve enjoyed the majority of possession in the first half at Juventus Stadium, but had to wait until the 42nd minute to break the deadlock through Asamoah.

Fiorentina threatened to battle their way back into the tie after the break, with Modibo Diakite having a goal disallowed, but Juve held out to avenge their sole league defeat of the season, which came in the reverse fixture back in October.

AMAZONIAN

The victory strengthens Juve's position at the summit of the Italian top flight, with the reigning champions now 14 points clear ahead of the clash between chasing duo Napoli and Roma later on Sunday.

Antonio Conte welcomed Giorgio Chiellini and Arturo Vidal back from injury and suspension respectively, and it was the hosts who applied the early pressure amid an intense atmosphere in Turin, with Carlos Tevez seeing an effort deflected wide by Gonzalo Rodriguez in the opening five minutes.

Stephan Lichtsteiner should have put Juve in front 10 minutes later when he received the ball from a Vidal cut-back, but skewed his attempt wide of the left-hand post.

AMAZONIAN

Fiorentina were struggling to get out of their own half, with home goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon reduced to the role of spectator. Tevez failed to bring the ball under control when clean through on goal in the 24th minute, as he knocked the ball out for a goal-kick as Juve continued to press.

The visitors had Neto to thank for keeping the game goalless, two minutes later, when he punched behind from a deflected Asamoah strike, before Paul Pogba lofted a volley over the crossbar.

Juve’s pressure finally paid off three minutes before the break as Asamoah pulled off a delightful piece of skill in the penalty area to tee himself up for a right-footed thunderbolt, that flew into the back of the net off the right-hand upright via the slightest of deflections.

AMAZONIAN

Diakite then looked to have pulled Fiorentina level early in the second period, but his strike was ruled out for offside.

Vincenzo Montella's men saw a lot more of the ball after the break and came close to an equaliser once again when Mario Gomez headed just wide of the target from a Manuel Pasqual cross from the left.

Juan Manuel Vargas was next to get a sight of goal in the 68th minute, but sent the ball well over the crossbar of a grateful Buffon.

AMAZONIAN

Viola substitute Ryder Matos struck the crossbar with a header from a Vargas cross before going into the referee's book for a dive in the area under the challenge of Chiellini, as Juve lived dangerously in the closing stages.

However, the Serie A leaders were not to be denied and maintained their perfect home league record this season, which now stands at 14 victories from 14 games.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS 1 - 0 FIORENTINA

Kwadwo Asamoah (42′)

March 9, 2014 - 12:30 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato
Attendance:‬ 38000‎

Asamoah decides Juve-Fiorentina

Kwadwo Asamoah’s fantastic individual goal proved enough
for Juventus to beat Fiorentina, though Ryder Matos hit the bar.

Mar 9, 2014

This was the first in a triple bill, as these old rivals will also face off in the Europa League on March 13 and 20. The Bianconeri were looking for a 14th consecutive home victory, while the Viola had won just one of their last 21 visits to Turin. Andrea Pirlo was suspended, Mirko Vucinic injured, Leonardo Bonucci rested and Daniel Osvaldo on paternity leave, so Claudio Marchisio was the deep-lying playmaker. Fiorentina had Borja Valero and Nenad Tomovic banned, Giuseppe Rossi and Ante Rebic sidelined, but Mario Gomez was in the starting XI and seeking his first goal since rupturing knee ligaments in September.

AMAZONIAN

The hosts poured pressure on from the start, though Carlos Tevez’s shot was charged down, Stephan Lichtseiner blasted wide with the outside of his boot from an inspired Arturo Vidal assist and Apache fired over from a tight angle. Andrea Barzagli charged down an Alberto Aquilani strike.

On 25 minutes Juve had a great chance, as Kwadwo Asamoah’s effort was deflected and forced Neto into a desperate one-handed reaction save. From the resulting corner, Asamoah’s angled drive flashed wide.

Paul Pogba should’ve done better when left in acres of space in the box, but he controlled a Barzagli cross with his knee and volleyed over.

AMAZONIAN

Juan Manuel Vargas pounced on a poor defensive pass only for his shot to be blocked off, but he was crucial at the other end with practically a goalline clearance to stop Vidal nodding in a Pogba-flicked corner at the back post.

Juventus finally broke the deadlock before half-time with a great goal from Asamoah. He cut in from the left between a group of purple jerseys, rolled the ball along the sole of his boot to break free and curled a scorching finish in off the inside of the far post with his weaker right foot.

Modibo Diakite had the ball in the net after the restart, but was flagged offside. Replays suggest it was an extremely tight decision as the free kick was floated in.

AMAZONIAN

Llorente dispossessed a distracted David Pizarro and sent Tevez through, but his pull-back for the Spaniard was crucially intercepted by Neto.

Mario Gomez had a great chance to equalise just shy of the hour mark, but his glancing free header was wide of the far post when the Juventus defence had forgotten about him.

Rafal Wolski replaced the disappointing Pizarro, who gave possession away several times, and Aquilani moved to the centre of midfield. It seemed to work, as Vargas smashed a powerful effort over the bar, then Diakite’s header into the ground went wide on a corner after Angelo Ogbonna’s panicked clearance.

AMAZONIAN

Wolski drilled an angled drive wide, but substitute Ryder Matos went incredibly close on 79 minutes when his header thumped the crossbar from eight yards at the end of a well-worked team move.

Gigi Buffon had precious little to do in this game, but he was very alert to rush outside his box and clear with his chest from Cuadrado after Barzagli had slipped over. A free kick was touched on for Vargas and again charged down.

AMAZONIAN

JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Ogbonna, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner (Caceres 78), Vidal, Marchisio (Padoin 88), Pogba, Asamoah; Tevez (Isla 82), Llorente

FIORENTINA: Neto; Diakitè, Gonzalo Rodriguez, Savic, Pasqual; Anderson (Mati Fernandez 57), Pizarro (Wolski 65), Aquilani; Cuadrado, Gomez (Matos 77), Vargas

Ref: Orsato

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS 1 - 0 FIORENTINA

Kwadwo Asamoah (42′)

March 9, 2014 - 12:30 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato
Attendance:‬ 38000‎

Juventus scrape past Fiorentina

A first-half goal from Kwadwo Asamoah was just enough for Juventus to secure
a 1-0 victory over Fiorentina in this afternoon's Serie A clash.

Mar 9, 2014

Fiorentina kept possession in the opening stages, but the home side began to push forward in search of an early goal.

AMAZONIAN

After 15 minutes, Juve had the first real chance when Arturo Vidal set up Stephan Lichtsteiner, however the full back's left-footed strike went wide of the mark.

Soon after, Carlos Tevez had an speculative effort from the edge of the area, but his strike didn't trouble the goalkeeper and went well over the bar.

Claudio Marchisio found Tevez again on 24 minutes with an intelligent pass, the Argentine connected with the cross, but the finish was poor.

AMAZONIAN

Juve continued to press the away side and came close again through Asamoah, who latched onto a pass and saw his powerful strike saved by the goalkeeper.

Fiorentina worked an opening for Juan Vargas, but his strike from distance was blocked well by an alert defence.

Juve eventually took the lead on 43 minutes when Asamoah cut inside and burst into the box before firing a shot which looped into the net to make it 1-0.

AMAZONIAN

The intensity of the game seemed to drop in the second half as both sides struggled to keep hold of the ball.

The away side had a chance on the hour mark when Manuel Pasqual picked out Mario Gomez, but the striker fired his shot high over the bar.

Paul Pogba created himself some space on 70 minute, but his strike was straight at the goalkeeper and easily kept out.

AMAZONIAN

Juve struggled to create anything going forward as the tempo of the game continued to stutter.

Fiorentina had a huge chance to equalise on 80 minutes when Matos sent a header towards goal and hit the crossbar.

The away side began to push for a late equaliser, however Antonio Conte's men held on and stood firm in defence to secure the points.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111