Juventus Season 2013-2014

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

March 13, 2014 - 9:05 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Björn Kuipers (Netherlands)

Europa League: Preview ahead of
Juventus' clash with Fiorentina in Turin

Fiorentina return to Turin on Thursday for a second meeting with Juventus
in the space of five days to play the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie.

Mar 12, 2014

The Florence outfit fought hard but lost 1-0 to Juve in Serie A on Sunday to fall 10 points behind Napoli in the race for Champions League football next season.

AMAZONIAN

"I want my team to pick up where they left off in the second half against Juventus on Sunday," Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Montella said.

"I was satisfied with my team's performance and we have to have confidence in view of Thursday's match.

"Juventus are strong but I think we can have a say."

AMAZONIAN

The Viola have been a force in Italy this season and can approach the tie with confidence as they are the only side to have beaten Juve in Serie A, a 4-2 triumph in October, while they have reached the Coppa Italia final.

In the Europa League, Montella's team topped Group E before dumping out Esbjerg in the last 32.

"I expect a battling Fiorentina," Juventus coach Antonio Conte said. "They will be determined to progress in the competition because they have little to play for in Serie A while we, in contrast, have a third straight Scudetto to work for.

AMAZONIAN

"Fiorentina will try to put all that they have into this competition.

"Montella is a great coach and I think this tie will be a beautiful advert for Italian and European football."

Juve have the extra incentive of getting to the final because it will be held in their own stadium.

AMAZONIAN

Moreover, they are keen to end their drought of European titles with their last coming in 1999, the UEFA Intertoto Cup.

"It would be fantastic to go all the way in this competition, it would allow us to grow from an international standpoint," Conte said.

Sunday's win, courtesy of Kwadwo Asamoah's goal, coupled with Roma's defeat at Napoli allowed Juve to take a giant step towards their third straight league title.

AMAZONIAN

Juve are 14 points clear of Roma at the top of the standings.

"We are doing well but the Scudetto race is not over and there are still 11 games left to play," Conte said."We needed three points on Sunday and we've got that.

"Now we face the Europa League and this becomes the game of our lives."

AMAZONIAN

Fiorentina, who host Juve in the return leg on March 20, will be bolstered by the return of Borja Valero after the midfielder missed Sunday's game through suspension.

The Viola will be without Spanish winger Joaquin, who is sidelined with a muscular injury sustained in training.

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

March 13, 2014 - 9:05 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Björn Kuipers (Netherlands)

Remembering the 1990 UEFA Cup Final
Between Juventus and Fiorentina

Mar 12, 2014

In the summer of 1982, while Fiorentina were grinding to a 0-0 away draw against Cagliari, Ireland's Liam Brady converted a 75th-minute penalty against Catanzaro in Calabria. It won Juventus the game, and the Serie A title. The Viola have never forgiven them for it.

AMAZONIAN

Just a single point separated the sides that season, after 30 games. Juve had lost one more but drawn less. They'd won their 20th title and denied the Florentines their third. Eight years later, when Juventus met Fiorentina in the 1990 UEFA Cup Final, it brought the old rivalry back to the fore.

The Bianconeri were no match that year for Maradona's Napoli in the league but in Europe they beat Paris Saint-Germain, FC Koln, Hamburg, Poland's Górnik Zabrze and East Germany's FC Karl-Marx-Stadt along the way to the final.

Fiorentina, meanwhile, overcame Atletico Madrid, Sochaux, Dynamo Kiev, Auxerre and Werder Bremen. It was an awful campaign domestically for the Viola, where they narrowly avoided relegation. Their European campaign had seen them pull off a number of lucky escapes and was marred by crowd trouble against Werder Bremen in the semi-final. As punishment for the violence in the stands, the club was ordered to play their home leg of the final at least 300km away from Florence. They chose Avellino, south of Naples.

AMAZONIAN

Juve and Italy legend Dino Zoff, who was the manager of the Old Lady at the time, remembers the day clearly. Speaking to Uefa.com, the ex-goalkeeper shared his memories of the clash:

“Those are extraordinary memories, because to win a UEFA Cup as a coach was something special. Furthermore, we won the Italian Cup [a few days earlier] as well, with a great team. Great credit goes without doubt to the players. We had a fantastic second half of the season in the UEFA Cup, in the Italian Cup and in the Italian league. So that year was full of great satisfaction.

We had to solve the biggest problems in the home game because they caused us some in Turin. They also scored, but then we took a 2-1 lead and made it 3-1. That gave us a good chance to win the trophy because the second leg was played in Avellino, not in Florence. That helped us bring the trophy home.”

AMAZONIAN

The first leg was played at the old Stadio Communale in Turin. It was to be the venue's swansong, because afterwards both Juve and Torino moved into the Olimpico, which had been renovated for the 1990 World Cup.

Knowing that Fiorentina's home advantage had been eroded by the crowd sanctions, Zoff's side pushed the pace from early on in Turin.

Salvatore Schillaci, so influential all season for Juve and about to shine for Italy at the World Cup, cut Fiorentina open almost immediately. He made an electric break down the flank before cutting back to set up Roberto Galia, who slotted it right under Marco Landucci in the Fiorentina goal. His fifth goal in the competition was scored after just three minutes.

AMAZONIAN

Marco Nappi came close for the Viola shortly after, but he was denied by the brilliant Stefano Tacconi, who palmed it over the bar with a lightening-quick reflex save. It showed what the guests were capable of. They did have, after all, the Brazilian Dunga running the show in midfield and the young Roberto Baggio in the No. 10 shirt.

Nappi and Baggio linked up well in the early stages, and the young fantasista's irrepressible ability caused the Juve backline several problems. He tested Tacconi but despite his efforts he couldn't bring his side level.

That opportunity fell to Renato Buso, the journeyman midfielder from Treviso in Northern Italy. Buso was actually on loan at Fiorentina from Juventus at the time, but there was no doubting his loyalties when he made a dramatic diving header to get on the end of Alberto Di Chiara's cross.

AMAZONIAN

The stage was set for a classic. An away goal gave Fiorentina hope, but it also spurred the hosts on and forced them to play at their very best. The second leg would be a drab 0-0 draw, but the remaining 80 minutes of the clash in Turin were classic calcio at its best.

Zoff's side had been living under a cloud since the 1985 Heysel Stadium Disaster. They'd won that year's European Cup final, but it was an empty victory under the circumstances. The 1990 Coppa Italia was the first piece of silverware they'd won since then but seeing the UEFA Cup within their grasp they pounced on Fiorentina in the second half and showed little mercy.

Schillaci, in particular, was impressive that night. He didn't get on the scoresheet, but his tireless running and selfless play were key to the goals of Pierluigi Casiraghi and Luigi De Agostini, proving that there was more to the forward than just the 15 goals he'd scored that season.

AMAZONIAN

Totó had been something of a late bloomer, performing well but not outstandingly during his five years at Messina. He was only signed by Juve, in fact, as cover, late in the transfer window and after they'd missed out on their first choice forward, the curiously-named Brazilian, Muller.

The scoreless return leg in Avellino gave Juventus the second of their three UEFA Cup titles. Despite the triumph, Zoff was sacked, presumably as punishment for Juve's fourth place finish in the league behind Napoli, Milan and Inter.

AMAZONIAN

He was replaced by Luigi Maifredi, who broke the world transfer record to sign Baggio from Fiorentina, deepening the hatred felt for the Old Lady in Florence. The No. 10 would be an instant success but even with him, Juve limped to seventh in the league, their worst finish in 30 years and a humiliation for a club of their stature.

Giovanni Trapattoni followed and after a couple of barren seasons, success returned to Turin. Another UEFA Cup final, but this time with Baggio in black and white against Borussia Dortmund. All the Viola fans could do that night was watch and wonder what might have been.

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

March 13, 2014 - 9:05 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Björn Kuipers (Netherlands)

Fiorentina looking to upset Juventus

Mar 12, 2014

Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Montella wants his side to defy the history books by beating Juventus in the Europa League.

AMAZONIAN

Acknowledging his side are underdogs against the Bianconeri, Montella insists his side have not returned to the Juventus Stadium for the second time in four days just to make up the numbers. Instead, he is taking heart in the performance of his side in the second half of the Serie A fixture at the weekend to fuel his optimism.

"I don't know how many sides have played here at the Juventus Stadium the way my team played the second half [on Sunday] so we've got to believe in it," Montella said at a news conference in Turin. "Not always the strongest team with the greatest history wins. It's important we show our quality, don't hold back and have the courage to play a game against stronger opponents."

Fiorentina are the only Italian side to have beaten Juventus in the league this season, although they lost 1-0 in Turin on Sunday.

AMAZONIAN

After two tight games between the two antagonists, Montella has not ruled out extra-time or even penalties separating them at the Artemio Franchi in a week's time.

To improve the chances of that happening, grabbing an away goal or two is Montella's objective. Defending a goalless draw is not the gameplan.

"We know it's a tie which lasts 180 minutes, maybe even more," he said. "We're aiming to score at least one and win, as always. You can't predict anything, especially against a Juve at this level. I'd like to win by more than one goal, but that's not easy. We may make some slight alterations, but we always remain faithful to our philosophy of playing."

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

March 13, 2014 - 9:05 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Björn Kuipers (Netherlands)

How Juventus Will Line Up Against Fiorentina

Mar 12, 2014

Juventus brushed aside Fiorentina at the weekend in their second meeting of the Serie A season. It was revenge, to an extent, for the Viola's stunning triumph at the Stadio Artemio Franchi back in October.

AMAZONIAN

Now the two sides meet on Thursday for the first leg of their last-16 Europa League tie.

The crest of the wave that Vincenzo Montella's side were riding has long since crashed, with Giuseppe Rossi one of the casualties to dismount the board, succumbing to another serious injury.

Mario Gomez's return was long and drawn out, and since the German has returned to the pitch it has been tough to recognise the former Bayern star.

AMAZONIAN

This is a tie that appeals to calcio fans and even branches over to the more casual football fan. There is going to be a certain amount of glamour with the inevitable tifos (choreography) displayed by both sets of fans over the two legs.

However, the result at the end of 180 minutes is almost a formality. Juve are a juggernaut who will dispatch Fiorentina even if the Viola flirt with their best form.

Antonio Conte will refuse to accept this reality though, perhaps due to the fact that the title race back in Italy is wrapped up for another season, meaning the Old Lady's exertions over the next week will be concentrated on this tie.

AMAZONIAN

Juve's rotation should be limited, and when changes are made, the replacements should be those capable of snatching a start moving forward, not those who are squad players and just need appeasing with minutes on the pitch.

With Leonardo Bonucci resting at the weekend, we can expect him to return to the line-up, as will be the case with Martin Caceres, who came on as a substitute with 12 minutes remaining as a right-midfielder at the weekend.

The Uruguayan returned prematurely from the international break and did not feature for La Celeste against Austria, so Conte presumably decided not to risk him in the first match back after the break, instead opting for the Italian Angelo Ogbonna, who was not called by Cesare Prandelli for the Azzurri.

AMAZONIAN

Thus, Conte will in all likelihood look to rest one of Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini, with the former the favourite.

Stephan Lichtsteiner will drop out of the side, as has been the case for each of the three cup matches in 2014, with the Chilean Mauricio Isla ready to start for the fourth time in this calendar year.

Andrea Pirlo was missing from the weekend's match through suspension, so the maestro will surely come back into the line-up, leaving the Mister to decide which two from Paul Pogba, Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio will join the 34-year-old to complete the midfield trio.

AMAZONIAN

Kwadwo Asamoah has been spectacular in recent weeks, and while he has also missed all three of the cup matches in 2014 (the second leg of the Trabzonspor tie was through injury), Conte may be tempted to keep the Ghanaian in the line-up while he is in such a rich vein of form.

Carlos Tevez was set to keep his place in the team, despite being rested for the match in Turkey in the last round, but El Apache is now a doubt for the starting line-up due to a knee injury, per Tuttosport (h/t Football Italia).

Thus Dani Osvaldo, who was rested completely at the weekend and could be seen in the stands of the Juventus Stadium, could take Tevez's place. The Azzurri international will join Fernando Llorente, who was absent from the starting line-up in the last three cup matches.

AMAZONIAN

Despite the inclusion of a couple of players who would not be present if Conte was forced to name his strongest line-up, the team is formidable.

The Bianconeri will look for a sizable advantage to take to Florence, even if their exertions lead to a hangover of sorts at the weekend when they travel to Genoa to face the Grifone. Conte will be satisfied knowing they are in the driver's seat to reach the quarter-finals.

AMAZONIAN

Expected line-up: Gianluigi Buffon; Martin Caceres, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini; Mauricio Isla, Paul Pogba, Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal, Kwadwo Asamoh; Fernando Llorente, Dani Osvaldo.

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

March 13, 2014 - 9:05 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Björn Kuipers (Netherlands)

All change for Juventus vs. Fiorentina Part II

Mar 12, 2014

For the sake of Italy's coefficient points, it would have been better not to have two Italian sides facing each other at this stage of the Europa League, but alas, Juventus will take on Fiorentina again, for the second time this week, on Thursday night. If they are not already sick of the sight of one another, they soon will be.

AMAZONIAN

Antonio Conte and Vincenzo Montella are regarded as the two best coaches in Serie A and whilst Fiorentina are not quite ready to mount a serious title challenge, they are well versed in the art of hurting a rival. They are, of course, the only team to have beaten the Bianconeri in Serie A this season and are looking to cause more damage in Europe in the hope of qualifying for the next round, a great objective of theirs this year.

As such, it seems Montella will likely alter a few things, including the formation, to overcome Juventus, who are considered the favourites in this competition. Having seemingly decided upon the 4-3-3 formation going forward, the Viola will instead look to play a 3-5-2 formation on Thursday night. The hope is that this will allow for greater defensive stability as the side will shift to a five-man back-line when out of possession, whilst allowing for greater control in the midfield area.

For the first half of the match between the two teams on Sunday, Montella's men were woeful when it came to closing down Claudio Marchisio, who acted as a deep-lying midfielder, whilst their carelessness gifted Juve possession in dangerous areas. Montella will be keen to change it to allow his side a firmer grip of the game from the outset as well as frustrating Juventus to prevent the concession of an early goal.

AMAZONIAN

In the second half, the Viola improved dramatically, but whilst the squad proved more effective when in possession, they also benefitted from Juve's unambitious attitude.

Fiorentina have only won half of the eight matches they have played in Serie A when deployed in a 3-5-2 shape, or a variation of it. However, formations mean little when the psychological motivation is so high. We have already seen how much the Viola can hurt a complacent Juve and it's up to Conte and his boys to prove they care just as much about their European performances as they do about their domestic victories.

Both sides will look to offer others members of their respective teams their moment to shine in this Europa League tie. Fiorentina are likely to play Josip Ilicic and Joaquin, whilst Alessandro Matri is also expected to make an appearance. Carlos Tevez has a minor pain in his knee and Conte may instead opt to play Pablo Osvaldo to make it a battle of the ex-strikers.

AMAZONIAN

On the wings, Juventus will once again rely on Federico Peluso and Mauricio Isla, whilst both teams will have their midfield maestros, Borja Valero and Andrea Pirlo, back in the side to inject a certain level of creativity to make for a more interesting match.

The choice of referee is an interesting one, only because his presence brings back bad memories for the Bianconeri in this competition. On March 18, 2010, lowly Fulham defeated Juventus 4-1, a dark moment in the Old Lady's history. Bjorn Kuipers was the referee in charge and he has been tasked with overseeing the match on Thursday night between Juventus and Fiorentina. The Bianconeri will be hoping for a more attractive score-line this time around.

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

March 13, 2014 - 9:05 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Björn Kuipers (Netherlands)

Juventus vs. Fiorentina Preview

Mar 12, 2014

Italian champions Juventus welcome fellow Serie A club Fiorentina in this all-Italian Europa League round of 16 clash.

AMAZONIAN

Juve are arguably the favourites for the famous trophy after their shock exit from the Champions League, leading to their entry into Europe's second club competition.

They once again sit proud at the top of their nation's domestic league, having accumulated a huge 14-point lead over second-place Roma, per BBC Sport.

Fiorentina are also having a good season and currently sit fourth in Serie A. The Champions League could well be beckoning them for 2014-15. However, they are some 27 points behind the Turin giants, showing the difference in class between the two teams.

AMAZONIAN

Key Storylines

Will Juve intimidate their opponents?

When two teams from the same country meet in European competition, the usual rules of engagement cease to be relevant. Fiorentina will know Juventus intimately compared to teams from other countries and this could be a concern for the Turin giants.

However, the team in black and white have been so dominant in Serie A this season that the reverse might well be the reality. Juventus lead the Italian league by a landslide as they look to retain three consecutive championships in a row.

Fiorentina are definitely one of the better teams in Italy this year, but they are miles behind their Europa League opponents. This gulf in class could be telling in this fixture, and Juve will be looking to put their Italian brothers to the sword in this first leg.

AMAZONIAN

However, Fiorentina do have one notable mark against their illustrious opponents.

Juve's one crushing moment this season came away in Florence when they were defeated 4-2, aided by a Giuseppe Rossi hat-trick, coming back from 2-0 down after goals from Paul Pogba and Carlos Tevez, per Squawka.

Fiorentina managed to net four times in a 14-minute period in the game, so they have little to fear in this encounter.

AMAZONIAN

Indeed, the two teams met this past weekend at the Juventus Stadium with the hosts only able to edge the affair by a single goal, winning 1-0, per Squawka.

Fiorentina will fancy their chances of keeping things tight again and will chase an unlikely result away from home.

The win for Juve saw many concede that the title is theirs. BeIN Sport's and Al Jazeera's Matteo Bonetti took to Twitter to proclaim his opinion:

AMAZONIAN

Matteo Bonetti @TheCalcioGuy
Congratulations Juventus on winning the Scudetto. Biggest battle remaining is for second spot.

With the Serie A seemingly sewn up, the Europa League will now likely become their priority, which is bad news for those who encounter them.

AMAZONIAN

Team News

For the Viola, both Nenad Tomovic and Borja Valero missed the match against Juve at the weekend due to suspension, per WhoScored.com.

Both are sure to return to the first-team for this tie. Rossi is still sidelined through injury. However, Mario Gomez is back fit to compete for a position to start with Alessandro Matri.

The 28-year-old German marksman has two goals from his seven Serie A games, per Squawka, and will be looking to kick-start his season after injury.

AMAZONIAN

Juve rested Leonardo Bonucci at the weekend, while Andrea Pirlo was also absent through suspension. Both seem more than likely to start this game.

Juve's one big individual concern will be the possible absence of Tevez, as reported by Football Italia. The Argentina striker has been suffering with a knee injury and will undergo a late fitness test.

Tevez has been sensational since his move from Manchester City. He has scored 15 goals in 27 Serie A games this season, per Squawka, and has been the heartbeat of a Turin side who will bid to secure a lead to take into the second leg.

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

March 13, 2014 - 9:05 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Björn Kuipers (Netherlands)

Tevez out of Juve-Fiorentina

Mar 12, 2014

Carlos Tevez is out of the Juventus squad to face Fiorentina in the Europa League on Thursday.

AMAZONIAN

The first leg of the Round of 16 kicks off tomorrow at 20.05 GMT in Turin.

Hitman Tevez had been in doubt with a knee problem and is not even called up for the game.

AMAZONIAN

Andrea Pirlo is available after missing Sunday’s 1-0 Serie A victory over Fiorentina due to suspension.

Daniel Osvaldo also returns, as he was on paternity leave at the weekend, and is expected to start alongside Fernando Llorente or Sebastian Giovinco.

AMAZONIAN

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

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

March 13, 2014 - 9:05 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Björn Kuipers (Netherlands)

Asamoah learns from Juve-Fiorentina

Mar 12, 2014

Kwadwo Asamoah scored against Fiorentina on Sunday and feels that clash will help Juventus in the Europa League.

AMAZONIAN

“I think the victory was useful to understand many things going into the European challenge with Fiorentina,” said Asamoah.

“We are analysing our errors on the footage to understand how we should approach the game on Thursday.

AMAZONIAN

“Every match has its story and so much depends on how we behave on the field. That is why we are always working to improve ourselves.”

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

March 13, 2014 - 9:05 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Björn Kuipers (Netherlands)

From lost Scudetto to Baggio & Berbatov - The history behind
the fierce rivalry between Juventus and Fiorentina

There have been plenty of heated clashes between both Italian sides over the past three decades
and the sides will approach their Europa League tie desperate for bragging rights.

Mar 13, 2014

ANALYSIS
By Federico Casotti

Of course, there was the 11-0 win for Juventus in 1928, but the rivalry between the Bianconeri and Fiorentina really started on May 16, 1982. Both sides were level on points going into the final matchday of the Serie A season, but whereas Juventus beat Catanzaro 1-0 courtesy of a Liam Brady goal, Fiorentina had to settle for a scoreless draw against Cagliari. The Turin side thus lifted the Serie A title, much to the dismay of the Viola.

AMAZONIAN

Illustrious movie director and producer Franco Zeffirelli then further heated up things in the 1980s with a series of controversial comments. Zeffirelli served as an unofficial spokesperson for the people of Florence and angered Juventus fans by attacking club icon Giampiero Boniperti, while wiping his nose with a Juventus banner live on television. His remarks about the Heysel incident infuriated Juve fanatics more than anything.

After a decade of controversy, where Fiorentina never came close to the Scudetto again, both sides met in the final of the Uefa Cup. Dino Zoff's Juventus recorded a 3-1 win in the first leg in Turin, with Fiorentina complaining about a number of contentious decisions. The Tuscans were unable to turn things around in the return as it remained scoreless, resulting in Juventus' second Uefa Cup win in their history.

Things only got worse for Fiorentina that summer as their precarious financial situation forced them to sell star player Roberto Baggio to Juventus. The forward reluctantly left Fiorentina and refused to take a spot kick upon his return to his former club. Luigi De Agostini then missed from 12 yards, which proved to be the start of a cold relationship between Baggio and the Juve faithful. Not even the Uefa Cup of 1993 or the Scudetto of 1995 could repair this.

AMAZONIAN

After eight years without the Serie A title, Juventus were desperate to challenge for top honours again in 1994-95. They started the season well and met Fiorentina on December 4. Baggio did not make the starting XI, with a young Alessandro Del Piero taking his place. Fiorentina grabbed a two-goal lead before the break, but two goals from Gianluca Vialli and a Del Piero strike eventually saw the Turin giants emerge victorious as they went on to win the title.

Fiorentina got their revenge some 14 years later in yet another breathtaking direct confrontation. Both sides were challenging for a Champions League spot as Juventus were on their way back to the top after a season in Serie B following Calciopoli. Things seemed to be going the Turin side’s way as they went 2-1 up after goals from Mohamed Sissoko and Mauro Camoranesi, but Papa Waigo levelled the scoring before a certain Pablo Osvaldo helped Fiorentina to three vital points.

One of the more delicate episodes of the fierce rivalry between both sides took place in 2009 around the Champions League encounters between Fiorentina and Liverpool. The Premier League side's fans received a warm welcome by their Italian counterparts on their visit to Florence and prepared to return the favour in the return at Anfield. Nevertheless, Liverpool fans then realised that Fiorentina's affection has to do with the English side's involvement in the tragedy at Heysel and quickly distanced themselves from the Viola ultras.

AMAZONIAN

Fiorentina's pride took a big blow when both clubs met in March 2012. Antonio Conte's Juventus were on course to win their first Scudetto since Calciopoli and went into the match against the Viola unbeaten. Fiorentina fans once more turned to Heysel taunts in an attempt to rile their opponents, but were silenced by the Old Lady as Conte’s men recorded a 5-0 thrashing en route to the title.

Tension between Juve and Fiorentina rose again in the summer of 2012, with Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov the main protagonist in the latest drama. The Florence side were set to sign the Bulgarian striker when Juventus attempted to hijack the deal for the flamboyant forward. Berbatov eventually opted for Fulham, but both Serie A sides slammed each other for their behaviour in the transfer saga.

There was more bad blood in October 2013 as Fiorentina hosted Juventus in a highly anticipated Serie A encounter. The guests were superior before the break and Paul Pogba and Carlos Tevez both found the net to give the Bianconeri a 2-0 lead. Their Gabriel Batistuta-style celebration did not go down well with the Viola faithful, however, and also seemed to motivate the home side’s players. Giuseppe Rossi led his side to a 4-2 win after the break, which remains Juventus' only defeat this Serie A season.

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

March 13, 2014 - 9:05 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Björn Kuipers (Netherlands)

Nuno Gomes: Winner of Juventus-Fiorentina
will lift Europa League

The former attacker is eagerly anticipating the tie between
both Serie A outfits and hopes Giuseppe Rossi will soon be fit again.

Mar 13, 2014

EXCLUSIVE
By Federico Casotti

Former Portugal international Nuno Gomes believes that the victor of the tie between Juventus and Fiorentina will win the Europa League.

AMAZONIAN

The 37-year-old, who represented the Viola between 2000 and 2002, hopes his old side can go all the way, but realises they face a tough task to see off the reigning Serie A champions.

"I believe that the winner of this tie has a good chance to win the Europa League. Juventus are one of the biggest teams in the competition and can definitely win it, although Fiorentina will pose a stern test," Nuno Gomes told Goal.

"Juventus have been doing very well this term and have some great players with Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente, but they will struggle at the Artemio Franchi.

AMAZONIAN

"Fiorentina are also having a great season and I have no doubt that it will be two great games."

The Portuguese then went on to praise Vincenzo Montella for his good work in Florence, while he hopes Giuseppe Rossi will be fit in time for the World Cup.

AMAZONIAN

"Montella has been doing a very good job. Fiorentina were unlucky to lose Rossi due to injury, but thankfully Mario Gomez is nearing peak fitness again. I hope Fiorentina can keep this up in Serie A.

"I like Rossi a lot and I felt really sorry for him when he got injured again. I hope that he will be back in time for the World Cup."

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

March 13, 2014 - 9:05 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Björn Kuipers (Netherlands)

Pirlo: No issue with Conte

Mar 13, 2014

Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo says he has always got on very well with Old Lady Coach Antonio Conte.

AMAZONIAN

The Azzurri star also praised his boss’ astute tactical awareness and relentless will to win.

“Why shouldn’t we get on well?” Pirlo said to giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. “It is mostly you, the media, who have spoken about bust ups.

“The boss and I have always got on well.

AMAZONIAN

“Of course sometimes we debate things, I have never seen a player go out onto the pitch or sit on the bench with a smile on his face.

“Any disagreements we have though are things that are quickly forgotten about and they are extremely normal over the course of a season.

“Conte is one of the best Coaches I have had.

AMAZONIAN

“He is a great Coach, his tactical preparation has really impressed me.

“He is also concentrated and has the ability to keep a level head.

“His desire to aim for perfection is incredible.”

AMAZONIAN

The playmaker then discussed the Bianconeri’s prospects in Serie A and the Europa League.

“Let’s say that we struck a great blow on the last Serie A matchday,” he said.

“Now it really does just depend on us.

AMAZONIAN

“Until now Roma have had an extraordinary season so for us to be in this position is a huge thing.

“Of course the standard of Serie A isn’t what it used to be but I can assure you that this Juve team is hungry to emulate those teams of the past.

“The Europa League is important. It’s like a mini Champions League and an important step in our development in European football.

AMAZONIAN

“Bringing home the trophy would also mean we get to start next season in the European Super Cup.

“Winning leads to winning and bringing home the double would really be a catalyst for our next Champions League campaign.”

Finally, Pirlo answered questions about his future.

AMAZONIAN

“I still haven’t signed a contract but it’s no problem.

“There is absolutely no chance I won’t sign a new deal, soon there will be an announcement but at the moment we have so many other things on our plate.

“We haven’t yet found time to organise anything but we will do soon.”

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

March 13, 2014 - 9:05 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Björn Kuipers (Netherlands)

Zoff: Conte wrong about Viola

Mar 13, 2014

Juventus goalkeeping legend Dino Zoff says he disagrees with Antonio Conte’s comments that Fiorentina have nothing left to play for in Serie A.

AMAZONIAN

The 72-year-old, who also coached both the Old Lady and the Viola, anticipates a close Europa League Last 16 tie between the teams tonight.

“I’m expecting a good game and a low scoring draw,” Zoff said to Tuttomercato.web.

“Conte said that Fiorentina had more or less nothing left play for in the league.

AMAZONIAN

“I don’t think so, Fiorentina will be part of the battle for a Champions League place until the end of the season.

“But it is certain that the Viola will approach both legs of the tie with maximum concentration.

“For Juve, the Scudetto is more or less won, it’s right that they rotate a little bit.”

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

March 13, 2014 - 9:05 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Björn Kuipers (Netherlands)

‘Dream to play Napoli in final’

Mar 13, 2014

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini says it would be a dream for the Old Lady to play against Napoli in the final of the Europa League.

AMAZONIAN

The 29-year-old is determined to reach the showpiece occasion to be played at Juventus Stadium and believes an all-Italian final would be a source of pride for the country.

“I would like to play the final at the Juventus Stadium against Napoli,” Chiellini said to Tuttosport.

“It would be a source of pride for all of Italy.

AMAZONIAN

“We really want to get to the final at our own stadium, maybe that snow in Istanbul was a sign of destiny to take us there.

“We want to progress but it would be stupid to think we are favourites against Fiorentina just because we won the last game.

“We begin again from zero, the fact that Fiorentina are at home in the second leg is an advantage for them.”

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

March 13, 2014 - 9:05 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Björn Kuipers (Netherlands)

Juventus-Fiorentina Betting Preview:
Conte's men to stroll to victory yet again

Having successfully backed the hosts to beat la Viola after leading at the break
on Sunday, Al Hain-Cole sees no reason to expect anything else when they meet again in Europe.

Mar 13, 2014

Juventus and Fiorentina come face-to-face in Turin for the second time in the space of five days on Thursday, for the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie.

AMAZONIAN

Having secured a 1-0 victory in Sunday's Serie A clash, Antonio Conte's men are clear 2/5 (1.40) favourites with Paddy Power to come out on top once again this evening.

La Viola have not won a competitive match in Turin in six years but are available at 7/1 (8.00) to end that barren spell at the perfect time with an invaluable away victory tonight.

The hosts have drawn three of their last four matches on home turf in this competition, and you can get odds of 7/2 (4.50) on them being held to another stalemate in this one.

AMAZONIAN

Sunday's victory saw la Vecchia Signora equal local rivals Torino's almost 30-year-old record of 14 consecutive home wins in the league, having come out on top in every one of their Serie A games in front of their own fans.

Such is their dominance domestically that the Italian champions must have been delighted to draw their fellow countrymen in European competition, where they have consistently failed to impose themselves against even modest opposition in recent years.

Conte will now be eager to treat this match exactly like a league game, with his team likely to impose the same early control that saw the visitors fail to have a shot within the opening 45 minutes on Sunday.

AMAZONIAN

In fact, the only surprise was that it took Juventus until the 42nd minute to take the lead against a team that have now conceded before half-time in five of their last six matches, having missed a number of presentable opportunities by then.

That result was the 13th time in 14 home league games that the hosts had come out on top after leading at the break, and considering Vincenzo Montella's side have been behind at half-time in eight of their 10 defeats this campaign, even money (2.00) quotes are surely safe on the match following the same template tonight.

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

March 13, 2014 - 9:05 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Björn Kuipers (Netherlands)

Keita: Juve among favourites
but anyone can win the Europa League

The Valencia veteran believes that Europe's secondary competition
is there for the taking and is refusing to take Ludogorets lightly.

Mar 13, 2014

EXCLUSIVE
By Adrian Boullosa

Valencia midfielder Seydou Keita believes that Juventus are among the front-runners for the Europa League, but believes that anyone can win the competition.

AMAZONIAN

The Bianconeri were eliminated from the Champions League at the group stage but have made it to the last 16 of Europe's secondary tournament thanks to a win over Trabzonspor.

However, Keita believes a number of sides could emerge victorious as los Che prepare for their clash with Bulgarian champions Ludogorets.

"There are very strong teams like Juventus, but in a cup competition like this one, it's always very different to the regular league," he told Goal.

AMAZONIAN

"Everything can be decided in two games, anyone can win. We must focus on the next game and try to get any advantage possible for the second leg at home.

"We have to be careful because we know they beat Lazio and this wasn't easy for them. We must be very well prepared, both physically and mentally, because European games are always difficult and they beat Lazio because they have quality.

"We don't know so much about their league but we're sure they're a great team."

AMAZONIAN

Valencia coach Miroslav Djukic was replaced by Juan Antonio Pizzi halfway through the season and the former Barcelona man believes his side are faring better under their new boss.

"We're fine now. It's true that the team started the season badly, but the most important thing is the future. We must continue, keep our heads up and work, then positive results will come.

"Personally the change did not affect me, but perhaps it affected other players. But at the end of the day, the most important thing is to play well and win games."

AMAZONIAN

Keita moved back to La Liga in January after a brief spell in China with Dalian Aerbin and, though he thoroughly enjoyed his team in the Far East, he is happy to back with his family in Spain.

"My experience in China was a very good one. It was hard to go back to Spain because the president did not want me to, but being with family is more important.

"I was training and playing games but my family didn't want to go there and it was very difficult for them. But I thought of my family and I wanted to go back to Europe to play at a high level because I love football."

AMAZONIAN

The Mali international also feels that an African team will shine in this summer's World Cup, but is backing the big guns to claim the trophy.

"It's hard to pick a favourite, everything is possible in a game," he added. "But I'm sure that Spain will be there along with Brazil, Argentina, Germany, Italy. They're great teams, but it's hard to say who will win.

AMAZONIAN

"I think there were also be an African country there. Winning would be very difficult, but anything is possible. Ghana has been very close to reaching the semi-final so I think they or another African country could reach the quarter- or semi-finals.

"It would be great for us. I am sure that all the countries who qualified will fight."

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

March 13, 2014 - 9:05 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Björn Kuipers (Netherlands)

Europa League can help Juventus
win the Champions League, says Pirlo

The Bianconeri midfielder wants his side to finish the season strongly
in both Europe and Italy to aid them in their bid for European domination.

Mar 13, 2014

Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo has urged his team-mates to try to win the Europa League to help them in their bid to win the Champions League in the future.

AMAZONIAN

The Bianconeri were eliminated from Europe's top competition back in December thanks to a shock loss to Galatasaray in the last match of the group stages.

Having been awarded a place in Uefa's secondary tournament for their third-placed finish behind the Turkish champions and Real Madrid, Pirlo believes they must take it seriously as a step on the path towards winning the continent's top prize.

"It's an important goal - a mini Champions League," he told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

AMAZONIAN

"It's a key step in our international growth. Bringing home the Europa League allows you to start the next season with the European Super Cup at stake. Winning helps you win.

"We are aiming for a strong end to Serie A and the Europa League, then we can actually plan an assault on the Champions League."

Juve face Fiorentina in the last 16 of the Europa League on Thursday and Pirlo believes his side should aim to keep a clean sheet in the home leg to stave off the Viola in the Artemio Franchi return.

AMAZONIAN

"They'll come here to score at least one goal and then be able to play for it all at home in the week," he continued.

"This Viola are a very good team, we'll have to be careful."

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

March 13, 2014 - 9:05 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Björn Kuipers (Netherlands)

Cuadrado: 'Different Viola approach'

Mar 13, 2014

Juan Guillermo Cuadrado feels Fiorentina “need a different approach” to Juventus in the Europa League.

AMAZONIAN

The first leg of the Round of 16 tie kicks off tonight at 21.05 CET.

This appointment arrives four days after they clashed in Serie A, with Juve earning a 1-0 victory in Turin.

“We need a different approach, to go out there with determination and grit in order to get the result,” Cuadrado told journalists.

AMAZONIAN

“We must play our game and be very wary not to concede. The team is growing and tonight we will put in a great performance.”

The second leg at the Stadio Artemio Franchi is next Thursday.

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

March 13, 2014 - 9:05 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Björn Kuipers (Netherlands)

Line-ups: Juventus-Fiorentina

Mar 13, 2014

Juventus and Fiorentina face off in a Europa League Derby d’Italia, as Andrea Pirlo takes on Borja Valero.

AMAZONIAN

The first leg of the Round of 16 kicks off at 21.05 CET in Turin, just four days after the Viola lost here 1-0 in Serie A to a Kwadwo Asamoah strike.

Borja Valero and Nenad Tomovic were suspended for the visitors in that game, while Pirlo sat out a ban for the Bianconeri.

They’re all back tonight, although Joaquin and Carlos Tevez have been ruled out by injury, joining long-term absentees Mirko Vucinic and Giuseppe Rossi.

AMAZONIAN

Alessandro Matri starts against his former teammates and is supported by Josip Ilicic, Borja Valero, Mati Fernandez, David Pizarro and another ex-Juve man Alberto Aquilani.

Captain Manuel Pasqual sits on the bench on his 32nd birthday, joined by Mario Gomez, Juan Guillermo Cuadrado and Juan Manuel Vargas.

Pirlo is back in the Juve midfield, but there are several other changes, as Mauricio Isla, Sebastian Giovinco, Daniel Osvaldo, Claudio Marchisio, Martin Caceres and Angelo Ogbonna step in for Stephan Lichtsteiner, Fernando Llorente, Tevez, Paul Pogba, Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli.

AMAZONIAN

This isn’t the first time these Italian clubs have battled in Europe, as Juve beat Fiorentina 3-1 on aggregate in the 1990 UEFA Cup Final.

Antonio Conte has more reason than most to want the Final, as it will be played at the Juventus Stadium in May.

AMAZONIAN

Fiorentina’s record in Turin is dire with one victory, 3-2 in 2008, and five draws in their last 22 Serie A visits.

They haven’t kept a Serie A clean sheet here since a 0-0 in November 1981, conceding 45 goals in 28 games.

AMAZONIAN

JUVENTUS: Buffon; Caceres, Ogbonna, Chiellini; Isla, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Giovinco, Osvaldo

Juventus bench: Storari, Pogba, Barzagli, Bonucci, Lichtsteiner, Padoin, Llorente


FIORENTINA: Neto; Roncaglia, Rodriguez, Savic, Tomovic; Aquilani, Pizarro, Borja Valero, Mati Fernandez; Ilicic, Matri

Fiorentina bench: Rosati, Pasqual, Cuadrado, Ambrosini, Vargas, Matos, Gomez

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

March 13, 2014 - 9:05 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Björn Kuipers (Netherlands)

Marotta backs Juve rotation

Mar 13, 2014

Juventus director Beppe Marotta backed Antonio Conte’s squad rotation for the Europa League tie with Fiorentina.

AMAZONIAN

The first leg of the Round of 16 kicks off at 21.05 CET.

“Conte had already hinted at these changes in his Press conference. We want to be protagonists in Serie A and the Europa League, so that means changes are necessary,” Marotta told Sky Sport Italia.

AMAZONIAN

“Above all the attack is very competitive, so we can afford to make adjustments. Juventus have a squad made up only of protagonists.

“Everyone fights for the same cause, whether they are on the field or on the bench. We all work and contribute towards the same objective.”

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

March 13, 2014 - 9:05 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Björn Kuipers (Netherlands)

HT 1-0: Juve lead Viola in Euro Derby

Mar 13, 2014

Arturo Vidal has given Juventus the half-time lead over Fiorentina and hit the bar in a thrilling Europa League game.

AMAZONIAN

These two arch rivals had already faced off in Turin on Sunday in Serie A, the hosts securing a 1-0 win with Kwadwo Asamoah’s strike. Antonio Conte made five changes from that line-up, introducing Martin Caceres, Angelo Ogbonna, Mauricio Isla, Sebastian Giovinco, Daniel Osvaldo and Andrea Pirlo, the latter sitting out a ban at the weekend. Borja Valero and Nenad Tomovic also returned for the Viola after suspension, while Alessandro Matri and Alberto Aquilani faced their former club.

It took all under minutes for Juventus to break the deadlock. Asamoah’s run started the move, then Claudio Marchisio knocked it in for Giovinco to chest down and Arturo Vidal hit it on the half-volley from 10 yards.

The Bianconeri were extraordinarily aggressive from the start, as Gonzalo Rodriguez rushed to close down Marchisio and Vidal flashed another shot off target.

AMAZONIAN

Stefan Savic, who was in doubt until the last minute due to illness, desperately intercepted Asamoah’s ball across the face of goal for Osvaldo, almost scoring an own goal in the process.

Fiorentina finally had a chance on 15 minutes, as Aquilani’s volley was redirected just wide of the back post by Matri.

Mati Fernandez shot with an angled drive off the outside of the boot, forcing Gigi Buffon to parry at the near post and Asamoah scrambled to get it clear.

AMAZONIAN

Giovinco was sent through by Osvaldo, but Neto rushed out of his penalty area to hoof clear, then the goalkeeper smothered the Atomic Ant’s scuffed volley from another Osvaldo assist.

A corner was not dealt with by Juve, but both Rodriguez and Matri just failed to get the decisive touch. At the other end Marchisio fought hard to win back possession and set up a Vidal header, which Neto beat off the line.

AMAZONIAN

The rivalry between these clubs is fierce and there was a brief row between fellow Chileans Vidal and David Pizarro. Vidal almost doubled his tally and Juve’s lead on 38 minutes when his towering header thumped the crossbar with Neto beaten on a Pirlo assist.

Just before the break Borja Valero’s angled drive took a deflection to bobble inches past the far post.

AMAZONIAN

Juventus 1-0 Fiorentina (Half-Time)

Scorers: Vidal 3 (J)

Juventus: Buffon; Caceres, Ogbonna, Chiellini; Isla, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Giovinco, Osvaldo

Fiorentina: Neto; Roncaglia, Rodriguez, Savic, Tomovic; Aquilani, Pizarro, Borja Valero, Mati Fernandez; Ilicic, Matri

Ref: Kuipers (HOL)

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

March 13, 2014 - 9:05 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Björn Kuipers (Netherlands)

Juventus vs. Fiorentina:
Live Player Ratings

Mar 13, 2014

Juventus go into the break with 1-0 lead on Fiorentina, but La Viola gave as good as they got in the first half of this Europa League Round of 16 first leg and will no doubt fancy their chances at an equaliser in the second half.

AMAZONIAN

Arturo Vidal opened the scoring after just three minutes—slicing the ball into the back of the net following some excellent work in the buildup by Kwadwo Asamoah, Claudio Marchisio and Sebastian Giovinco.

Following are player ratings and analysis for both sides.

AMAZONIAN

Half-Time analysis for Juventus

Buffon: Had to be alert to catch several cross-goal passes.

Caceres: Gifted the guests the ball in the moments after kickoff.

Chiellini: Bombed forward on a rare run into the attacking third with five minutes remaining in the first half.

Ogbonna: Made a vital deflection on Valero’s shot, which had Buffon beaten.

Isla: Is adding an attacking outlet from the right only in flashes.

Vidal: The box-to-boxer scored once and hit the crossbar twice in the opening period.

Pirlo: His sublime cross to Vidal midway through the first half would have been an assist had the Chilean not hit the woodwork.

Marchisio: Set up the Vidal goal with a lovely, improvised ball into the box.

Asamoah: Began the play that led to the goal when he passed inside to Marchisio.

Osvaldo: Showing some creativity but has touched the ball only 14 times so far.

Giovinco: Chested Marchisio’s ball to ground for Vidal to score.

AMAZONIAN

Half-Time analysis for Fiorentina

Neto: Burst off his line to beat Giovinco to a loose ball.

Roncaglia: Struggling to contain the runs of Asamoah.

Rodriguez: Might have done better to disrupt Giovinco in the buildup to the goal.

Savic: His outlet passes have been useful.

Tomovic: Adding Fiorentina’s attacking wideth from the left.

Pizarro: Got involved in a shoving match with Vidal.

Valero: Would have equalised but for Ogbonna’s late block.

Aquilani: No one on either side has touched the ball more.

Fernandez: Had a chance to score when he burst in from the left, only to be denied by Buffon.

Ilicic: Distribution has been good, although he could link up better with Matri.

Matri: Just nine touches of the ball so far.

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS 1 - 1 FIORENTINA

Arturo Vidal (3′)

Mario Gomez (79′)

March 13, 2014 - 9:05 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Björn Kuipers (Netherlands)
Attendance:‬ 39610‎

Gomez snatches late draw

The Germany striker levelled in the second half
after Arturo Vidal had opened the scoring at Juventus Stadium.

Mar 13, 2014

A 79th minute strike from Mario Gomez saw Fiorentina snatch a late 1-1 draw at Juventus in the first-leg of their last-16 Europa League tie.

AMAZONIAN

The hosts enjoyed a narrow 1-0 win over the Viola in Serie A on Sunday to maintain their title charge and it looked as though it would be a case of deja vu for Vincenzo Montella's side after Arturo Vidal's early opener.
Both sides had plenty of goalscoring opportunities after that and it was the visitors who took were the more ruthless, with substitute Gomez scoring his first goal since returning from a knee injury in February and set up an intriguing second leg.

In what was a strong start, Juve needed less than three minutes to open the scoring, Vidal firing home from close range after Sebastian Giovinco had done well to chest Claudio Marchisio's powerful cross into his path.

Vidal was in the thick of it again soon after when he flashed an effort wide from distance as Antonio Conte's men made all of the early running.

AMAZONIAN

Stefan Savic was forced to clear Kwadwo Asamoah's delivery from a dangerous position before Alessandro Matri had Fiorentina's first chance - diverting Alberto Aquilani's effort wide of Gianluigi Buffon's right-hand post.

That sparked a short spell of pressure from Montella's men - Matias Fernandez forcing Buffon into a smart save with Asamoah required to acrobatically clear the rebound before the onrushing Borja Valero could follow up.

Vidal threatened twice more late in the half - both with headed efforts - seeing the first saved by Neto before the crossbar denied him seven minutes from the interval.

AMAZONIAN

Juve were given a scare early on when Valero dispossessed Angelo Ogbonna in possession and found himself through on goal, before referee Bjorn Kuipers brought play back for a foul on the defender.

With the home side keen to avoid conceding an away goal and Fiorentina eager not to fall further behind in the tie, the tempo dropped somewhat and chances became scarce.

However, Gomez needed only one sight of goal when, after being involved for just 12 minutes, he brought down a long ball and slipped the equaliser past the onrushing Buffon.

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS 1 - 1 FIORENTINA

Arturo Vidal (3′)

Mario Gomez (79′)

March 13, 2014 - 9:05 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Björn Kuipers (Netherlands)
Attendance:‬ 39610‎

Gomez earns Juve-Fiorentina draw

Mario Gomez’s first goal of 2014 gave Fiorentina a precious
1-1 Europa League draw at the Juventus Stadium.

Mar 13, 2014

These two arch rivals had already faced off in Turin on Sunday in Serie A, the hosts securing a 1-0 win with Kwadwo Asamoah’s strike. Antonio Conte made five changes from that line-up, introducing Martin Caceres, Angelo Ogbonna, Mauricio Isla, Sebastian Giovinco, Daniel Osvaldo and Andrea Pirlo, the latter sitting out a ban at the weekend. Borja Valero and Nenad Tomovic also returned for the Viola after suspension, while Alessandro Matri and Alberto Aquilani faced their former club.

AMAZONIAN

It took all under minutes for Juventus to break the deadlock. Asamoah’s run started the move, then Claudio Marchisio knocked it in for Giovinco to chest down and Arturo Vidal hit it on the half-volley from 10 yards.

The Bianconeri were extraordinarily aggressive from the start, as Gonzalo Rodriguez rushed to close down Marchisio and Vidal flashed another shot off target.

Stefan Savic, who was in doubt until the last minute due to illness, desperately intercepted Asamoah’s ball across the face of goal for Osvaldo, almost scoring an own goal in the process.

AMAZONIAN

Fiorentina finally had a chance on 15 minutes, as Aquilani’s volley was redirected just wide of the back post by Matri.

Mati Fernandez shot with an angled drive off the outside of the boot, forcing Gigi Buffon to parry at the near post and Asamoah scrambled to get it clear.

Giovinco was sent through by Osvaldo, but Neto rushed out of his penalty area to hoof clear, then the goalkeeper smothered the Atomic Ant’s scuffed volley from another Osvaldo assist.

AMAZONIAN

A corner was not dealt with by Juve, but both Rodriguez and Matri just failed to get the decisive touch. At the other end Marchisio fought hard to win back possession and set up a Vidal header, which Neto beat off the line.

The rivalry between these clubs is fierce and there was a brief row between fellow Chileans Vidal and David Pizarro. Vidal almost doubled his tally and Juve’s lead on 38 minutes when his towering header thumped the crossbar with Neto beaten on a Pirlo assist.

Just before the break Borja Valero’s angled drive took a deflection to bobble inches past the far post.

AMAZONIAN

Mati Fernandez was forced off by a sprained ankle and Mario Gomez replaced Matri. Mauricio Isla wasted a good chance by firing straight at Neto when he should’ve set up Vidal.

Martin Caceres bravely chested down a ball to Buffon under pressure from Borja Valero, while Rodriguez stood his ground to charge down a Fernando Llorente run through the middle.

Surprisingly, Vincenzo Montella opted not to use Juan Guillermo Cuadrado or Manuel Pasqual, who remained on the bench after the three substitutions.

AMAZONIAN

Fiorentina drew level with a precious away goal from Gomez, his first since being ruled out for five months by a knee ligament injury in September. The German ran on to a Josip Ilicic ball over the top and sprung the offside trap, drawing out Buffon to slide the finish under his body. Gomez hadn’t found the net for the Viola since a brace in the 5-2 victory away to Genoa on September 1.

The Bianconeri fought back immediately, Neto smothering a deflected Llorente effort, but Gomez also hit the side-netting and Paul Pogba’s angled drive skimmed the far post.

AMAZONIAN

Gomez had rediscovered his confidence after that goal and his long-range dipping strike was palmed out from under the bar by Buffon. The goalkeeper also got down quickly to turn a Juan Manuel Vargas snapshot round the post, as it bounced right in front of him.

The second leg will be at the Stadio Artemio Franchi next Thursday, March 20.

AMAZONIAN

Juventus 1-1 Fiorentina

Scorers: Vidal 3 (J), Gomez 79 (F)

Juventus: Buffon; Caceres, Ogbonna, Chiellini; Isla (Padoin 82), Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Giovinco (Llorente 63), Osvaldo (Pogba 75)

Fiorentina: Neto; Roncaglia, Rodriguez, Savic, Tomovic; Aquilani (Vargas 77), Pizarro, Borja Valero, Mati Fernandez (Ambrosini 51); Ilicic, Matri (Gomez 68)

Ref: Kuipers (HOL)

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS 1 - 1 FIORENTINA

Arturo Vidal (3′)

Mario Gomez (79′)

March 13, 2014 - 9:05 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Björn Kuipers (Netherlands)
Attendance:‬ 39610‎

Gomez scores vital away goal for La Viola

Mar 13, 2014

Juventus could only manage a 1-1 draw with Fiorentina at the Juventus Stadium on Thursday evening in their Europa League Round of 16 tie.

AMAZONIAN

An early goal by Arturo Vidal was cancelled out by second-half Fiorentina substitute Mario Gomez 11 minutes before the final whistle.

Vidal opened the scoring after just three minutes. He found the net from close range after Sebastian Giovinco settled down Claudio Marchisio’s lob cross from the left.

After the goal, the Bianconeri took the initiative and continued to threaten, but shots from Pablo Osvaldo and Vidal went wide.

AMAZONIAN

After 13 minutes, Fiorentina’s Stefan Savic prevented an imminent goal when he intercepted Kwadwo Asamoah’s sharp cross across goal which was directed toward Osvaldo at the far post.

At the other end, the Viola had their first chance on goal when Alessandro Matri got a touch of the ball after a volley shot by Alberto Aquilani, but could not redirect it on goal.

Later, Mati Fernandez took a shot from inside the penalty box with the outside of his foot, Gianluigi Buffon parried it and while he was on the ground Asamoah made a last-ditch tackle to deny Borja Valero, who almost had the chance to tap the ball into an open net.

AMAZONIAN

Not long after, Osvaldo advanced into the Viola box and sent a cross from the right to Giovinco at the far post, but the Italian forward’s shot was too weak to trouble Neto.

Moments later, Vidal came close to a second goal when he forced a great diving save from Neto after heading a ball from yet another cross by Marchisio.

He came even closer 10 minutes later, when, under similar circumstances, his header, this time from a cross by Andrea Pirlo, met the crossbar.

AMAZONIAN

Pirlo provided another good ball when he found Giovinco unmarked in the penalty area, but the pint-sized striker failed to find the target.

Then, just moments before the interval, a Valero shot in a congested penalty area took a deflection off a defender and ended up just centimetres wide of Buffon’s left post.

The beginning of the second half was far less dramatic, with both teams being fairly cautious, as a result chances were few and far between.

AMAZONIAN

A rare chance came just after the hour mark when Mauricio Isla advanced deep into the Viola half and took a long-range shot, but it was comfortably saved by Neto.

Shortly after, Fiorentina struck out of nowhere. Josip Ilicic sent a long ball over the top toward Gomez. The German took a touch to settle the ball and with his second sent it under the on-rushing Buffon for the equalizer.

At the other end, Fernando Llorente responded with a volley shot that was saved by Neto.

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Towards the end of the match, the Bianconeri missed another chance to get back in front when Llorente set up Paul Pogba for a shot, but the young Frenchman’s shot went wide.

Fiorentina nearly made them pay when captain Valero fired a long range effort in, but Buffon did not take a risk and turned it away, as it looked to be dipping under the bar.

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Another substitute, Juan Vargas, tried his luck from long range after the corner that followed, but the Bianconeri goalkeeper again stood strong between the posts.

Despite Juventus’ attacking pressure in the final minutes, Fiorentina managed to take away the draw before the second leg in Florence on March 20.

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS 1 - 1 FIORENTINA

Arturo Vidal (3′)

Mario Gomez (79′)

March 13, 2014 - 9:05 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Björn Kuipers (Netherlands)
Attendance:‬ 39610‎

Initial reaction and random observations

Juventus play terribly after the break let a second-half lead
slip away against Fiorentina. Where have I seen this before?

Mar 13, 2014

For the first 45 minutes, Juventus were looking pretty darn good compared to their last game against Fiorentina. They had the lead after just three minutes thanks Arturo Vidal's 18th goal (!!) in all competitions. Their passing was crisp, their ability to create scoring chances was on full display and had Fiorentina's defense scrambling while trying to stop it.

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And then, something happened — again.

Bad second-half tactics from Antonio Conte? Yeah, definitely.

Letting your foot off the gas and enabling Fiorentina to get back in the game? Yeah, definitely.

AMAZONIAN

There's other obviously things that contributed to Juventus' 1-1 draw with Fiorentina in the first leg of their Round of 16 Europa League matchup on Thursday night, but it's safe to narrow it down to one distinct statement right here: The team in black and white that was up 1-0 at the half wasn't the same team that came out of the locker room and proceeded to play in the second half.

Juve needed to grab a second goal and never they did. Fiorentina, much to their credit, just hung around. And with Juventus clearly shifting their play to protect the lead rather than pushing for a second goal, Fiorentina was able to take advantage of it, eventually getting their coveted away goal courtesy of Mario Gomez just 13 minutes from full time.

Stupid Gomez Button. I hate you now. More than ever before.

AMAZONIAN

All of the work Juve did in the first half — especially the first 15-20 minutes — gone just like that. But it's hard to say that Fiorentina didn't deserve it. Juventus took their foot of the gas pedal and got punished for it. Fiorentina is a good team and they'll will make you pay for your own mistakes. Juventus' mistake was letting them hang around for far too long. And because of it, we're all headed to Florence knowing that Juve doesn't have a lead in its back pocket.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
#Conte: We’re disappointed with the result, but not the performance. We created plenty of opportunities and deserved more than we got. #UEL

That damn second half. You just can't help but make a face at it.

AMAZONIAN

Bingo.

We know what happened the last time Juve were in Florence. But it's not like winning there is impossible. In seven days, these two teams will play for the right to get to the Europa League semifinals at the scene of that dreadful day in October. You know Fiorentina will be fired up since they will be in front of the home crowd at the Franchi. The only question will be if Juventus can answer the call and advance.

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Random thoughts and observations

• Arturo Vidal could have had a hat trick in the first half if not for a brilliant Neto save and then smashing a header off the stupid crossbar. The opportunities to double the lead were there for the taking. Juventus just couldn't get that second goal they oh so desperately needed in the first half.

• Mauricio Isla's game might be Exhibit A of how different Juventus were in the first half compared to the second half. It was a throwback kind of effort from Isla in the first half, taking advantage of plenty of space down the right flank. The second half? Barely a peep. Polar opposite halves for Isla — and for Juventus as a whole.

• Can you imagine what it would have been like if Gigi Buffon didn't make one of those saves towards the end of the second half? Yep, Oct. 20 in Florence all over again.

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• How things change from one game against Fiorentina to the other: Mario Gomez did next to nothing on Sunday afternoon. Thursday night? That first touch, that game-tying goal, that frustration that followed. Gomez gave Fiorentina the exact boost Vincenzo Montella was hoping for when the German striker was introduced for Ale Matri in the 67th minute.

• Even though we're all grumpy because of the result, I want to say something: It's pretty nice to have Giorgio Chiellini back in the starting lineup again.

AMAZONIAN

• Have I said how much I missed first-half Juventus during the course of the second half? Because I did.

• I'm off to go bang my head against the desk a few more times.