Juventus Season 2014-2015

[Socrates 8516]

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS

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Friday, December 5th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Artemio Franchi stadium, Florence
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Juventus name squad for Fiorentina

Dec 4, 2014

Juventus have announced the squad which will take on Fiorentina tomorrow night at Artemio Franchi.

Stephan Lichtsteiner will play no part after being sent off in the previous fixture against Torino, while Romulo and Kwadwo Asamoah will both miss out after undergoing surgery.

Gigi Buffon will travel with the squad after sitting out Sunday’s win over Torino with a shoulder problem, and Simone Padoin is included in the squad after serving a suspension in that game.


Juventus squad to play Fiorentina: Buffon, Chiellini, Ogbonna, Pogba, Pepe, Marchisio, Morata, Tevez, Coman, Giovinco, Llorente, Bonucci, Padoin, Pirlo, Vidal, Storari, Evra, Rubinho, Pereyra, Mattiello

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

[Socrates 8516]

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS

-

Friday, December 5th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Artemio Franchi stadium, Florence
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Fiorentina name 24 for Juve

Dec 4, 2014

Fiorentina have named 24 players in the squad which will face Juventus tomorrow night.

Marko Marin and Micah Richards are included in the party, but Giuseppe Rossi is still not ready to return as he battles back from a knee injury.

The Viola will be looking for a repeat of this fixture last season, when Rossi’s hat-trick led Vincenzo Montella’s men to a 4-2 victory having been two goals behind.


Fiorentina squad to play Juventus: Alonso, Aquilani, Babacar, Badelj, Basanta, Borja, Cuadrado, Fernandez, Gomez, Gonzalo, Hegazi, Ilicic, Joaquin, Kurtic, Lazzari, Lezzerini, Marin, Neto, Pizarro, Richards, Savic, Tatarusanu, Tomovic, Vargas.

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

[Socrates 8516]

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS

-

Friday, December 5th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Artemio Franchi stadium, Florence
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Coman, Llorente to face Viola?

Dec 5, 2014

Kingsley Coman and Fernando Llorente may start for Juventus tonight, while David Pizarro is available for Fiorentina.

La Viola host the Bianconeri at the Artemio Franchi tonight in Week 14’s standout match, which last season memorably ended 4-2 to the home side.

In spite of the opponent, Juventus Coach Massimiliano Allegri may field a different line-up from his customary strongest XI and return to a 3-5-2 system, following indications from yesterday’s training.

The injuries of Kwadwo Asamoah and Romulo leave the Coach with limited alternatives at the back, but Claudio Marchisio and Carlos Tevez may be rested in view of the Champions League game on Tuesday.

Roberto Pereyra is rumoured as likely to deputise for the suspended Stephan Lichtsteiner on the right wing, with Patrice Evra on the left.

The core of the midfield will include the regulars Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Paul Pogba, whilst Allegri may experiment with a new offensive partnership in Kingsley Coman and Fernando Llorente.

Fiorentina Coach Vincenzo Montella, on the other hand, is able to field David Pizarro in spite of initial doubts, and El Pek will almost certainly be in the line-up.

The second spot in central midfield will then be contested between Alberto Aquilani and Mati Fernandez, the latter having played the last two games as a starter.

It is unlikely that Montella will experiment with the rest of the team for the big match, so Stefan Savic, Gonzalo Rodriguez and José Maria Basanta will cover the defence before Neto, while Juan Cuadrado and Mario Gomez spearhead the team.


Probable line-ups

Fiorentina: Neto; Gonzalo, Basanta, Savic; Alonso, Pizarro, Borja Valero, Mati Fernandez, Joaquin; Cuadrado, Gomez

Juventus: Buffon; Bonucci, Chiellini, Ogbonna; Pereya, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Evra; Coman, Llorente

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS

-

Friday, December 5th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Artemio Franchi stadium, Florence
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Gomez: ‘Goals bring confidence’

Dec 5, 2014

Fiorentina striker Mario Gomez admits he is relieved to be back amongst the goals, as he looks ahead to facing Juventus.

The German has struggled for fitness since his summer 2013 move to La Viola, but having recently returned from injury, has declared that he never had any doubts he would.

“Football is my life,” Gomez explained in an interview with sport1.de today.

“So it was easy for me to find the motivation and do everything I could to return to form in the shortest possible time.

“It's all part of the sport, even personal failures.

“I will return to the highest levels, as I have often done over my career.”

Gomez scored his first goal in 259 days in Fiorentina's 4-0 drumming of Cagliari last Sunday, and admitted the goal came with a sense of relief.

“Even though I was already feeling well in the past weeks, scoring a goal gives you confidence as a striker.”

Nonetheless, the forward seemed less confident about tonight's big game against the Bianconeri.

“Juventus are the favourites for this match”, he admitted.

“To beat them, we need a good day and the perfect game.”

Fiorentina kick-off against Juventus at the Artemio Franchi tonight at 20:45 CET.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS

-

Friday, December 5th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Artemio Franchi stadium, Florence
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

MATCH PREVIEW

Dec 5, 2014

After Andrea Pirlo’s heroics against Torino, Juventus face a second consecutive grudge match, against a Fiorentina in pursuit of Champions League football.

Roma’s spirited win over Inter added even more significance to that late Pirlo strike in Week 13 - Juve have won four consecutive League games but their lead at the top of Serie A remains a precarious three points. As such, they will be determined to open up a six-point advantage on Friday evening before the Giallorossi’s clash with Sassuolo a day later.

Fiorentina’s unbeaten Europa League form contrasts somewhat with an inconsistent start to their League campaign, though by winning six points from their last two fixtures they have gained some ground on third-placed Napoli.

La Viola return to the Artemio Franchi for the first time since a 1-0 defeat at the hands of the aforementioned Partenopei, but will surely be inspired by their 4-2 triumph in the corresponding fixture last season, when Giuseppe Rossi scored a hat-trick to help his side come from behind.

Rossi is of course unavailable, though Mario Gomez is expected to lead the line having scored his first goal in over eight months when Cagliari were dispatched 4-0 last weekend.

It should be noted that last season’s win was the first of its kind in Florence since 1998 and Juventus did also knock Fiorentina out of last year’s Europa League. The Bianconeri have conceded just two goals on the road in Serie A and will be confident of asserting their superiority over their rivals once more.

Keep an eye on: Patrice Evra (Juventus) – The French full-back has an opportunity to exert his influence on the Juve line-up as he begins what should be an extended run in the team following injury and subsequent surgery for Kwadwo Asamoah.

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

Last season: Fiorentina 4-2 Juventus

Stat fact: Last season Giuseppi Rossi became the first Fiorentina player since 1941 to score a hat-trick against Juventus.
 

 

Fiorentina (probable): Neto; Savic, Go. Rodrigues, Basanta; Joaquin, Mati Fernandez, Pizarro, Borja Valero, Alonso; Cuadrado, M. Gomez

Suspended: None

Juventus (probable): Buffon; Padoin, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Pereyra, Pirlo, Pogba; Vidal; Tevez, Llorente

Suspended: Lichtsteiner

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS

-

Friday, December 5th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Artemio Franchi stadium, Florence
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Joaquin: 'Fiorentina-Juve special'

Dec 5, 2014

Joaquin starts for Fiorentina against Juventus tonight and admits “it’s a different game in Florence.”

“It’s an important match and we will do everything we can to win it,” Joaquin told the official Fiorentina website.

“Do I like the 3-5-2 system? I like to help the team.”

Last term the Viola fought back to win this fixture 4-2, a new chapter in the decades-long grudge match between these teams.

“It’ll be difficult to repeat that game, but we will try. I remember my goal and the marvellous team performance.

“Do we feel the pressure? It’s a different game in Florence. We will step on to the field fully concentrated.”

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS

-

Friday, December 5th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Artemio Franchi stadium, Florence
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Pirlo: 'Fiorentina-Juve means a lot'

Dec 5, 2014

Andrea Pirlo confirmed Fiorentina-Juventus “is an important game that both sets of fans really care about.”

“We know it is an important game that both sets of fans really care about, but it’s a football match and must be seen as entertainment,” Pirlo told Sky Sport Italia.

Last season Pirlo’s free kick knocked Fiorentina out of the Europa League, while in Serie A the Bianconeri fumbled a 2-0 lead to lose 4-2.

“What’s been is been, there are three points up for grabs and we must put in a great performance to get the victory.”

Carlos Tevez is rested ahead of Tuesday’s crunch Champions League tie with Atletico Madrid, so Kingsley Coman and Fernando Llorente start together for the first time.

However, Pirlo would not be drawn on the upcoming continental showdown.

“This is the game, then there will be time to think about the others.”

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS

-

Friday, December 5th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Artemio Franchi stadium, Florence
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Line-ups: Fiorentina-Juventus

Dec 5, 2014

Fiorentina and Juventus face off in one of Italian football’s biggest grudge matches, but it’s a return to the 3-5-2 for both teams.

It kicks off at 20.45 CET.

Last season this was an absolute thriller with the hosts fighting back from 2-0 down for a famous 4-2 victory.

The Bianconeri are seemingly unstoppable since moving to a four-man defence, winning all six of their competitive games in November, although they had a huge scare in the Turin Derby last week.

The boot Andrea Pirlo used to score the winner against Torino in the last seconds of the match has been placed into the Juventus Museum, so that should tell you what it meant to Max Allegri’s side.

Stephan Lichtsteiner was sent off in that fiery game and is therefore suspended, joining the injured Andrea Barzagli, Martin Caceres, Kwadwo Asamoah, Romulo and Luca Marrone on the sidelines.

With a lack of alternatives and Fiorentina tending to favour three at the back, Allegri returns to a 3-5-2 formation at the Stadio Franchi.

Roberto Pereyra and Patrice Evra turn wing-backs with Kingsley Coman the surprise starter alongside Fernando Llorente.

This provides a clue that Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata will start in the huge Champions League game with Atletico Madrid coming up on Tuesday.

Ex-PSG prodigy Coman is seeking his debut Serie A goal and Gigi Buffon returns after missing the Turin Derby with a shoulder injury.

Fiorentina striker Mario Gomez finally broke his eight-month goal drought last week in a 4-0 demolition job on Zdenek Zeman’s Cagliari.

That means the Viola have put together three consecutive victories between Serie A and the Europa League for the first time this season.

Vincenzo Montella is still without Manuel Pasqual, Giuseppe Rossi and Federico Bernardeschi, but prides himself on the team’s adaptability, as even the same players can reshuffle to change tactic on the field.

Unlike Juventus, Fiorentina have already qualified top of their Europa League group and can pour all their attention into this grudge match.

It looks to be a three-man defence with Mati Fernandez picked in midfield after his brace against Cagliari.

Joaquin and Marcos Alonso become wing-backs with Juan Guillermo Cuadrado advanced to a support striker role behind Gomez.

The likes of Marko Marin, Khouma Babacar and Juan Manuel Vargas are ready to come on and cause trouble in the second half.


Fiorentina: Neto; Gonzalo Rodriguez, Savic, Basanta; Joaquin, Mati Fernandez, Pizarro, Borja Valero, Alonso; Gomez, Cuadrado

Fiorentina bench: Tatarusanu, Hegazi, Richards, Tomovic, Badelj, Aquilani, Lazzari, Kurtic, Vargas, Marin, Ilicic, Babacar


Juventus: Buffon; Ogbonna, Bonucci, Chiellini; Pereyra, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Evra; Llorente, Coman

Juventus bench: Storari, Rubinho, Padoin, Mattiello, Marchisio, Pepe, Tevez, Giovinco, Morata

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS

-

Friday, December 5th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Artemio Franchi stadium, Florence
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

HT 0-0: Fiery Fiorentina-Juventus

Dec 5, 2014

There are already four yellow cards and penalty appeals in the first half of a tense Fiorentina-Juventus.

This has been a bitter grudge match for decades, intensified last season by an Andrea Pirlo free kick knocking the Viola out of the Europa League and Juve fumbling a 2-0 lead to lose 4-2. The hero of that day, Giuseppe Rossi, was in the stands with Fiorentina legend Kurt Hamrin. Also out injured were Manuel Pasqual and Federico Bernardeschi.

Max Allegri returned to the 3-5-2 system and rotated his squad ahead of a crunch Champions League tie with Atletico Madrid. Gigi Buffon returned from a shoulder injury, but Andrea Barzagli, Martin Caceres, Kwadwo Asamoah, Romulo, Luca Marrone and suspended Stephan Lichtsteiner missed out. Kingsley Coman had only his second Serie A start, his first alongside Fernando Llorente.

Paul Pogba rode three challenges only to fire over when slipping in the opening minutes and Mario Gomez delayed his run on a very promising counter-attack. Llorente got his head to a corner, but Gomez was back for a clearance practically on the line.

The hosts wanted a penalty for a slight Giorgio Chiellini shirt tug on Gomez, while Juan Guillermo Cuadrado saw his strike deflected for a corner off Leonardo Bonucci.

David Pizarro was booked for taking down Coman on the counter, Mati Fernandez’s free kick was wide and Angelo Ogbonna carded for hauling back Cuadrado as Fiorentina started to take control.

Chiellini blatantly hauled back Borja Valero to stop a counter and was also booked, so he will be suspended against Sampdoria. Cuadrado was the fourth player of the first half to fall foul of the referee and therefore sits out next week’s trip to Cesena.

Borja Valero and Arturo Vidal turned off target after corners were knocked down, but the game was increasingly tetchy with repeated fouls and discussions at every free kick.


Fiorentina 0-0 Juventus (Half-Time)

Fiorentina: Neto; Gonzalo Rodriguez, Savic, Basanta; Joaquin, Mati Fernandez, Pizarro, Borja Valero, Alonso; Gomez, Cuadrado

Juventus: Buffon; Ogbonna, Bonucci, Chiellini; Pereyra, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Evra; Llorente, Coman

Ref: Rizzoli

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

[Socrates 8516]

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS
 
0 - 0

 

Friday, December 5th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Artemio Franchi stadium, Florence
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Fiorentina 0-0 Juventus: Montella's
men end champions' winning streak

The home side matched their opponents throughout the 90 minutes and were able
to hold them to a goalless draw, bringing their run of four straight wins to a halt.

Dec 5, 2014

Juventus dropped points for just the third time in the league this season, as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Fiorentina on Friday night.

Massimiliano Allegri's men dictated play for much of the match on Friday, but failed to make the most of their superiority and subsequently handed second-placed Roma a boost in their battle to catch the champions.

The Juve coach seemingly had one eye on Tuesday's crucial Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid as he rested Carlos Tevez in favour of Kingsley Coman.

And the visitors seemed to miss the Argentinian's work rate and harrying in the final third, while clear-cut chances were few and far between.

Allegri eventually introduced Tevez from the bench with 30 minutes to go, but Fiorentina afforded the former Manchester City star little room for manoeuvre, generally nullifying his threat.

Vincenzo Montella's side were forced to withstand considerable pressure during the final stages, but held firm and claimed a commendable draw, meaning Roma can close to within one point of Juve with a win over Sassuolo on Saturday.

Juventus were greeted with a hostile atmosphere upon their emergence from the tunnel in the Artemio Franchi, with Fiorentina urged on from the start by their noisy support.

But Juventus appeared utterly unfazed as they put the hosts under pressure during the early exchanges, with Paul Pogba firing just over from the edge of the area in the third minute.

Fernando Llorente followed suit just three minutes later, as he turned away from David Pizarro and struck an effort agonisingly over the crossbar from 25 yards.

Fiorentina did begin to tighten up at the back, however, and after settling into the contest the hosts almost went ahead in the 32nd minute, as Matias Fernandez saw his curling free-kick find the side-netting.

Borja Valero and Arturo Vidal both missed the target with speculative half-volleys for their respective sides in the final seven minutes of the first half.

The away side began the second half much like they did the first, taking just three minutes to craft the first opportunity, as Neto palmed away a Patrice Evra effort after Pogba's clever pass.

Juve looked more likely to break the deadlock, although Gianluigi Buffon found himself called into action with 66 minutes gone, parrying Juan Cuadrado's stinging drive from 25 yards.

Allegri's side poured men forward in the final 20 minutes, with Tevez's introduction appearing to galvanise the champions.

But the Argentine's initial influence quickly wore off, as both sides cancelled each other out and ultimately settled for a point after an unremarkable match.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS
 
0 - 0

 

Friday, December 5th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Artemio Franchi stadium, Florence
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Juventus held by fiery Fiorentina

There were ultimately more cards than clear scoring opportunities
as Juventus were held to a tense 0-0 draw by rivals Fiorentina.

Dec 5, 2014

This has been a bitter grudge match for decades, intensified last season by an Andrea Pirlo free kick knocking the Viola out of the Europa League and Juve fumbling a 2-0 lead to lose 4-2. The hero of that day, Giuseppe Rossi, was in the stands with Fiorentina legend Kurt Hamrin. Also out injured were Manuel Pasqual and Federico Bernardeschi.

Max Allegri returned to the 3-5-2 system and rotated his squad ahead of a crunch Champions League tie with Atletico Madrid. Gigi Buffon returned from a shoulder injury, but Andrea Barzagli, Martin Caceres, Kwadwo Asamoah, Romulo, Luca Marrone and suspended Stephan Lichtsteiner missed out. Kingsley Coman had only his second Serie A start, his first alongside Fernando Llorente.

Llorente got his head to a corner, but Gomez was back for a clearance practically on the line. The hosts wanted a penalty for a slight Giorgio Chiellini shirt tug on Mario Gomez, while Juan Guillermo Cuadrado saw his strike deflected for a corner off Leonardo Bonucci.

It was a predictably tetchy affair between these two arch rivals with four bookings in the first half for David Pizarro, Angelo Ogbonna, Chiellini and Cuadrado. That means Chiellini and Cuadrado will be suspended for next week’s games against Sampdoria and Cesena.

Straight after the restart, Juve got their first shot on target, as Patrice Evra stung Norberto Neto’s gloves during a fast-paced team move with Coman and Paul Pogba.

Gonzalo Rodriguez performed a decisive tackle as Pogba was waltzing into the box and the Frenchman was the fifth player in the book for taking down Pizarro.

The game was still stuck on 0-0, so Carlos Tevez was thrown on for Coman and Bonucci tested Neto, as the visitors became more aggressive. However, Bonucci needed a perfectly-timed challenge on Gomez when sent clear by Mati Fernandez. On the resulting corner, Cuadrado’s screamer was punched away by Buffon.

Khouma Babacar’s effort was deflected wide off Chiellini, but Cuadrado bruised his hip during a mid-air collision with Claudio Marchisio and hobbled off. Deep into stoppages Juve also had penalty appeals, as Pogba's flick struck Pizarro on the hand, but it was from close range.


Fiorentina: Neto; Gonzalo Rodriguez, Savic, Basanta; Joaquin (Aquilani 78), Mati Fernandez, Pizarro, Borja Valero, Alonso; Gomez (Babacar 69), Cuadrado (Kurtic 85)

Juventus: Buffon; Ogbonna, Bonucci, Chiellini; Pereyra (Padoin 88), Vidal, Pirlo (Marchisio 78), Pogba, Evra; Llorente, Coman (Tevez 60)

Ref: Rizzoli

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS
 
0 - 0

 

Friday, December 5th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Artemio Franchi stadium, Florence
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Fiorentina 0-0 Juventus: Drab Affair
At The Franchi Ends In Goaless Draw

Dec 5, 2014

Fiorentina held Juventus to a 0-0 draw at the Stadio Artemio Franchi on Friday evening in Serie A.

A fixture steeped in history was full of endeavour but lacked any real quality deserving of an overall winner in a game that had few emotions.

A keenly contested first half started in eventful fashion as the home side won an early free kick after only 30 seconds, but a scuffed shot by Juan Cuadrado was easily cleared by the Juve defenders. The away side went close themselves and after five minutes both Paul Pogba and Fernando Llorente had hit chances high over Neto’s crossbar.

The Bianconeri tried to press home their superiority and Leonardo Bonucci’s headed effort from a corner was cleared as it angled its way towards goal. The Viola were limited to counter attacks as Massimiliano Allegri’s side controlled the early part of the half.

However, on 18 minutes, Vincenzo Montella’s men claimed a penalty after Giorgio Chiellini appeared to first pull down Gomez and then block the ball with his arm, but referee Nicola Rizzoli allowed play to continue. Fiorentina began to claw themselves back into the match, with Cuadrado and David Pizarro both hitting long range shots though failed to test Gianluigi Buffon,

Angelo Ogbonna picked up a yellow card for hauling down the lively Cuadrado as Fiorentina turned the match on its head and dominated the last 20 minutes. A nervy Juventus back-line struggled to contain the Viola’s quick passing and Chiellini was next into the referee’s notebook, as he halted Borja Valero’s run towards the Juve area. The Spaniard then went close moments later, spinning into a volley that flew over Buffon’s bar.

The half ended with a series of petty fouls which risked tainting what had been a very equally balanced first 45 minutes.

The second period started in identical fashion to the first, with the away side having much of the initial possession. A Coman shot warmed Neto’s palms early on and the Bianconeri threatened to take control. But Fiorentina weathered the early storm and both sides became uncharacteristically stretched, with the ball moving from end to end as if a cup tie.

Allegri was the first to blink, bringing on Carlos Tevez after 60 minutes for Coman but the change had little impact on what was fast becoming a scrappy affair. A Cuadrado long range blockbuster helped stir the crowd, but Buffon proved equal to the effort, steering it out for a corner.

A disappointing Gomez was replaced by Khouma Babacar, as Montella attempted to freshen his options in attack but the match became littered with poor passes and wayward shots from both sets of players. A worrying knock to Cuadrado saw Jasmin Kurtic replace the Colombian with five minutes left on the clock. After four minutes of added on time, Rizzoli brought the dour half to a close, with a draw being the fairest possible result.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS
 
0 - 0

 

Friday, December 5th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Artemio Franchi stadium, Florence
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Juventus held by Fiorentina
in listless draw

Dec 5, 2014

Juventus saw their six-game winning run come to an end as they played out a goalless bore draw with Fiorentina.

Four of those wins had come in Serie A for the league leaders but they never looked like extending that sequence with chances few and far between at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.

Juan Cuadrado looked the most likely player to break the deadlock for the home side but it was not to be as Fiorentina made it five games unbeaten.

Fiorentina made the livelier start, with Cuadrado seeing an effort blocked after a smart set-piece, but it was Juventus who had the best chance of the first half moments later.

The Frenchman cut in from the left and fought off the challenge of two defenders before firing a shot from the edge of the box that went just over the bar.

The home side, who were having the better of the possession but failing to do much with it, had a penalty appeal turned down when Matias Fernandez whipped in a free-kick and it looked to hit the arm of Fernando Llorente but the referee waved play on.

Moments later the lively Cuadrado was at it again as he advanced towards the box and unleashed a shot but it took a huge deflection off Leonardo Bonucci and went behind for a corner.

A flurry of bookings for niggly fouls followed as the game threatened to boil over, with both sides clearly frustrated.

Another Fernandez free-kick handed Borja Valero a chance to score as Gonzalo Rodriguez did well to keep the set-piece in play with an overhead kick, but the midfielder could not find the target.

Juventus had the better of the opening stages of the second half but chances were still at a premium with Patrice Evra and Bonucci the only men to test Neto before the hour mark.

Andrea Pirlo then saw a shot blocked away but it was Cuadrado who looked the most likely to break the deadlock and he brought a smart save from Gianluigi Buffon with a powerful shot from the edge of the area.

The Colombian went off with a knock five minutes from the end and both sides seemed content with a point as the game drew to a close.

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

[Socrates 8516]

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS
 
0 - 0

 

Friday, December 5th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Artemio Franchi stadium, Florence
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Bonucci: 'A step backwards'

Dec 5, 2014

Leonardo Bonucci confessed the 0-0 at Fiorentina was “a step backwards” for Juventus, but they will go for victory against Atletico Madrid.

“We certainly made a step backwards in terms of chances, as we had created so much in previous games and were a little less precise in the final ball,” the defender told Sky Sport Italia.

“I think Fiorentina played their best game of the season. We can’t win them all, but we showed that we are a solid side who held out against a strong Fiorentina and picked up a point. It also means that no matter what Roma do tomorrow, we will still be top of the table.

“Of course I’d love to win them all, but we have to take the opposition into account. Fiorentina did well and the draw was the right result.”

The Bianconeri had won all six competitive matches in November playing with four at the back, but returned to 3-5-2 this evening and were held to a draw.

“I am happy in any system and try to put myself to the service of the team. Obviously with three I can read the situations better, but I have shown over the years I can do well with four too.”

Juventus now go into a decisive Champions League showdown with Atletico Madrid in Turin on Tuesday.

While a point would be enough to secure qualification, Juve can still top the group with a win.

“We must step on to the field with only one objective. We are not a team built to contain, but to attack,” concluded Bonucci.

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

[Socrates 8516]

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS
 
0 - 0

 

Friday, December 5th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Artemio Franchi stadium, Florence
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Allegri Laments Missed Opportunities
Against Fiorentina

Dec 5, 2014

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri was disappointed his side failed to make the most of the opportunities they created in their 0–0 draw with Fiorentina on Friday night.

The coach felt his team could have done better, especially in the first half, but was happy with the way his strikers performed.

“We had some chances that we should have done better with, two in the first half and one in the second,” Allegri explained to Sky Sport Italia.

“Kingsley Coman played well and Llorente also worked hard. It wasn’t easy for them with both sides playing with similar formations and they often found themselves one-on-one.

“Technically we made too many mistakes which isn’t like us.”

On his decision to play Llorente and not Alvaro Morata, the coach said: “I picked Llorente because of his physical traits and he is always a point of reference for us.”

The Bianconeri next face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS
 
0 - 0

 

Friday, December 5th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Artemio Franchi stadium, Florence
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Allegri explains Juve switch

Dec 5, 2014

Massimiliano Allegri explained his change of tactics as Juventus were held 0-0 by Fiorentina.

After winning all six competitive games in November, Allegri shelved the four-man defence for a return to the 3-5-2. It resulted in their first Serie A goalless stalemate since November 2012, a run of 76 games with at least a goal.

“With Lichtsteiner out and Padoin tending to do better at left-back, I tried to provide more protection against Cuadrado’s pace and then switch back in the second half,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.

“Chiellini and Ogbonna were booked, so I tried to maintain the system to the end. Fiorentina contrasted us well and we had three chances that we should’ve taken better, as in these tight games the final ball should not be misplaced.

“In the first half we were caught out on the break from a Vidal misplaced pass, which is unusual, as we made more mistakes than usual tonight.”

Kingsley Coman had his second Serie A start, the first alongside Fernando Llorente.

“Coman had a good game and is particularly dangerous on the one-on-one. Llorente worked well, it was not easy and we didn’t develop our football as well, but when both teams mirror each other in tactics it inevitably comes down to individual duels.

“I chose Llorente because in physical terms he holds the ball up well and did that a lot in the first half. Coman attacks the space, so having two players doing that was risky and could’ve left us without reference points in attack.

“I could’ve introduced Morata for Pereyra, but I had two centre-backs booked and it was too much of a risk.”

Juventus also rotated ahead of Tuesday’s decisive Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid.

“We have excellent sensations. It’s an important match, we must try to win with two clear goals, as our objective is to qualify and hopefully even top the group.”

A draw would be enough to send the Bianconeri through to the knockouts.

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

[Socrates 8516]

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS
 
0 - 0

 

Friday, December 5th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Artemio Franchi stadium, Florence
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Montella: 'We knew Juve secrets'

Dec 5, 2014

Vincenzo Montella thanked reporters for giving away Juventus secrets ahead of Fiorentina’s 0-0 draw. “You can’t hide anything!”

The Bianconeri have been playing with four at the back regularly for a month now, but switched back to 3-5-2 at the Stadio Franchi.

“You can’t hide anything nowadays and I’ve noticed that as soon as you test something out in training, it emerges. I had half a thought it might’ve been a trick, but fortunately the reports were right!” Montella told Sky Sport Italia.

“Both teams lacked that final move. I think the statistics show we were equal in everything and that’s a positive confidence booster for us, as we technically and tactically were on a par with Juventus.

“Towards the end Juve began to impose their physicality on the game, but we held out well. They are certainly a stronger team, so we had to give something more to match them. In mentality we did that, but in midfield we were getting over-run as time went on, so I introduced another midfielder.

“Our characteristics mean we have to press opponents high up the field, as we are not suited to sitting deep and counter-attacking.”

There were few scoring opportunities and Mario Gomez again seemed far off the pace, but Montella stood up for his players.

“Joaquin’s quality is extraordinary and recently he has been proving to me he has the same enthusiasm and motivation as when he was a kid. This is a player who could’ve done so much more in his career and I thought he had a great performance again tonight.

“Gomez worked very hard to help out in defence too, as when playing a stronger opponent you must ask sacrifice from your forwards and that inevitably takes something away from you in attack.

“I didn’t feel it right to introduce Marin at the end, as this was a very intense game and I don’t think he has settled in enough yet to understand the atmosphere around this fixture.”

Juan Guillermo Cuadrado hobbled off towards the end with a bruised hip.

“Cuadrado had a knock, I don’t know if it hit the buttock muscle or hip, so we’ll see tomorrow what the medics say.”

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

[Socrates 8516]

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS
 
0 - 0

 

Friday, December 5th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Artemio Franchi stadium, Florence
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Fiorentina vs. Juventus: Score, Grades
and Reaction from Serie A Game

Dec 5, 2014

Serie A leaders Juventus played out a dour scoreless draw at Fiorentina on Friday evening at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.

The result gives the Bianconeri a provisional four-point lead atop the Italian league table. Second-placed AS Roma can pull within one point of Juve with a victory at home to Sassuolo on Saturday.

Juventus, who had won their last six matches in all competitions, will now turn their attention to the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, when Atletico Madrid visit for a key Group A showdown.

Massimiliano Allegri's side will need at least a point against last season's beaten finalists to be certain of qualification to the knockout stages. Juve, who are currently second in the group, can take top spot with a victory over Atletico by two or more goals, per UEFA.com.

Up next in Serie A, Juventus will host Sampdoria next Sunday. Fiorentina, who remained 15 points behind Juventus with Friday's draw, will play at Cesena the same day.

When Juventus visited Fiorentina last season, the Bianconeri took a 2-0 lead in the second half only to lose 4-2. No such fireworks were in store this time, as the two sides canceled each other out for large stretches in a scrappy affair.

As tactics blogger Michael Cox hinted on Twitter, the match failed to produce much of interest:

Michael Cox @Zonal_Marking
The highlight of Fiorentina 0-0 Juventus has been Leo Bonucci chesting the ball fully 25 yards

The match started with both teams playing at a high pace, but as the first half wore on, the teams combined for more fouls than clear chances.

Juventus' Fernando Llorente headed on target from an Andrea Pirlo corner in the 14th minute, but Fiorentina's Mario Gomez cleared.

In the 31st minute, Fiorentina's Matias Fernandez curled a free-kick comfortably wide of Gianluigi Buffon's near post. Eight minutes later, Borja Valero volleyed over the Juve goal after the visitors were unable to clear a free-kick.

After the half-time break, Paul Pogba led a Juventus counter in the 49th minute, laying off for Patrice Evra on the left. Evra placed his shot on target in the top corner, but Neto saved to keep the score level.

Leonardo Bonucci tested Neto from distance in the 63rd minute, with the Fiorentina goalkeeper doing well to hold Bonucci's powerful shot. Buffon then made a good save five minutes later, parrying Juan Cuadrado's stinging, long-range effort.

Fiorentina substitute Khouma Babacar hit a deflected shot off target in the 79th minute, as both teams continued to struggle in their efforts to create clear chances.

Each side made a late substitution, but neither could find a way to breach the other's net over a largely uneventful final 10 minutes.


Grades

Fiorentina 

Neto 6.9
Gonzalo Rodriguez 8.2
Jose Basanta 7.0
Stefan Savic 6.8
David Pizarro 7.1
Joaquin 7.4
Matias Fernandez 6.8
Borja Valero 6.9
Marcos Alonso 7.1
Juan Guillermo Cuadrado 6.6
Mario Gomez 6.6

Substitutes 

Khouma Babacar (for Gomez, 68') 6.0
Alberto Aquilani (for Joaquin, 78') 5.9
Jasmin Kurtic (for Cuadrado, 85') 6.1


Juventus 

Gianluigi Buffon 6.4
Giorgio Chiellini 7.3
Leonardo Bonucci 7.9
Angelo Ogbonna 6.6
Patrice Evra 6.6
Andrea Pirlo 7.0
Roberto Pereyra 6.1
Arturo Vidal 6.8
Paul Pogba 7.2
Fernando Llorente 6.1
Kingsley Coman 6.7

Substitutes

Carlos Tevez (for Coman, 60') 6.0
Claudio Marchisio (for Pirlo, 78') 6.1
Simone Padoin (for Pereyra, 88) 6.0


Reaction

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@bonucci_leo19: "The draw was fair. Fiorentina put in one of their best displays of the season but we showed ourselves to be a solid side."

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: “We didn’t have many chances but created a couple of situations in the first half. We need to improve our final ball."

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "You’re not going to get many chances in even games like these. When you do, you need to take them.”

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@bonucci_leo19: "#UCL? We need to go out with just one aim: victory. We’re not built to sit back & contain our opponents. We want to win.”

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS
 
0 - 0

 

Friday, December 5th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Artemio Franchi stadium, Florence
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Player Ratings: Fiorentina 0-0 Juventus

Dec 5, 2014

Juventus dropped points for just the third time in Serie A this season after being held to a 0-0 draw with Fiorentina at the Stadio Artemio Franchi on Friday night.

Massimiliano Allegri seemingly had one eye on Tuesday’s crucial Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid as he rested Carlos Tevez.

Juve are the opponent against which the Viola have suffered the most defeats and conceded the most goals against with 244 in the top-flight, but the Florentines held firm to claim a commendable draw.

 

Fiorentina

Neto – 5.5 – Commodity - Reportedly offered improved terms on a new contract to convince him to stay in Florence, but the former Atletico Paranaense goalkeeper can still improve his distribution after some wayward kicking.

Stefan Savic – 6.5 – Assured - Montenegro international has been linked with a January move to Juventus, and aside from a moment of hesitation at a high ball was assured throughout.

Gonzalo Rodriguez – 6.5 – Resolute - The 30-year-old central defender was solid and covered well for Savic after misjudging bouncing ball.

Jose Maria Basanta – 6.5 – Composed - The Argentine international was comfortable when in possession and stopped Juventus runners from midfield inside the box on left side of back three.

Joaquin – 6 – Determined - Recently praised by Montella for “proving his worth” after being frozen out at the start of the season, the right wing back worked hard defensively.

Matias Fernandez – 6.5 – Lucid - The 2006 South American player of the year was integral to most Fiorentina attacks and was normally excellent with his right-footed delivery from set pieces and crosses.

David Pizarro – 6 – Destroyer - 35-year-old Chilean made a decisive defensive contribution breaking up opposition attacks.

Borja Valero – 6 – Industrious - Fiorentina captain was customarily tidy when in possession and worked hard when out of possession.

Marcos Alonso – 6 – Positive - The 23-year-old left wing back was an attacking threat in the first half, but became increasingly important defensively after the break.

Juan Cuadrado – 6 – Dynamic - Reportedly the subject of a €35 million offer from Juventus during the summer, the Colombian looked to trouble the Juventus back three with his pace in a free role behind Gomez.

Mario Gomez – 5 – Frustrated - The striker “took a 200kg weight off his shoulders” scoring first Serie A goal in eight months last weekend against Cagliari, but has still return to full form on frustrating night.


Substitutes

Khouma Babacar (69 mins) – 6 – Enthusiastic - Pressed the Juventus back three well after replacing Gomez, but has yet to find the net in Serie A since his double in a 3-0 win against Udinese in Round 9.

Alberto Aquilani (79 mins) – 5.5 – Supportive - Substitute for Joaquin as Fiorentina looked to settle for a point.

Jasmin Kurtic (85 mins) – N/A


 

Juventus

Gianluigi Buffon – 6 – Alert - The Tuscan-born goalkeeper made an instinctive save pushing away a Cuadrado effort from distance, but had little to do on his return from a shoulder injury.

Angelo Ogbonna – 5.5 – Tested - Struggled to deal with the pace of Cuadrado on his first start since away win at Empoli on 1 November, and was shown a yellow card for pulling down the Colombian during the first half.

Leonardo Bonucci – 7 – Poised - Composed at the centre of back three showing a great sense of passing and positioning. The 27-year-old has not missed a minute of action for the Bianconeri this season.

Giorgio Chiellini – 6 – Combative - The former Fiorentina defender was quick to argue with the opposition and referee Nicola Rizzoli. Will be suspended for Juve’s next Serie A match against Sampdoria after shown yellow card in first half for pulling back Valero.

Roberto Pereyra – 5 – Tentative - The 23-year-old was less influential than in previous games with system switch and often looked to come in to central positions from right wing back position.

Arturo Vidal – 5.5 – Vehement - The Chilean was forceful and intense closing down opposition throughout the hard fought encounter.

Andrea Pirlo – 5.5 – Subdued - The 35-year-old was caught in possession on a couple of occasions and was also unable to repeat his last-minute Derby della Mole heroics after being substituted for Marchisio.

Paul Pogba – 6 – Prodigy - Emphasised his FIFA FIFPro World XI nomination pirouetting his way through the midfield, but became increasingly frustrated throughout the second half.

Patrice Evra – 5 – Improved - Struggled one on one against Joaquin on occasion in the first half, but improved after the interval notably testing Neto after combining well with Coman and Pogba on surge forward from left wing back.

Fernando Llorente – 5 – Limited - Criticised after a number of ineffective performances so far this season, but did link well with teammates.

Kingsley Coman – 6 – Ascendant - The 18-year-old showed impressive strength holding the hold up with his back to goal and linked well with Pogba on his first start since the opening game of the season against Chievo.


Substitutes

Carlos Tevez (61 mins) – 5 – Talismanic - Introduced for Coman with half an hour remaining, but did not have any opportunity to add to his 9 goals or 5 assists in Serie A this season.

Claudio Marchisio (79 mins) – 5 – Reliable - Substitute for Pirlo as Juventus pushed for a fifth successive win.

Simone Padoin (88 mins) – N/A

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS
 
0 - 0

 

Friday, December 5th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Artemio Franchi stadium, Florence
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Player Ratings

Dec 5, 2014
 

Fiorentina

1 Neto - Did not have much to do at all.

2 G. Rodríguez - Locked down the left side of defence and was generally a wall at the back.

15 S. Savić - One moment of hesitation on a high ball aside, he did not put a foot wrong.

19 J. Basanta - Pulled off a few great tackles to stop Juve's runners from advancing into the box.

17 Joaquín - Did not have much to offer his side in the final third, but put in a good defensive shift.

14 M. Fernández - A few decent deliveries from set pieces and open play, but he found it hard to create chances.

7 D. Pizarro - Battled hard in the middle but could not create many chances. However, he broke up several attacks.

20 Borja Valero - Some hard work in the middle to close down the opposition, and his passing was decent.

28 Marcos Alonso - Occasionally provided an outlet on the overlap but his task was primarily defensive.

11 J. Cuadrado - One or two decent runs, and he tested Buffon, which has to count for something in a game such as this.

33 M. Gómez - His movement off the ball was decidedly below-par and he departed having never got into the game.


Substitutes

10 A. Aquilani - Added another determined body in the middle.

30 K. Babacar - Cracked an effort just over the top in a decent cameo.


 

Juventus

1 G. Buffon - Beat away a Cuadrado effort in one of his only meaningful moments of the game.

5 A. Ogbonna - Went about his business at the back with quiet authority.

19 Leonardo Bonucci - His passing out of the back was sound, and he did not allow Fiorentina any gaps down his side.

3 G. Chiellini - A few good challenges, but he was caught out of position once or twice.

37 R. Pereyra - Really offered his side nothing out wide.

23 A. Vidal - Ran his socks off as usual, but was unable to make a mark on the contest.

21 A. Pirlo - Mostly forced to cover defensively, never his strong suit.

6 P. Pogba - Strode forward on a few menacing runs, but he lacked the composure to finish what he started.

33 P. Evra - His lapses in concentration led to a few free kicks conceded down his side.

11 K. Coman - His endeavour in attack was in stark contrast to most of his teammates, but he too failed to make a difference.

14 Llorente - One or two knock downs aside, he had a frustrating game.


Substitutes

8 C. Marchisio - At least tried to take the game to the opposition.

10 C. Tévez - Held the ball up well and gave the defenders a lot to think about.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS
 
0 - 0

 

Friday, December 5th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Artemio Franchi stadium, Florence
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Fiorentina vs. Juventus: Bianconeri Distracted
as Champions League Fate Looms

Dec 5, 2014
 
Fiorentina hosted Juventus on Friday evening, the latest instalment in one of Serie A’s most deeply felt rivalries. The bitterness between the two sides was discussed at length here in the match preview—a tense 90 minutes at the Stadio Artemio Franchi was in the offing.

The two sides shared five yellow cards and stats from WhoScored show no fewer than 28 fouls called by the referee. Neither side really created a clear-cut chance to win the game, playing out a dull encounter with very few of the notable moments which have so often punctuated their meetings through the years.

Leonardo Bonucci was arguably the man of the match, the defender putting in a fine performance at the heart of the Bianconeri back line. The 27-year-old marshalled Mario Gomez superbly, denying the German striker a chance to repeat his goal from the Europa League last-16 tie from last term.

Who Scored shows that the Juventus stopper made a game-high nine clearances, adding four interceptions and three blocked shots in a gritty display. His 88 touches were more than any player on either team—as were his 66 completed passes—testament to the quality Bonucci possesses on the ball.

It was notable that he connected more times than Andrea Pirlo, who just last weekend turned in a master- class performance against Torino. Aside from his match-winning goal, the midfield genius was clearly the best player in the derby, a matter discussed at length here.

Against Fiorentina, however, Pirlo looked distracted, and his team-mates appeared to echo that feeling. Paul Pogba played worse than he has in some time, while Arturo Vidal and Roberto Pereyra lacked the focus that has highlighted Juve’s recent matches.

With Carlos Tevez and Claudio Marchisio rested—plus Stephan Lichtsteiner absent through suspension—the Bianconeri failed to shine as they have in recent weeks. “We certainly made a step backwards in terms of chances, as we had created so much in previous games” Bonucci told Sky Italia shortly after the final whistle (h/t Football Italia).

It is difficult to argue with that assessment, the stalemate marking only the second league game this season in which they have not scored. Indeed, netting 12 times in their last three matches alone, Juventus had enjoyed a fine period of form before Friday’s trip to Florence.

That is understandable, however, as Tuesday sees a fixture which could ultimately determine how their 2014-15 season is viewed. Atletico Madrid travel to Turin already qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League, but La Madama still requires a point from the final Group A match up.

Failure to secure it would see the grand Old Lady of Italian football crash out at the first hurdle for the second consecutive season, an unthinkable conclusion to a promise-laden campaign. Massimiliano Allegri knows his future could depend on securing passage to the knockout stages, and as such it requires an excellent performance.

The spotlight will be firmly upon them and that makes their uninspired display against La Viola much more acceptable. With a three-point lead over closest rivals Roma, even the most ardent Juventus supporter would allow such a dour display if it leads to a positive result in Europe next week.

“We must step on to the field with only one objective,” Bonucci concluded when asked about the meeting with Atleti. “We are not a team built to contain, but to attack,” and they will need to return to the sparkling side which so dominated in recent weeks.

Allegri kept Alvaro Morata in reserve against Fiorentina, and the Spanish striker’s pace and directness could be vital against Diego Simeone’s men. Juventus will need their stars at their best—the likes of Tevez, Pogba and Pirlo will be expected to deliver when it is most needed.

Their fate remains in their own hands and it was clearly the only thing on their minds on Friday night.

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

[Socrates 8516]

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS
 
0 - 0

 

Friday, December 5th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Artemio Franchi stadium, Florence
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Juventus 0 - Fiorentina 0: Initial
reaction and random observations

Dec 6, 2014
 
When you have more yellow cards handed out than combined shots on goal, then you know it's either one heck of a physical game or something that is just kinda ugly. That was the case as Juventus and Fiorentina played out a 0-0 draw at the Stadio Artemio Franchi on Friday night.

Say that Juventus were looking ahead to Atlético Madrid if you want. I wouldn't necessarily disagree with you there. Neither would Max Allegri, as he rested two of his most in-form players, Carlos Tévez and Claudio Marchisio. Partly because of it, Juventus looked like a team that was missing two of its better players. While the Fernando Llorente and Kingsley Coman partnership had some potential, it didn't create much against a stout Fiorentina defense.

And there were cards. And stupid fouls by Patrice Evra. And appeals for handballs by both teams.

It wasn't a very pretty good. Or even anything close to one, really.

What else can you say? It's not like a ton of stuff actually happened other than 28 combined fouls, five cards being issued and a lot of grumbling from the home crowd in Florence. It's not like teams were putting shots on goal...

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: “We didn’t have many chances but created a couple of situations in the first half. We need to improve our final ball."

Am I mad that Juventus couldn't get a win in one of the most difficult away fixtures they'll have to deal with in Serie A this season? Nah, more frustrated. But seeing as how the last trip to Firenze went and what is sitting there on Tuesday night at Juventus Stadium, I think I'm perfectly okay with a scoreless draw.


Random thoughts and observations]

Let's just get the 3-5-2 ranting portion of the program. I know Juventus came out with some high pressure when Fiorentina were on the ball in the first half, but that quickly dissipated. The pace was too slow, the scoring chances created were few and far between. And, against a Fiorentina said that pretty much ran the same kind of formation, the midfield was just way too packed to really do anything.

Again, injuries and players available — mainly Stephan Lichtsteiner's yellow card-related suspension — was Allegri's reasoning for going back to the three-man defense. I would be shocked if Allegri went back to it on Tuesday night against Atlético. Shocked, I tell you!

I am seriously surprised not one player was sent off the way the yellow cards were flying in the first half. It had all the makings of either Juventus or Fiorentina going a man down. It really did.

Leonardo Bonucci was my pick for Man of the Match and it wasn't even close. He was fantastic in defense Friday night. That tackle on Mario Gomez in the second half ... wow. Pretty, pretty stuff.

I know it was in a substitute role during a game that was pretty much dead in the second half, but was that the quietest we've seen Carlos Tévez this season? About 30 minutes on the field and we're able count how many accurate passes he had (eight) one two hands.

Patrice Evra isn't doing much to convince his detractors that he can be a viable fill-in at left back for Juventus these next few months. I'd say Evra's game was so-so at best, and maybe that's being a little too kind. There were a handful of bad fouls from the 33-year-old Frenchman that came in dangerous areas. Thankfully Fiorentina weren't able to take advantage of any of them.

#FreeAlvaroMorata

Kingsley Coman is fast. Really, really fast. And while his performance probably wasn't as good as his other appearances this season, but there were glimpses of his blistering pace and creativity. I hope he gets some more chances to do some things these next couple of weeks. Allegri playing him over somebody like Sebastian Giovinco has to be a sign that the Juventus manager has plenty of confidence in the 18-year-old Coman.

Simone Padoin not in the starting lineup, Juventus don't win. Are we surprised by this development?

Onto Atlético Madrid. Because that is the one that really does have a greater impact on Juventus' season.

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

[Socrates 8516]

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS
 
0 - 0

 

Friday, December 5th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Artemio Franchi stadium, Florence
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Juventus and Fiorentina take their
point in ugly goalless draw

Dec 6, 2014
 
When Fiorentina hosts Juventus, fireworks, pizzazz and a touch of elegance on the pitch are always expected. Instead, viewers for the latest edition were subjected to a stop-start game full of venomous fouls but little entertaining play culminating in 0-0 result. With both sides seemingly happy with the point, the game proved disappointing to those who sought thrills.

Injuries and suspensions forced Massimiliano Allegri to revert to a 3-5-2 formation and with it, all of Juve's previous weaknesses were once again exposed. For a side that has played such fluid attacking football for all of November in their new shape, this match was a return to a more muted performance going forward with little thrust. It all seemed rather pedestrian and awfully predictable.

To be fair to Allegri, he was forced to play without his favoured wing-backs while he opted to rest the likes of Carlos Tevez and Claudio Marchisio. Kingsley Coman was given a rare start alongside Fernando Llorente.

Fiorentina started the season poorly and by early November, after the defeat against Napoli, several were questioning whether Vincenzo Montella's cycle was over. Their usually beautiful style of play had made way to a more aggressive set-up that shunned possession in favor of more on direct and vertical play. Montella was seeking solutions to remedy his problems by attempting different strategies but the reality was that negative results and overly harsh criticisms had negatively impacted the team. The pressure to perform became too great.

Andrea della Valle and management stood by Montella and helped him to lighten the mood in the club, allowing the players to get back to enjoying the game. Since then, Fiorentina has achieved two away wins and seems to have restored much of their confidence, but the true test came against Juventus.

Set up in a 3-5-2 formation, Montella wanted his men to focus on their defensive discipline. A humble tactician who pointed out that his opponents were simply unbeatable, he proceeded to deploy a squad that remained compact, that closed down the space and only looked to create opportunities when possible. Defensively they were impeccable on the night as Juventus toiled to break down their walls and grab an inch of space to produce an inspired passage of play.

With what seemed to be a flat-footed Llorente leading the line, rarely affecting the game as required, only Coman's acceleration offered a little hope. However, the Bianconeri as a whole proved disappointing. They were back to forcing the issue, delivering imprecise passes and were seemingly out of ideas as to how score that elusive goal.

Ultimately, the first half was dedicated to watching the performance of the referee Nicola Rizzoli, who spent most of his time justifiably showing the players yellow cards for the various fouls committed. Football was not being played but the rivalry was being keenly felt.

In the second half, the Old Lady returned with renewed vigour and upped the tempo in hopes of piercing a tough back-line. Yet in the final third, they lacked the final ball while they were guilty of making more errors than usual. Andrea Pirlo consistently lost the ball, Arturo Vidal is no longer a man with perfect timing while even Paul Pogba was guilty of making wrong decisions.

Interestingly, this game perfectly demonstrated how much Juventus need their regular wing-backs, especially Stephan Lichtsteiner. Roberto Pereyra is a versatile player who can interpret various roles rather well, but he certainly cannot offer what the Swiss player can: stamina to run up and down and ensure he is always perfectly placed when Pirlo is on the ball and looking to spread play. The 3-5-2 formation simply fails if the wing-backs are not tactically capable of understanding their roles as this formation relies heavily on what they can offer in both phases of the game.

Many can be trained to act as a full-back in a four man back-line, but few are capable of breathing life into the role of a wing-back as well as Lichtsteiner does.

Allegri attempted to affect the game by introducing Tevez and Marchisio, but the tactical nature of the game, not to mention the spectacular defending, meant neither side could produce anything noteworthy. Gonzalo Rodriguez stole the show for the Viola while Leonardo Bonucci had a night to remember. Consistently on hand to make the vital blocks and tackles, he read the game beautifully and has truly developed into a defensive hero.

In essence, one point served both sides well. Juventus didn't expend the energy necessary to win to ensure they have enough in the tank for their last match against Atletico Madrid midweek. As for Fiorentina, one point will only help to raise their self-esteem further and give them the confidence required to push on and get back to playing the brand of football that has made them one of the better sides in Serie A.

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

[Socrates 8516]

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS
 
0 - 0

 

Friday, December 5th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Artemio Franchi stadium, Florence
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Buffon: 'Allegri extremely intelligent'

Dec 6, 2014
 
Gigi Buffon called Max Allegri an “extremely intelligent Coach” and trusts Juventus can reach the last eight in the Champions League.

The Bianconeri were held to a 0-0 draw by Fiorentina last night, having switched back to a 3-5-2 after a month of four at the back.

“In a League there are points you dropped, earned and ones that are right: this point was right, picked up in an away game that is always dangerous,” Buffon told Sky Sport Italia.

“Allegri had the humility to let himself be welcomed by the group and the patience to transform it. He allowed us to gradually believe in his ideas and his football. He proved himself to be an extremely intelligent Coach, one who belongs in the top echelon of tacticians.”

Juventus host Atletico Madrid on Tuesday and a draw would be enough to qualify, but a win by two clear goals and they’d go through top of the group.

“We mustn’t take a catastrophic view of the last few years in the Champions League,” insisted Buffon.

“The first season we went beyond the rosiest expectations, going out only to a Bayern Munich side that went on to win the trophy.

“Last year we got it wrong, without doubt, whereas after a tricky start this term we have this match point.

“We are worth at least a place in European football’s G8, but you need luck in the draw too.”

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

[Socrates 8516]

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS
 
0 - 0

 

Friday, December 5th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Artemio Franchi stadium, Florence
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Fiorentina 0-0 Juventus: Bianconeri
secure a point after plain display

Dec 6, 2014
 
Twenty — 20! — years and a day after that Alessandro Del Piero match-winning goal against Fiorentina, Juventus travelled to Florence for another encounter with the Viola team. And how they needed another fantastic moment like that one in today's game to seal the win ... it wasn't to be, though, as Bianconeri had to settle for a point after a rather bleak display.

At the end of the game, however, Max Allegri didn't seem overly disappointed with the result, his features presenting a relatively sincere smile as he made his way to the dressing rooms. A point is a point and it is better than nothing. Based on how Juventus approached the game, Allegri surely thought of this before the kick-off and you can't blame him for doing so. The team will inevitably drop points again in Serie A, but as long as Allegri knows his priorities - today seemed to be Atletico Madrid — things could come in place nicely for Juventus.

Giving the circumstances — Stephan Lichtsteiner suspended; Andrea Barzagli, Luca Marrone, Martin Caceres, Kwadwo Asamoah, Romulo, all out injured; and Atletico Madrid visiting Turin in four days — a point could be enough to keep the team going at the moment, considering there is still a 4-point gap ahead of Roma. Switching to 3-5-2 made it easier to defend at Stadio Artemio Franchi, but a whole lot more harder to produce anything when attacking. Slow, predictable, clueless. Kingsley Coman and, in the first half, Paul Pogba were the only players who produced some sparks, but it wasn't enough for a breakthrough.

Reassuring was the fantastic display of Leonardo Bonucci who bossed the defence with confidence. Angelo Ogbonna also made his comeback and looked in good form. With Carlos Tevez only playing 30 minutes and Alvaro Morata rested for the whole game, it looks easy to say who is starting upfront against Atletico Madrid in the fast-approaching decisive game, and this is another reason to feel better. The two of them have been the best strikers in the squad this season and having both working their magic on Tuesday night might just to the job.

 

MATCH SUMMARY

Plenty of intensity in the first half made up for the lack of goals. Tackles were flying in from both sides forcing Nicola Rizzoli to blow his whistle more often than he would have liked to. Juventus pressed high early on and created the first chance after two minutes when Pogba cut inside from the left, getting past Stefan Savic, and unleashed a shot over the bar.

Fifteen minutes into the game, Fiorentina had a dangerous counter attack after defending a corner-kick but Ogbonna and Chiellini managed to stop Juan Cuadrado before he could get close to Buffon's goal. The Colombian created some problems for Juventus' backline with his quick movement and technique but couldn't really threaten Buffon's goal, as his shots from distance were blocked on a couple of occasions.

Joaquin gave Evra a hard time throughout the first half, as the Frenchman looked to be Achilles' heel in the Bianconeri defence, and won a free kick close to the penalty area 20 minutes in. Following Fernandez's delivery, the ball hit Chiellini's hand but there was no intention from the defender and Rizzoli waved play on despite protests from Viola players.

The last 10 minutes of the half were even more physical with lots of 50-50 duels and some crunching tackles, with Cuadrado, Ogbonna and Chiellini all seeing yellow cards.

Five minutes before the half time, Borja Valero wasted a chance for Fiorentina when his shot from just inside the box flied over the goal. Shortly afterwards, Pirlo delivered a ball from a corner kick for Vidal but his first time volley from 20 yards didn't find the target.

Juventus started the second half stronger and had a chance through Evra on 48 mintues, but his shot from angle was punched away by Neto. A few minutes later, Pogba broke free on a counter attack but instead of picking up a teammate, he tried to dribble his way in the penalty box, only to be dispossessed by Gonzalo Rodriguez.

Two minutes later, Buffon was quick off his line to clear a ball chased by Mario Gomez who managed to get away from the marking. Shortly afterwards, Bouncci made a great last-man tackle to deny Gomez a goalscoring opportunity.

With a bit more than 20 minutes left to play, Pogba foolishly lost a ball in his own half and Fiorentina almost made the most of it, but Bonucci was again at his post and blocked the same German attacker with a fantastic last-gasp challenge.

A minute later, Cuadrado tested Buffon with a powerful strike from distance but the veteran goalkeeper dived to his right to put the ball behind for a corner kick. It was the last notable action of a rather dull second half. Tevez replacing Coman couldn't revitalise Juventus' attacking actions and the final 10 mintues of the game were played at slow tempo.

The Old Lady had a late penalty appeal when a ball played by Pogba hit David Pizarro's hand inside Fiorentina's box, but Rizzoli decided against pointing to the spot and blew the final whistle.
 

 

PLAYER RATINGS

Buffon 6.5 - A couple of good saves from Buffon who was also very quick off the line to deny Gomez. Typical solid display.

Ogbonna 6.5 - Finally came back from injury and had a solid performance. Very good in the air, while showing no signs of lack of fitness.

Bonucci 7.5 - Imperial at the back. Best player on the pitch after a world class performance, making a couple of last-man tackles, keeping Gomez silent for the entire game.

Chiellini 6 - Had plenty of work to do blocking Cuadrado and Gomez. Not a bad display, but was outpaced a few times. Suspneded for the next game as he got a yellow

Pereyra 5.5 - Quiet display from the right winger who looked clueless in the right wing position. Brought close to nothing in the game

Vidal 6 - Combative as usual in midfield but uninspired when it came to attacking. Like other players, his mind seemed to be away from the game

Pirlo 6 - Was very slow and looked tired, making several mistakes in the first half. Excepting a few good long balls, had nothing to say in the game.

Pogba 6.5 - Very active in the first half but poor in the second. Could have done better in a couple of chances near the opposite box.

Evra 5.5 - Another shaky defensive display as he couldn't keep up with the pace of Juaquin and Cuadrado. Had a decent chance early in the second half

Coman 6.5 - Very energic in the first half, showing some good skills and pace, but unfortunately, was pretty ineffective overall.

Llorente 5.5 - Had more space than usual as Fiorentina had the initiative often in the game, but despite some good link-up with his teammate, the Spaniard neither created or had any chance to score
 

 

Subs

Tevez 6 - Replaced Coman on the hour mark but couldn't spark the attack, barely creating anything.

Marchisio 6 - Came in for Pirlo with 10 minutes to go, making no impact

Padoin - N/A Replaced Pereyra late in the game
 

 

Coach

Allegri - 6.5 Decided to switch back to 3-5-2 because of the unavailable players at the back and it worked for him, as a point looked to be his aim for the game. But at the same time, being unable to create anything should give him something to think about if he ever needs to play this system again.

 

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