JUVENTUS SEASON 2016-2017

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 20

Sunday, January 15th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence
Referee: Luca Banti

 

 

 

No place like home

 

 

The differences between bitter rivals Juventus and Fiorentina are best

explained by their respective stadia, writes Chloe Beresford.

  

 

http://www.football-italia.net/96799/no-place-home

 

 

Jan 13, 2017

 

Fiorentina’s iconic Stadio Artemio Franchi will be packed to the rafters on Sunday evening when they take on Juventus in what is one of Italian football’s most hotly anticipated fixtures. Whilst the games themselves always tend to be entertaining, fans of the Bianconeri will face a typically hostile reception from their Tuscan counterparts.

Although the fixture is not a geographical derby, the intense atmosphere caused by the rivalry is notorious. The Viola fans are always highly-charged in anticipation of the game against their hated rivals, whereas the trophy cabinet of the Old Lady undoubtedly creates an apathy towards the contest amongst their supporters.

From the outside looking in, it would seem like this rivalry is created by pure jealousy. In the last five seasons alone, Juventus have won the league every year, in addition to collecting two Coppa Italia trophies and three editions of the Supercoppa, whilst Fiorentina have nothing to show for their efforts.

In order to further understand the background to the vitriol it is perhaps useful to consider the differences between the two clubs’ stadiums.

“If only the walls could talk,” the old saying goes. Indeed, if this were to happen, Fiorentina’s Stadio Artemio Franchi could tell some stories. Built in 1931, this Fascist-era Stadium has been ever-present throughout Fiorentina’s history ever since. From the only two Scudetti won in 1956 and 1969 to the halcyon era of Gabriel Batistuta, this stadium has seen it all.

This is undoubtedly reflected in the passionate atmosphere inside, a place where history is so ubiquitous that you can almost feel it. But, like so many other council-owned stadiums on the peninsula, there is no possibility to earn match-day revenue, completely stifling any chance of success.

A visit to the Juventus stadium is quite the opposite. Opened in 2011, this modern and perfectly designed facility earns the club the kind of revenue that allows them to compete in the Champions League.

Fiorentina have tried and failed for years to get a new stadium built, shot down at every turn by the local authorities, red tape and political posturing. Roma can tell the same story, while it’s the reason Massimo Cellino sold Cagliari. The Juventus Stadium was supposed to be the dawn of a new era for Serie A arenas, but instead it left everyone else decades out of date.

You only have to walk along the concourse that leads to the seats to comprehend the difference between the two clubs. Along the walkway are 50 stars built into the floor, each representing one of the exceptional players to have adorned those famous black and white shirts. Newly-built stadiums can often be soulless, but here Juventus must be praised for honouring their rich history, a list of players that Fiorentina fans could only dream of.

Yet it is not this kind of success that Viola fans covet. Their heroes tend to be those who have remained loyal to the club, when temptations over money and success elsewhere are so great. Only this week, Borja Valero told the Press that he would “stay in Florence forever” even once his career had finished.

Statements such as these that fill up those purple hearts, a pride that is intrinsically linked to their historic city. But a football club does not make memories without success and the key to the hatred of Juventus lies in one of those aforementioned stars.

Scoring 39 goals over 94 appearances for the Viola, Roberto Baggio was sold to Juventus in 1990 after five years at the club. Riots on the streets of Florence followed, the world-record fee no consolation for those fans who had seen their hero depart.

Although well-documented, it is through moments like this that you can truly see why the rivalry exists. Content to watch teams like Juventus win trophies whilst passionately and unconditionally supporting a club that wins little, a player came along that was genuinely special. Then he moved to a club where he would be one amongst many.

This, along with controversy over a ‘stolen’ Scudetto in 1982, has given rise to a rivalry that will be evident once again this weekend. Fiorentina fans accept the success of Juve, but cannot let go of the notion that the ‘thieves’ of Turin took away their rare chance of something to celebrate.

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 20

Sunday, January 15th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence
Referee: Luca Banti

 

 

 

Fiorentina V. Juventus: Ten Storey Hate Song

 

The city of Florence is a bad place to be a Juventus fan. Unlike many Italian hubs, the Tuscan capital

has few Bianconeri enclaves and, as a one-team city, Fiorentina kick against the Turinese rivals – and hard.

  

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2017/01/fiorentina-v-juventus-ten-storey-hate-song/

 

 

Jan 13, 2017

 

While the animosity is not exclusively one way, it would be misleading to think that Sunday’s visitors to the Stadio Artemio Franchi will be as pumped up as the home side. Juventus’ primary antipathy is directed towards Inter, with current pretenders to their crown Roma and Napoli also in the crosshairs.

Yet for the Viola, it is a rivalry that has all the marks of some of the great literature that their city has inspired. Written as long ago as 1353 by Giovanni Boccaccio, the Decameron is a work of Medieval literature in the style of the Canterbury Tales, with a number of smaller stories illustrating a larger, more potent one.

That is, of course, how long-standing rivalries such as this are constructed. The lengthening narrative arc of Fiorentina and Juventus contains many smaller tales, of love, joy, heartache and betrayal. These have combined to a heady brew in Florence, who seem (as many Italian sides do, such is their perpetual proximity to success) to face Juventus at most of the important crossroads of their history.

These meetings have not always brought disappointment, and it is worth noting that the Gigliati have been able to kick sand in their nemeses’ eyes on more than one occasion, even if they have been equally stung in return.

The two met in the Coppa Italia Final of 1960, Fiorentina looking to establish themselves amongst the elite. It was a tight and fractious affair, which saw Omar Sivori dismissed for dissent. The Viola more than held their own, a 2-2 draw seeing the tie into extra time whereupon a disastrous own goal from Alberto Orzan gifted the cup to Juventus.

When Bruno Pasaola’s Fiorentina won the Scudetto in 1969, they did so by completing a 2-0 victory at Juventus. Reduced to bit-part players by a run of three straight defeats in December, the Bianconeri had the better of the first half against the title-chasing Viola only for Roberto Anzolin to spill the ball straight into the path of Luciano Chiarugi three minutes after the restart. Mario Maraschi rolled home a second later but the damage was done.

The layers continued to grow with every story that could be told, though the next one was the trigger for a good deal of the animosity that persists to this day in Florence.

Going into the climax of the 1981/82 season, the two sides were once again vying for the top spot and entered the last game of the season level on points. Fiorentina’s visit to Cagliari ended in a 0-0 draw, made all the more bitter by referee disallowing a Francesco Graziani goal that would likely have been the winner.

The Bianconeri’s trip to Calabria to face Catanzaro was no less controversial; they were very lucky to avoid a penalty claim before winning a spot kick of their own. Liam Brady converted and Juventus were champions.

In Florence, this victory became known as ‘the Stolen Scudetto’ and with Viola captain Giancarlo Antognoni certainly viewing it as such, the Gigliati faithful had the bit between their teeth. They have not let it slip yet.

It next appeared in the 1990 UEFA Cup Final when Graziani had progressed to coaching the side. He led them to a two-legged affair that started with a bang; it was 1-1 before ten minutes had passed. Pierluigi Casiraghi and Luigi De Agostini clinched the tie at the Stadio Comunale as Juventus were able to shut up shop for a 0-0 draw in Avellino, the game having been moved from Florence because of crowd trouble.

Unable to prevent his side falling to their rivals, it was well-known that Fiorentina starlet Roberto Baggio was on his way across the divide that summer. The fact that he did so caused riots across the city, cementing a hatred that simmers and boils.

Baggio was able to achieve redemption. Refusing to take a penalty at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, he was substituted and after being so, picked up a Fiorentina scarf that had been hurled from the stands. He remains a hero to the Viola.

In 2013, Juventus had gone seven games unbeaten to start the year, and stormed into a 2-0 lead in Florence. With defeat all but assured, the Viola stormed back, a Giuseppe Rossi hat-trick and Joaquin producing a memorable and unlikely 4-2 victory. Juventus were to lose just once more all season and betting on them to win the league was many people’s reason to start an account with bwin.

Sunday’s game, however it ends, will provide another tale to add to the story of this rivalry. It remains to be seen if it will be comedy or tragedy.

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 20

Sunday, January 15th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence
Referee: Luca Banti

 

 

 

How should Juventus line up in Sunday

night’s showdown against Fiorentina?

 

 

Who should start against La Viola?

  

 

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2017/1/13/14260156/fiorentina-

juventus-2017-serie-a-round-19-you-choose-the-starting-lineup

 

 

Jan 13, 2017

 

After a shaky finish to Wednesday night’s 3-2 victory against Atalanta in the Coppa Italia Round of 16, Juventus jumps right back into action on Sunday. They will be taking on Fiorentina at the Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence in their return to league action.

Fiorentina sits innine place in the league standings entering the weekend, slightly behind where they would hope to finish. They do have a game in hand over eighth-place Torino, and a win would propel La Viola ahead of Toro. They don’t score a ton, nor concede a ton of goals. Lots of middling for this team so far this season. The last time these teams met was the first game of the season, which saw Juve victorious in a 2-1 effort. Sami Khedira and Gonzalo Higuain were the goal scorers on that occasion.

Stephan Lichtsteiner is suspended for this match, which leaves the right sided defense options thin with Dani Alves still out injured . Alex Sandro, Leonardo Bonucci and Gianluigi Buffon returned to the squad against Atalanta, so it should be assumed that they will be ready to go for this one.

Juventus’ next game comes a week from Sunday against Lazio.

All things considered, who would you pick to start the game on Sunday against Fiorentina? Remember, this is what YOU think the lineup should be, not what you think Max Allegri should do.

Starting Formation

3-5-2/5-3-2	39
4-3-3/4-5-1	8
4-3-1-2	45
4-4-2	0
4-3-2-1	10
Overig	7

 

3-5-2/5-3-2	39	35.8%
4-3-3/4-5-1	8	7.3%
4-3-1-2	45	41.3%
4-4-2	0	0%
4-3-2-1	10	9.2%
Overig	7	6.4%

Starting Keeper

Gianluigi Buffon	104
Neto	4
Emil Audero	1

 

Gianluigi Buffon	104	95.4%
Neto	4	3.7%
Emil Audero	1	0.9%

Starting Lineup

Question	Count
D - Daniele Rugani	97
D - Giorgio Chiellini	102
D - Andrea Barzagli	82
D - Mehdi Benatia	12
D/M/W - Alex Sandro	84
WB/M/W - Juan Cuadrado	62
WB/M - Kwadwo Asamoah	31
M - Sami Khedira	90
M - Hernanes	1
M - Claudio Marchisio	109
M - Stefano Sturaro	34
M - Tomas Rincon	52
M/AM - Miralem Pjanic	99
W/AM/S - Marko Pjaca	15
S - Mario Mandzukic	8
S - Gonzalo Higuain	105
S - Paulo Dybala	106
S - Moise Kean	1

 

D - Daniele Rugani	97	89%
D - Giorgio Chiellini	102	93.6%
D - Andrea Barzagli	82	75.2%
D - Mehdi Benatia	12	11%
D/M/W - Alex Sandro	84	77.1%
WB/M/W - Juan Cuadrado	62	56.9%
WB/M - Kwadwo Asamoah	31	28.4%
M - Sami Khedira	90	82.6%
M - Hernanes	1	0.9%
M - Claudio Marchisio	109	100%
M - Stefano Sturaro	34	31.2%
M - Tomas Rincon	52	47.7%
M/AM - Miralem Pjanic	99	90.8%
W/AM/S - Marko Pjaca	15	13.8%
S - Mario Mandzukic	8	7.3%
S - Gonzalo Higuain	105	96.3%
S - Paulo Dybala	106	97.2%
S - Moise Kean	1	0.9%

Justify an interesting inclusion (optional)

Selected Benatia bc Anthony forgot to include Bonucci in the list.

4-3-3 with barzagli as RB for more defensive power

Barzagli at right back

Rincon at RB. Please, no 3-5-2.

Without an available RB, 3-4-1-2 with Cuadrado on the right and Pjanic as an attacking mid is a workable formation.

Sturaro at RB

Rincon to start

Rincon at right back. Just no 3-5-2, please.

Barzagli as a fullback as he did against inter

no leo?

No width without Cuadrado, must be 352

A 4-2-3-1 now that Pjaca is back. Dybala behind the striker.

Are you in favour of the 48 team World Cup?

Yes	29
No	63
Overig	7

 

Yes	29	29.3%
No	63	63.6%
Overig	7	7.1%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 20

Sunday, January 15th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence
Referee: Luca Banti

 

 

 

Pjanic: ‘Juventus respect Fiorentina’

  

 

http://www.football-italia.net/96826/pjanic-‘juventus-respect-fiorentina’

 

 

Jan 13, 2017

 

Midfielder Miralem Pjanic assures Juventus “have a lot of respect” for Fiorentina, ahead of Sunday’s game.

 

The Bianconeri travel to Florence this weekend, for what is sure to be a hostile atmosphere at Stadio Artemio Franchi.

 

“It’s a difficult place to go, so we’ll have to play a good game,” Pjanic told Sky.

 

“It’s a game in which we want to take all three points, we know we’ll have to fight to the end and it’ll be a game which comes down to the details.

 

“We have a lot of respect for these opponents, so we need to be humble but above all we want to take home three points.

 

Juve Coach Massimiliano Allegri complained that his side keep dropping in intensity, after they came close to throwing away the win against Atalanta in the Coppa Italia.

 

“We just have to keep our concentration. It shouldn’t be happening, we need to close out games earlier.

 

“We’re going forward, we’re working well and we’re getting results but there are some details which we need to correct.

 

“Up until now the team has always been able to correct what we’ve been doing wrong and we want to do that in the coming games.”

 

Pjanic also discussed his understanding with forward Paulo Dybala.

 

The Bosnian has three goals and five assists in his last eight games, while Dybala has scored in his last two games as he recovers from an injury lay-off.

 

“The objective is always to find ourselves between the lines,” Pjanic explained.

 

“Then we have the freedom to combine with each other and switch positions up-front. We find each other on the pitch very often and it’s easy and a pleasure to play with him in the side.

 

“We have so many good players and we respect that the Coach tries to put the best team out on the pitch.

 

“And as I’ve said, I make space for Dybala and he makes space for me. We combine, and now we understand each others’ movements well.”

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 20

Sunday, January 15th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence
Referee: Luca Banti

 

 

 

Fiorentina vs Juventus Match Preview

  

 

http://www.juvefc.com/fiorentina-vs-juventus-match-preview-scouting-2/

 

 

Jan 13, 2017

 

Fiorentina v Juventus

Serie A Week 20 –  Sunday, 15th January – 19:45 GMT – Stadio Artemio Franchi

---

Juventus

On Sunday, it was smooth sailing for the black and white gang at the Stadium, as it has often been this year: the squad wanted to redeem itself after the disappointing loss in the Supercoppa and Bologna simply had no chance. On Wednesday, however, old flaws crept back in the Coppa Italia tilt against Atalanta: the start was sizzling hot, Paulo Dybala was all over the pitch doing his thing, but there were lapses in focus after the 2-0 and especially after the 3-1, which allowed the opponents back in the game. These things need to be cleaned up before the games that really matter, the Champions League ones, where a goal can make a huge difference.

Until they play the Crotone game, Juventus hold a four-point lead in Serie A and will now face a delicate two-game stretch against Fiorentina and Lazio, where Bianconeri will have to be at their best. By now, everybody knows that we have dropped points on the road after midweek matches on three different occasions, so this upcoming match will be a good chance to flip the script. Massimiliano Allegri, doing the right thing in my opinion, has not rested many starters against Atalanta, basically only Gonzalo Higuain, who will be fresh and ready to unleash his fury against La Viola.

Two good news from the infirmary: Leonardo Bonucci is fully back and played the final portion of the last game and Alex Sandro has re-joined the rest of the group on Friday, so he has a good chance to start on Sunday night. Speaking of injured players, Marko Pjaca was spry in his return, of course he misses game rhythm but he can fit right in both in 4-3-2-1 and in 3-5-2 even though his best position would be left winger. Claudio Marchisio was subbed off as a precautionary measure at half time against Atalanta, but he is said to be ok.

The big challenge for the coaching staff will be to replace Stephan Lichtsteiner, who is suspended. The shift to the diamond lineup seems more permanent than not to me, but I think that just for this game they could opt to go back to 3-5-2 for a couple of reasons. First of all, they have the BBC at full strength, which is simply a competitive advantage. Secondly, and more importantly, there is not really a good option at RB, unless you want Andrea Barzagli out there on his own against pacey wingers. Juan Cuadrado was spared during the week and that is an indication that he will start in the weekend, likely as RWB. Using him as fullback would be very bold against an offensive-minded team. Stefano Sturaro would be the final, and desperate, option.

In case of 3-5-2, it will be interesting to see what happens in the midfield: Miralem Pjanic has played better as no.10, but it is hard to renounce to his creativity, even if he has to take on more defensive duties. Anyway, there is a chance he is benched for either Sturaro or Tomas Rincon, or that they use 3-4-1-2: at that point, Sami Khedira would battle with the more muscular alternatives. The attack will be in HD resolution- If Alex Sandro can not go, Kwadwo Asamoah will slide right into the XI, in a position where he has thrived. Asamoah has played decently well at left back, however dependability is always an issue with him. Patrice Evra seems on his way out and the management is still after Sead Kolasinac, we will see what will happen on that front.

Speaking of the raging winds of the transfer market, Juventus seems to have secured a deal for the youngster Riccardo Orsolini, whom they were pursuing even before he exploded on the Serie B scene this season. A spectacular talent with a bright future, who may be ready to give his contribution probably in a year and a half, after a season on loan in Serie A. Same thing for Mattia Caldara, whose purchase is official. The executives are already looking at the 2017/2018 season, that literally means being two steps ahead of the competition. Also Orsolini is a left-footed right winger, I wonder how his acquisition influences the (im)possible arrival of Domenico Berardi.

UPDATE: Alex Sandro has recovered and will start, but Giorgio Chiellini has the flu: if he can not shake it off by Sunday night, then it will likely be a four-man defence or in alternative Rugani will replace him.

Probable lineup: 

3-5-2: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Cuadrado, Khedira, Marchisio, Pjanic, Sandro; Dybala, Higuain.

Injuries:

Alves (fibula), Lemina (AFCON), Benatia (AFCON), Mandragora (foot), Mattiello (nose). 

Suspensions:

Lichtsteiner.

 

Fiorentina

It is difficult to properly grasp what kind of season Fiorentina are having. They are undefeated at home, but they have dropped points against Crotone, Atalanta and Sampdoria. Some of their talents have blossomed, Federico Bernardeschi in a big way, but they are in ninth position, nine points below the Europa League zone. They in the midst of an identity crisis, they do not play as well as in the previous years and also the facts that Paulo Sousa is a lame duck and that Nikola Kalinic may soon leave to go to China certainly do not help.

They have not won in three games, where they have lost against Genoa and Lazio and tied against Napoli. Their second half against Partenopei was truly one of their finest of the season: Bernardeschi showcased all his talent, but a silly foul in the final minute snatched away a victory they probably deserved. Their most impressive win was against Roma back in October, a 1-0 game where they managed to control the pace of the match and found a late goal. Since then, they have been defeated by Torino, Inter, Lazio and have drawn against Atalanta, Milan and Napoli. Juventus obviously defeated them 2-1 in the season opener, quickly responding with Higuain after the Viola equalizer. Basically, they have only one win against the sides that are above them in the table. Historically, they have never been a juggernaut against middling teams, so this is a bad combination if you want to go places.

Bernardeschi has been their best player so far and he has already scored nine goals. Kalinic picked up after a slow start and has resumed being the point of reference he was in the previous season. Josip Ilicic and Borja Valero have not been as good as in the past: as for the Spaniard, it is understandable because he constantly plays in more defensive position, while I do not know what happened with Ilicic, but he has always been a bit up and down in his career. Cristian Tello has not made a big impact in his second season at the club: he has often been supplanted by Federico Chiesa, who has been very impressive.

They still use a 4-2-3-1 that can very easily turn into a 3-4-2-1 if need be, because both Tello and Chiesa, who usually start as right winger, can also be used as RWB and Bernardeschi can play as attacking midfielder. Also, both Carlos Salcedo and Nenad Tomovic are able to cover the RB and the CB position.

They are dealing with two pretty big injury concerns: Davide Astori has a bruised thigh, while Borja Valero has an ankle sprain. There is optimism for both: if they did not recover, Tomovic and Matias Vecino would start, but the absence of Valero in particular would be a big blow. Mauro Zarate, who was electric against Napoli, and Sebastiano Cristoforo have an outside chance to start as trequartistas. Salcedo, who has won the battle at RB with Tomovic, made a pretty big mistake against Napoli, so I would not be surprised to see him benched. Maxi Olivera has constantly started over Hrvoje Milic on the other flank in December and he should be in the XI even though he is the more offensive option. They are bringing in Marco Sportiello to challenge for the starting job in goal, so that must say something about what they think of Ciprian Tatarusanu.

It will be an intense atmosphere: Florence hates Juventus and they get up every time Bianconeri come to town (besides when we won 5-0 I guess). They have not lost yet at Artemio Franchi in Serie A this season, but these kind of stats are made to be broken. They have also won only once in the last 17 matches against Juventus. Bianconeri will have to pay particular attention on the set pieces and to their weapons on the flanks.

UPDATE: Astori and Valero are trending in the right direction and should be able to start, but there is a chance Tomovic will just slide to the flank, with Salcedo on the bench.

Probable lineup: 

4-2-3-1: Tatarusanu; Salcedo, Rodriguez, Tomovic, Olivera; Badelj, Valero; Chiesa, Ilicic, Bernardeschi; Kalinic. 

Injuries:

Dragowski (knee). 

Suspensions:

None. 

 

Formation

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

 

Juventus Sailing To Sixth Straight Scudetto –

2016/17 Midseason Review

 

  

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2017/01/juventus-sailing-

to-sixth-straight-scudetto-201617-midseason-review/

 

 

Jan 13, 2017

 

Buoyed by the recruitment of Gonzalo Higuain and Miralem Pjanic, Juventus have finished the first half of the Serie A season six points ahead of where they were last year.

As the overwhelming favourite to claim a sixth consecutive Scudetto, Nicholas Carroll considers whether the title race has already been won.

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 20

Sunday, January 15th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence
Referee: Luca Banti

 

 

 

Bernardeschi: 'I owe it all to Fiorentina'

  

 

http://www.football-italia.net/96848/bernardeschi-i-owe-it-all-fiorentina

 

 

Jan 13, 2017

 

Federico Bernardeschi hopes Fiorentina can use the element of surprise on Juventus and explains his row with Paulo Sousa.

 

The Viola host Juve on Sunday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

 

“We are preparing well. Juve are stronger, more solid, have quality and mentality,” Bernardeschi told La Repubblica newspaper.

 

“They have Paulo Dybala and the rest. But we are Fiorentina and we have the element of surprise. Our objective for the season is to lift a trophy, so we and I will try our best.

 

Bernardeschi has been linked with a summer exit to Inter, Juventus, Milan, Roma or further afield.

 

“I owe everything to Fiorentina and because of that I am focused on separating my work on the pitch from debate about my future. Maybe a year ago I would’ve spiralled into chaos, but not now: I know how to give everything I’ve got for my fans.”

 

Would he follow Viola teammate Nikola Kalinic to China?

 

“I understand Carlos Tevez going, as he has already had everything from football, but before China it’s better to stay here. There’s always time to step away from the limelight and have new experiences.”

 

Amid the transfer rumours, Coach Sousa said Bernardeschi was “confused,” sparking even more speculation.

 

“He explained later what he meant, that I wasn’t as concentrated as he wanted me to be. He was right, because I was coming off Euro 2016, an extraordinary experience, and it took me a little while to get my head 100 per cent back on Fiorentina.

 

“When Sousa became the Fiorentina Coach, he called me up and said just four words: I believe in you. I’ll never forget that. Last season he made me cover the whole flank, which was a real strain, so I feel better now in the trequartista role.

 

“I couldn’t believe it when Roberto Baggio said I was a great talent. Him, the best Italian player of all time, was talking about me. Crazy!”

Bernardeschi is one of several new Italian talents emerging for the Nazionale.

 

“We are destined for something great very soon, I can feel it. Italian football is being revitalised and the clubs have finally started trusting their young players.

 

“Coming from a hard-working family like mine, it’s mandatory that you respect the rules of sacrifice. It might seem sad not to have talent, but to have it and waste that is far worse.”

 

The winger also insists he can be a credible worker and get a little creative.

 

“People still look at you badly because of your haircut or tattoos. These are things you do when you’re 20 years old. If you do them aged 40 or 50, then that becomes sad. I did cut my hair, as there were a few too many jokes…

 

“If I didn’t become a football player, then I dreamed of being a musician, kind of like Santana on guitar. My favourite band is Blink-182.”

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 20

Sunday, January 15th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence
Referee: Luca Banti

 

 

 

Fiorentina - Juventus Match Preview

  

 

http://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/preview/88018

 

 

Jan 13, 2017

 

Fiorentina have more than just precious points in the race for Europe at stake, as they host their bitter rivals Juventus.

 

Paulo Sousa’s men won’t need encouragement. The priorities of both sides may differ, but the rivalry remains fierce. Fiorentina currently find themselves struggling in ninth, and if results go against them elsewhere, potentially dropping in to the bottom half of the table. This encounter will be the Tuscan side’s first Serie A match of the calendar year, having been unable to play away at Pescara on January 8 due to heavy snow.

 

Sousa, who remains under pressure from the passionate natives, will be boosted by the return of talismanic skipper Gonzalo Rodriguez and fellow defensive regular Davide Astori. Astori missed the 1-0 Coppa win against Chievo while partner Rodriguez served a one match ban.

The performance in that Coppa clash was poor, avoiding extra time only thanks to a last-gasp Federico Bernardeschi penalty.

 

What’s noticeable is Fiorentina are a considerably stronger and organised outfit with the two lynchpins at the heart of the defence and their relationship will be crucial in countering a Juventus juggernaut which shows little sign of relenting.

 

Nikola Kalinic will continue to lead the line, despite intense scrutiny surrounding his future. The Croatian is the subject of a reported bid from Chinese outfit Tianjin Quanjian but remains a Viola player for the time being. If the move materialises, The Gigliati will be able to strengthen during the transfer window, though it remains to be seen if Sousa would be trusted with the funds, as his departure in the summer is likely.

 

Bernardeschi, so often the club’s saviour this term, can be relied upon, and has nine league goals to his name. The wide man has come of age this year and will be his side’s go-to man against the Scudetto favourites. In midfield, Borja Valero is likely to partner contract rebel Milan Badelj at the expense of Matias Vecino.

 

Visitors Juventus are in menacing form and will be looking to stretch their lead at the top of the table. Max Allegri’s troops comfortably dispatched Bologna 3-0 in their last league fixture and are aiming for their fifth Serie A win in a row.

 

The Italian boss has a welcome selection dilemma with Leonardo Bonucci returning to the fold after six weeks on the sidelines with a thigh injury. The club’s star defender emerged unscathed after a 15-minute run-out during the midweek 3-2 win against Atalanta in the Coppa Italia.

 

In recent weeks, Allegri has started with an orthodox back four with two from the impressive Daniele Rugani, Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini, but is likely to revert to his favoured 3-5-2 formation. Bonucci is expected to be joined in the starting line-up by captain Gianluigi Buffon, who has now recovered from a bout of flu.

 

The competition for places upfront is just as intense, with Mario Mandzukic and record buy Gonzalo Higuain seemingly battling it out to partner the in-form Paulo Dybala.

 

Elsewhere, full-back Alex Sandro returned to training this week after sustaining a thigh injury in the Supercoppa Italiana, but won’t be rushed back in to action. Fellow Brazilian Dani Alves is still some way off a return, while Medhi Benatia and Mario Lemina are unavailable due to their Africa Cup of Nations commitments. Juan Cuadrado is in line for a rare start, deputising for the suspended Stephan Lichtsteiner.

 

Keep an eye on: Paulo Dybala (Juventus) – The diminutive Argentine is the complete package. Goals, wonderful movement, deft touches, assists. Dybala offers something different to the brute strength of Mandzukic and the predatory instincts of Higuain and, as a favourite of Allegri, can expect to be first choice in a Juventus attack not short of firepower.

 

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

 

Last season: Fiorentina 1-2 Juventus

 

Stat fact: Juve have won their last five competitive meetings with Fiorentina, home and away. The 4-2 result in October 2013 is the only defeat in Tuscany since 1998, along with seven victories and nine draws.  

 

Top tip: Juventus to score in both halves

 

 

Fiorentina (probable): Tatarusanu; Tomovic, Gonzalo Rodriguez, Astori, Maxi Olivera; Badelj, Borja Valero; Chiesa, Ilicic; Bernardeschi; Kalinic

Suspended: None

 

Juventus (probable): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini, Cuadrado, Khedira, Marchisio, Pjanic, Alex Sandro; Dybala, Higuain

Suspended: Lichtsteiner

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 20

Sunday, January 15th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence
Referee: Luca Banti

 

 

 

Chiesa: 'Dream of beating Buffon'

  

 

http://www.football-italia.net/96852/chiesa-dream-beating-buffon

 

 

Jan 14, 2017

 

Federico Chiesa is “dreaming of a goal against Gigi Buffon” when Fiorentina host Juventus on Sunday night.

 

It kicks off tomorrow at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

 

“I made my full Serie A debut for Fiorentina against Juventus in August. It’s a day that changed my life and one I will never forget,” the midfielder told Tuttosport.

 

“I didn’t expect to play, let alone at the Juventus Stadium, an arena that gives you goosebumps. It was fantastic.

 

“Now my next dream is to help Fiorentina to victory, hopefully with a goal past Buffon. Juve are not easy to beat, but we must face the match by copying Genoa’s attitude, as they beat the Bianconeri with determination and aggression.”

 

Buffon was teammates with Chiesa’s father, former striker Enrico Chiesa, at Parma when Federico was born in October 1997.

 

“I’d love to be bonded to Fiorentina for life. My father has been an important figure in my life, but now I am Federico Chiesa and not just the son of…”

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 20

Sunday, January 15th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence
Referee: Luca Banti

 

 

 

Allegri: 'Juve change for Fiorentina'

  

 

http://www.football-italia.net/96854/allegri-juve-change-fiorentina

 

 

Jan 14, 2017

 

Max Allegri warns Juventus that “for Fiorentina it’s always the game of the season” and he’s forced into changes at the back.

 

It kicks off on Sunday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

 

“It’s always the game of the year for Fiorentina and I hope for a great evening of sport, including in the stands,” said the Coach in his Press conference.

 

Stephan Lichtsteiner sits out a ban with Dani Alves injured, Medhi Benatia and Mario Lemina at the Africa Cup of Nations.

 

Patrice Evra is again dropped as he considers offers from Crystal Palace, Valencia and Manchester United.

 

“It doesn’t irritate me, as Patrice is a great professional and a good man. We talked it over calmly, he is evaluating what he wants to do, but it’s absolutely not a problem for us.

 

“The 3-5-2 system is both a choice and a necessity. Giorgio Chiellini has a temperature, Andrea Barzagli has played often lately, so I’d either need to turn someone else into a full-back or change system, but I can assure the approach of the team will not change.

 

“Either I find a right-back from Barzagli, Juan Cuadrado and Stefano Sturaro or I have to change something. Alex Sandro is available and, unless something happens, he will start.

 

“We’re pleased to have Kwadwo Asamoah back to full fitness, as he can play as full-back or wing-back. It’s difficult to leave anyone out, including Mario Mandzukic, Cuadrado, Sturaro, etc. It’s difficult, but on the other hand I am happy because it means whoever comes off the bench, the squad retains its quality.

 

“The forward line also depends on whether we play with three or four at the back. Paulo Dybala and Miralem Pjanic are really improving their rapport. Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain are different players, so naturally the more they play together, the better they’ll develop that understanding.

 

“I will say Marko Pjaca did some great things against Atalanta after four months out and he’s a big addition to the squad.”

 

The Bianconeri squeezed through to the Coppa Italia quarter-finals on Wednesday with a 3-2 win over Atalanta.

 

“Juventus have played 18 games in Serie A so far this season, topped the Champions League group and got through in the Coppa Italia. Having said all that, we need to work in order to improve ourselves.

 

“It’s not so much the black-out when we’re taking the lead, but rather we tend to fumble leads even on 1-0. We didn’t do that last season.

 

“We need to improve and have a good chance of going all the way in Serie A, the Champions League and Coppa Italia. Those are our objectives.

 

“Juventus are achieving good things this season. We played well against Atalanta and the game was under control, but the last 10 minutes were dangerous when we were only 3-2 up. I am pleased that when Atalanta scored for 2-1, we poured forward and tried to immediately score another.

 

“The important thing is to concede fewer goals. Tomorrow we are facing a side that loves to shoot from distance, as they’ve got players who can do that from all angles.

 

“What we have to improve on is our passing, the way we command the game and to defend when it’s necessary. That’s no shame in football, as it’s about defending and attacking. That has to be the next step in our journey.

 

“We need to play well and win. We played well against Atalanta, then made two mistakes and conceded two goals.

 

"If we retain our current lead over the next four games, so by the end of January, then we'll have a very good chance of taking home the Scudetto."

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 20

Sunday, January 15th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence
Referee: Luca Banti

 

 

 

Sousa: 'Fiorentina won't mark Juve'

  

 

http://www.football-italia.net/96858/sousa-fiorentina-wont-mark-juve

 

 

Jan 14, 2017

 

Paulo Sousa said “there’s no need to explain how important” the Juventus game is for Fiorentina. “Possession will be the key, not man-marking.”

 

It kicks off on Sunday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

 

“We must do better than we have done before. When our opponents are at such a high level, clearly it is more difficult. There’s no need to explain how important this game is for all of us,” said the Coach in his Press conference.

 

“Tomorrow’s match is important and it is different. We must give our all, honouring the shirt and the fans. An adjective for the game? Victorious.

 

“To beat Juventus you need determination, but that’s true in life as well. This team can continue to improve. We can lose or draw, but I’d be satisfied if we maintained the same performance we had last season, naturally hoping for a better result.

 

“We mustn’t just sit back and defend to go on the counter. That would be a mistake. Earlier this season we struggled under their early pressing, then controlled the second half.

 

“The fact Juve defend with quality and physicality causes us problems when we build the play, but they can also suffer if we control possession.

 

“To defend against the likes of Gonzalo Higuain, we need to keep the ball as much as possible. There will be no man-marking.”

 

Sousa was asked about rumours he is on the wish-list for Juventus in future, having already played there.

 

“I chose to become a Coach, starting from the youth teams, and I am improving. My future depends on my present and I am concentrated on that.

 

“I wasn’t satisfied even when we were top of the table. Our ambition must be to always do better, every single day. I think so far this season we deserved an extra six to eight points more than we currently have.”

 

Sousa confirmed Davide Astori, Borja Valero and Nikola Kalinic are available.

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 20

Sunday, January 15th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence
Referee: Luca Banti

 

 

 

Fiorentina v Juventus: Preview

  

 

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/preview?gameId=461106

 

 

Jan 14, 2017

 

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri will not be taking the opposition lightly when his side travel to the Stadio Artemio Franchi for Fiorentina's ``most important'' game of the Serie A season on Sunday.

The Bianconeri, Scudetto winners for the past five campaigns, head into the weekend top of the standings and four points clear of nearest challengers Roma with a game in hand.

And there will arguably be more than three points at stake when the bitter rivals - separated by 250 miles - meet in a thoroughly modern Italian derby.

``Fiorentina are a dangerous side for the way they set up and the players they have at their disposal,'' Allegri said.

``It will be a tough game since this fixture is the Viola's most important one of the season. Let's hope we're in for a good night of football contested by two top teams.''

Allegri is satisfied with his side's half-term report but accepts there is room for improvement.

``We've made a great start to the campaign but that's not enough,'' he said.

``Our goal is to win every trophy possible and to continue improving the way we play. We're still looking for the balance to click between scoring goals and defending well at the other end.''

Juve will be without suspended wing-back Stephan Lichtsteiner and will make a late call on defender Giorgio Chiellini following illness. Left-back Alex Sandro looks set to start after recovering from a thigh strain.

``Chiellini will be looked at closely (on Saturday) since he was unwell (on Friday),'' said Allegri, whose side have won four straight in Serie A and remained on course for a third consecutive Coppa Italia crown with a 3-2 round-of-16 victory over Atalanta in midweek.

``(Andrea) Barzagli has featured twice since returning from injury and Lichtsteiner is suspended so I'd be turning to one of either Barza, (Juan) Cuadrado or (Stefano) Sturaro to slot in at full-back if we wanted to play with four at the back.

``Chiellini aside, we've got pretty much everyone available, including Alex Sandro. Assuming nothing goes wrong in training (on Saturday), he'll be starting the match.''

Fiorentina lie ninth and have taken just one point from the last nine on offer, but did edge Chievo 1-0 in the Coppa Italia on Wednesday.

La Viola coach Paulo Sousa insists his players to not need extra motivation for this match.

``It's a game felt by all. We will give everything to honour the shirt and the fans,'' the Portuguese said.

``I push more when the opponents are different from those of (Sunday). Now there is no need to motivate anyone. We know the importance of this match.

``Juve are the best team in our league and among the best in Europe. Allegri wants to control the game? I'm glad, I think in the same way. I always want to impose our own game.

``In the first game (Gonzalo Higuain scored late winner as Juve won 2-1 in Turin on opening day of season) we managed to do it only once. I do not use unique markings. The best way to defend, in my opinion, is to keep the ball.''

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 20

Sunday, January 15th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence
Referee: Luca Banti

 

 

 

Juventus drop Evra again

  

 

http://www.football-italia.net/96871/juventus-drop-evra-again

 

 

Jan 14, 2017

 

Patrice Evra is again left out as Juventus visit Fiorentina, while Giorgio Chiellini is in doubt with flu.

 

It kicks off on Sunday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

 

For the third game running, Evra is not included in the squad as he considers offers from Valencia, Crystal Palace and Manchester United.

 

Stephan Lichtsteiner is suspended, Dani Alves injured, with Mario Lemina and Medhi Benatia at the Africa Cup of Nations.

 

Alex Sandro and Gigi Buffon return, but the flu bug has now spread to Chiellini, who is in doubt to feature tomorrow.

 

 

Juventus squad for Fiorentina: Buffon, Chiellini, Pjanic, Khedira, Cuadrado, Marchisio, Higuain, Hernanes, Alex Sandro, Barzagli, Mandzukic, Bonucci, Pjaca, Dybala, Asamoah, Rugani, Neto, Sturaro, Rincon, Audero

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 20

Sunday, January 15th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence
Referee: Luca Banti

 

 

 

Allegri: 3-5-2 both a choice and a necessity

against Fiorentina on Sunday

 

Manager’s pre-match comments before Juventus - Fiorentina clash

  

 

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2017/1/14/14274070/allegri-3-5-2-

both-a-choice-and-a-necessity-juventus-fiorentina-preview-managers-comments

 

 

Jan 14, 2017

 

Juventus take on Fiorentina in what is perennially a heated battle, and should be no different this year. Ahead of the game, manager Massimiliano Allegri talked about the squad, the game and more.

On the importance of the game -

“It’s always the game of the year for Fiorentina and I hope for a great evening of sport, including in the stands.”

On Patrice Evra being dropped from the squad again -

“It doesn’t irritate me, as Patrice is a great professional and a good man. We talked it over calmly, he is evaluating what he wants to do, but it’s absolutely not a problem for us.”

On his starting lineup -

“The 3-5-2 system is both a choice and a necessity. Giorgio Chiellini has a temperature, Andrea Barzagli has played often lately, so I’d either need to turn someone else into a full-back or change system, but I can assure the approach of the team will not change.

“Either I find a right-back from Barzagli, Juan Cuadrado and Stefano Sturaro or I have to change something. Alex Sandro is available and, unless something happens, he will start.

“We’re pleased to have Kwadwo Asamoah back to full fitness, as he can play as full-back or wing-back. It’s difficult to leave anyone out, including Mario Mandzukic, Cuadrado, Sturaro, etc. It’s difficult, but on the other hand I am happy because it means whoever comes off the bench, the squad retains its quality.

“The forward line also depends on whether we play with three or four at the back. Paulo Dybala and Miralem Pjanic are really improving their rapport. Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain are different players, so naturally the more they play together, the better they’ll develop that understanding.

“I will say Marko Pjaca did some great things against Atalanta after four months out and he’s a big addition to the squad.”

On the narrow win over Atalanta in the Coppa Italia midweek -

“Juventus have played 18 games in Serie A so far this season, topped the Champions League group and got through in the Coppa Italia. Having said all that, we need to work in order to improve ourselves.

“It’s not so much the black-out when we’re taking the lead, but rather we tend to fumble leads even on 1-0. We didn’t do that last season.

“We need to improve and have a good chance of going all the way in Serie A, the Champions League and Coppa Italia. Those are our objectives.

“Juventus are achieving good things this season. We played well against Atalanta and the game was under control, but the last 10 minutes were dangerous when we were only 3-2 up. I am pleased that when Atalanta scored for 2-1, we poured forward and tried to immediately score another.

“The important thing is to concede fewer goals. Tomorrow we are facing a side that loves to shoot from distance, as they’ve got players who can do that from all angles.

“What we have to improve on is our passing, the way we command the game and to defend when it’s necessary. That’s no shame in football, as it’s about defending and attacking. That has to be the next step in our journey.

“We need to play well and win. We played well against Atalanta, then made two mistakes and conceded two goals.

"If we retain our current lead over the next four games, so by the end of January, then we'll have a very good chance of taking home the Scudetto."

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 20

Sunday, January 15th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence
Referee: Luca Banti

 

 

 

Juventus must keep focus for a full

90 minutes against tricky Fiorentina

  

 

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/3038832/

juventus-must-keep-focus-for-a-full-90-minutes-against-tricky-fiorentina

 

 

Jan 14, 2017

 

It's funny really. For so long, Juventus fans prayed their team would start matches with greater intensity, showing more ambition and desire to get off to a good start. Finally, their prayers have been answered, or so it seems. Scoring eight goals in the first 15 minutes of Serie A matches this season, Juventus are not only starting well but they're converting opportunities effectively.

Except now there's a new problem: As soon as Juve grabs the goals, they switch off, inviting all the pressure in the world. This happened against Atalanta in the 3-2 Coppa Italia win on Wednesday and again against Fiorentina in August when Juve were forced to work hard to secure a 2-1 result.

On Sunday, the Tuscans will host Juventus and hope that on this occasion, they can control the game better in the first half to cause Juve and their inaccurate play greater problems. Both Paulo Sousa and Massimiliano Allegri are great proponents of possession-based football and want their teams to control the game, play with intelligence and create an abundance of opportunities.

Allegri has struggled to fulfil his ambitions with this squad. While Juve boast individual skill and technique, they have struggled to control possession or utilise their time on the ball effectively. Far too often we have seen players cede possession easily or misplace their pass to invigorate the opponent. At times, we can blame the lack of talent in midfield but in most cases, their lack of concentration has led to the ensuing problems.

Balance is the key to success. Knowing when to attack and when to defend is a quality that belongs only to the champions, and in recent times, the Bianconeri have disappointed. Against Fiorentina, Juve's physical style and desire to press high up the pitch overwhelmed their opponent and secured control of the game. Juve barely needed to break a sweat as they pushed forward with confidence while the Viola collapsed, unable to produce one shot on target.

The comments came filtering through. Despite it only being the start of the Serie A season, the writing was on the wall: this was going to be another easy race to the title for the Old Lady.

And then the second half began. Complacent, disinterested and nonchalant, Juve dropped off, sat deep and invited Fiorentina to attack. Only when they conceded the inevitable goal did they jolt back into action, their pride forcing them to pour forward in search of another.

In Serie A, against inconsistent and mentally fragile opponents, Juventus can get away with lower concentration levels but in Europe or against better opponents, they will be punished.

Against Fiorentina, Juventus must start as well as they have done in Serie A, but ensure they maintain their physically tenacious approach throughout. The Viola are statistically better than Juve at keeping possession and have demonstrated passing fluidity within their game. When they take control of a match, they cause problems as they did against the Bianconeri back in August.

Excellent at playing out from the back, Juventus need to defend from the front to disturb their opponents' rhythm and provoke errors. Mario Mandzukic is perhaps the ideal forward for such situations, but constant movement and a high tempo has also proved impossible to defend against for Fiorentina.

Set to deploy Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala from the start, Allegri wants his side to win matches on account of their superior level of play while maintaining their intensity and tenacity throughout to ensure their opponent's surrender. Great sides never drop the tempo and always know how to control matches to preserve their energy and secure a result. That means accurate passes, good positioning and quick minds. If Juve maintain a high line at the back and remain compact and determined, they can beat Fiorentina and most opponents thereafter.

Fiorentina have not lost a single home match in Serie A this season and have proved that despite their yo-yoing form and fragile psychology, they are a difficult prospect to face at the Stadio Artemio Franchi . With the Champions League set to restart soon, Juventus' season will get harder from this point on so it's vital they collect as many domestic wins as possible now to stand them in good stead going forward.

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 20

Sunday, January 15th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence
Referee: Luca Banti

 

 

 

Sousa's past can secure future

  

 

The embattled Fiorentina Coach can see off his former club Juventus to silence criticism, writes Jeremy Lim.

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/96894/sousas-past-can-secure-future

 

 

Jan 15, 2017

 

Paulo Sousa may have been waiting for this one. A tie with Juventus will rarely, if ever, be seen as an opportunity. But for the Fiorentina Coach, it may as well come labelled as one. If his former Bianconeri teammate Alessandro Del Piero described Sunday’s tie as a derby, then for the Portuguese, it’s personal.

Greeted as a ‘Gobbo’ when he first arrived at Fiorentina thanks to his Juventus past, Sousa has never been made to feel fully embraced by the Tuscan crowd. And the public tide has been steadily swinging against first the club, and then him, following an underwhelming start. The message couldn’t be clearer to Sousa, serving as a Sword of Damocles hanging over him - victory against Juventus, and win the fans over. One could scarcely imagine the consequences of a defeat. 

Besides, it is in the club’s identity to crave victory against their arch rivals. Ex-Viola captain Manuel Pasqual previously described beating Juventus as akin to winning a trophy. Remove the semi-significant Coppa Italia and Europa League tournaments, and it may well be the club’s only taste of triumph this season.  You can see the odds of success on betting-sites.org.uk

Midway through is no time to declare any eventual finish in the League certain, but there it is, football is a game of sensations as much as statistics. The former feeds off the latter - Sousa’s side are winless in three league matches and have conceded an average of two goals in each of the last six outings - but results are not everything.

Repeatedly linked with an exit owing to alleged dissatisfaction over Fiorentina’s transfer situation, distance has grown between the 46-year-old, the club and the fans. So has the gap with the rest of Serie A’s chasing pack. Aware of his waning influence, the players have grown tired of him. Competitive edge has suffered. The side’s struggles have exposed the extent of Sousa’s tactical limitations and man-management abilities, yet to his merit he has done his best to present a united front.

There is understandable scepticism arising from his failure to impose an identity on his team, coupled with the belief Federico Bernardeschi’s brilliance must be supported instead of being relied upon. Merit can also be found in the counter-claim that his squad lacks leaders and depth. But while Fiorentina’s failure to reinvest money from sales can explain their inability to compete, it also sometimes excuses it, becoming something to hide behind.

Credit to Sousa then that he often does not fall into the trap, but is open and honest, trying to put minds at ease instead of laying the blame at the feet of others or responding in a pugnacious way. “He’s trying” isn’t exactly a winning argument and it is tempting to conclude it may be his sincerity keeping him in the dugout over the environment’s faith in him to turn the situation around.

The Coach may indeed have taken Fiorentina as far as he can. But a vital victory against Juventus could yet provide some basis to build on for the rest of the season.

Indeed, links to the top job with the Serie A champions in December are indication his appeal to other clubs has not diminished and they are as much for his qualities as a question of timing - football is not inclined to charity. Certainly, he won’t be constrained by such limitations in Turin and his next meeting with Juventus may not be as an opponent, but a candidate. But that much, as they say, is mere speculation. Now, Sousa has a point to prove at Fiorentina. And the best way to prove it will be through taking all three points against his past.

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 20

Sunday, January 15th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence
Referee: Luca Banti

 

 

 

Line-ups: Fiorentina-Juventus

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/96936/line-ups-fiorentina-juventus

 

 

Jan 15, 2017

 

Juventus go with three at the back for their grudge match with Fiorentina, as Juan Cuadrado starts in his old hunting ground.

 

It kicks off at the Stadio Franchi at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

 

This has always been one of the most ill-tempered rivalries in Italian football and in Florence it’s considered the closest thing they have to a local derby.

 

Juve have won their last five competitive meetings with Fiorentina, home and away.

 

On Tuscan soil, the 4-2 thriller in October 2013 is their only defeat since 1998, along with seven victories and nine draws.

 

Paulo Sousa has practically a full squad to choose from, as Borja Valero has recovered from injury to pull the midfield strings.

 

Federico Chiesa, son of Gigi Buffon’s former Parma teammate Enrico, extended his contract this week and is becoming a firm fixture in the line-up.

 

Federico Bernardeschi supports Tianjin Quanjian transfer target Nikola Kalinic, but Matias Vecino bolsters the midfield, leaving out Josip Ilicic.

 

Juve welcome back Buffon after he suffered from a bout of flu, while Giorgio Chiellini has contracted it too, but is still passed fit to start.

 

Leonardo Bonucci and Alex Sandro are back in the XI following injury lay-offs, but Stephan Lichtsteiner is suspended, so Max Allegri returns to a 3-5-2 formation.

 

It is the first time the 'BBC' defence has started together since October 29 against Napoli.

 

Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain lead the way in attack, but Miralem Pjanic is sacrificed in favour of the steelier Stefano Sturaro.

 

 

Fiorentina: Tatarusanu; Sanchez, Gonzalo Rodriguez, Astori; Chiesa, Badelj, Vecino, Olivera; Borja Valero, Bernardeschi; Kalinic

Fiorentina bench: Lezzerini, Sportiello, De Maio, Zarate, Tello, Salcedo, Cristoforo, Hagi, Babacar , Milic, Tomovic, Ilicic

 

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Cuadrado, Khedira, Marchisio, Sturaro, Alex Sandro; Dybala, Higuain

Juventus bench: Neto, Audero, Pjanic, Hernanes, Mandzukic, Pjaca, Asamoah, Rugani, Rincon

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 20

Sunday, January 15th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence
Referee: Luca Banti

 

 

 

Astori: 'No introduction needed'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/96939/astori-no-introduction-needed

 

 

Jan 15, 2017

 

Davide Astori said Fiorentina’s showdown with Juventus this evening “needs no introduction. The fans let us understand what it means.”

 

It kicks off at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

 

“This game requires no introduction, nor do we as a team have to prepare ourselves emotionally, because the fans let us understand what it means the moment we arrived in the city,” the defender told Mediaset Premium.

 

“We are ready to put in a great performance and fight it out face to face with a strong team.

 

“It is our first Serie A match of 2017, so we need to immediately find that rhythm and routine, because we can’t allow Juve even a few moments to settle.”

 

The Viola saw last week’s trip to Pescara postponed due to snowfall, but they did squeeze past Chievo with a last-gasp penalty in the Coppa Italia midweek.

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 20

Sunday, January 15th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence
Referee: Luca Banti

 

 

 

Bonucci snipes at Viola rivalry

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/96937/bonucci-snipes-viola-rivalry

 

 

Jan 15, 2017

 

Leonardo Bonucci sniped that “for Fiorentina it’s the game of the year, but for Juventus it’s the same as any other match.”

 

It kicks off at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

 

“It’ll be a very difficult game, especially because as far as Fiorentina are concerned, it’s the game of the year,” the defender told JTV.

 

“For us, it’s just another three points up for grabs, the same as any other match, a stepping stone on the path to our seasonal objectives.

 

“They will try to start really strong and attack us from the opening minute. We must therefore do well to pass it cleanly and make the most of the spaces they’ll leave for us.”

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 20

Sunday, January 15th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence
Referee: Luca Banti

 

 

 

HT 1-0: Kalinic shocks Juventus

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/96942/ht-kalinic-shocks-juventus

 

 

Jan 15, 2017

 

Nikola Kalinic has given Fiorentina a deserved half-time lead over Juventus, as Gigi Buffon was tested and Matias Vecino hit the upright.

 

The Viola had Borja Valero back at last after an ankle problem, but left Josip Ilicic on the bench. Stephan Lichtsteiner was suspended with Dani Alves injured, Mario Lemina and Medhi Benatia at the Africa Cup of Nations, but the ‘BBC’ defence started together for the first time since October 29. Juan Cuadrado returned to his old hunting ground.

 

Juve had won their last five competitive meetings with Fiorentina, home and away. On Tuscan soil, the 4-2 thriller in October 2013 is their only defeat since 1998, along with seven victories and nine draws.

 

Matias Vecino burst through the middle and his shot was beaten away low by Buffon, then on 10 minutes the same player dribbled through the defence and thumped the outside of the near post from close range.

 

Federico Chiesa, who renewed his contract this week, also found space down the right and forced Buffon into a one-handed save at the foot of the near stick.

 

The initial pressure calmed after a while and Alex Sandro was able to test Ciprian Tatarusanu with a smart flick and volley.

 

However, Fiorentina continued to have the better of the game and took a deserved lead. Bernardeschi prodded through the pass for Nikola Kalinic’s angled drive across Buffon into the far bottom corner.

 

Juve finally threatened on the stroke of half-time, as Cuadrado couldn’t get on the end of a Dybala cross and Gonzalo Higuain’s shot was charged down by Maxi Olivera.

 

 

Fiorentina 1-0 Juventus (Half-Time)

Kalinic 37 (F)

 

Fiorentina: Tatarusanu; Sanchez, Gonzalo Rodriguez, Astori; Chiesa, Badelj, Vecino, Olivera; Borja Valero, Bernardeschi; Kalinic

 

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Cuadrado, Khedira, Marchisio, Sturaro, Alex Sandro; Dybala, Higuain

 

Ref: Banti

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS 

 

2-1

 

 

Nikola Kalinic 37'

Milan Badelj 54'

Gonzalo Higuaín 58'

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 20

Sunday, January 15th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence
Referee: Luca Banti

 

 

 

Fiorentina 2-1 Juventus: Kalinic &

Badelj on target as leaders beaten

 

The champions' lead at the top of the table has been cut to just

one point, although they do have a game in hand on their title rivals.

 

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en/match/fiorentina-vs-juventus/2305947/report

 

 

Jan 15, 2017

 

Fiorentina breathed life into the Serie A title race by producing a commanding performance to beat bitter rivals and pacesetters Juventus 2-1 on Sunday.

 

Roma's 1-0 win over Udinese earlier in the day cut Juve's lead to a single point and they rarely looked like providing a response, as Paulo Sousa's men dominated for much of the match and deservedly secured a rare victory over their fierce foes.

 

Juve were guilty of a particularly limp showing in the first half, as Fiorentina took control with an intense display and carved open numerous chances.

 

Nikola Kalinic eventually gave the home side the lead with his ninth league goal of the season, late on in an opening period that offered Juve few reasons to be positive.

 

Fiorentina deservedly doubled their advantage in the 54th minute through Milan Badelj's fluke effort, but Gonzalo Higuain swiftly pulled one back with his sixth Serie A goal in four outings.

 

Juve, who still have a game in hand on their title rivals, piled the pressure on towards the end as things got desperate, but Fiorentina were ultimately good value for the triumph.

 

Leonardo Bonucci's pre-match snipe suggesting this was Fiorentina's "game of the year", but only a "stepping stone" on Juve's path to glory seemed to be given credence by the hosts' start, as they attacked with brilliant ferocity.

 

Matias Vecino was particularly threatening, forcing Gianluigi Buffon into a strong save seven minutes in after latching on to a loose ball on the edge of the area.

 

 

The Uruguayan went even closer a few minutes later, darting into the left side of the area to offer support to Kalinic and eventually slamming a left-footed effort on to the post.

 

Fiorentina finally made the most of their superiority eight minutes before the break – Kalinic beating Buffon from a tight angle after being fed into the box by Filippo Bernardeschi.

 

Juve almost levelled on the stroke of half-time, but Maxi Olivera crucially blocked Higuain's goal-bound effort to preserve the hosts' lead.

 

Fiorentina remained in the ascendancy early in the second period and should have scored a second four minutes after the restart, but Kalinic delayed his finish after racing on to Bernardeschi's incisive pass and Buffon made an important block.

 

Buffon was beaten a few moments later, though, as Badelj's half-volleyed pass from deep sailed all the way through without a touch from anyone else and found the bottom-right corner.

 

Juve gave themselves a lifeline just before the hour mark. Higuain stabbed home from close range after Sami Khedira's cross struck Stefano Sturaro and dropped kindly for the Argentinian.

 

Fiorentina generally did a good job of keeping Juve at arm's length thereafter, but had two lucky escapes in the final 10 minutes.

 

Ciprian Tatarusanu closed his legs just in time to keep a Higuain header out and, in the ensuing scramble, Giorgio Chiellini saw his effort kept out by the goalkeeper.

 

Paulo Dybala then blazed over after darting into the box with two minutes to go, letting Fiorentina off the hook.

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS 

 

2-1

 

 

Nikola Kalinic 37'

Milan Badelj 54'

Gonzalo Higuaín 58'

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 20

Sunday, January 15th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence
Referee: Luca Banti

 

 

 

Kalinic shines in Juve upset

 

Goals from Nikola Kalinic and Milan Badelj on either side of half-time provide the Viola

with their first league win over the Bianconeri since 2013, blowing open the title race.

 

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en/match/fiorentina-vs-juventus/2305947/ratings

 

 

Jan 15, 2017

 

 

TEAM RATINGS

Fiorentina

• 12C. Tătăruşanu

  Two critical stops out of desperation to deny Higuain and Chiellini late on preserved the win.

• 2G. Rodríguez

  Led with authority at the back, keeping his side organised and keeping Juventus from getting through. Didn't put a foot wrong.

• 13D. Astori

  An accomplished display in defence, impressing with his reading of the game. Put in some strong tackles as well.

• 15M. Olivera

  A vital block denied Higuain an equaliser just before the interval, though he needed to be stronger on Sturaro in the build-up to Higuain's goal.

• 8M. Vecino

  Really positive play in midfield, proving a handful for the Juventus defence. Twice came close to scoring in the early going.

• 25F. Chiesa

  Covered plenty of ground as he got up and down the flank to great effect. Was locked in an entertaining duel with Alex Sandro throughout. His presence in the area was just enough to put off Buffon for the second goal.

• 6C. Sánchez

  Impressed with his tenacity in defence. Kept Juventus to the periphery and even pieced together some decent runs forward.

• 5M. Badelj

  His work rate was exceptional, clsoing his gaps with great determination and offering consistent support for the back line. Scored the second with a hint of good fortune, as his cross from 35 yards went all the way through.

• 20Borja Valero

  Put the Juventus defence to the test with the quality of his deliveries throughout. Did well to find pockets of space and was decisive in possession.

• 9N. Kalinić

  A man-of-the-match performance from the striker who ran himself into the ground. Opened the scoring with an accomplished finish, on the end of a move he started. Excellent hold-up play throughout, showing great awareness in leading the line.

• 10F. Bernardeschi

  Played Kalinic through for the opener. Proved a valuable link between midfield and attack, really helping Fiorentina in transition.

Juventus

• 1G. Buffon

  Made a number of fine saves to keep the game close as Fiorentina applied consistent pressure through the first hour. Commanded his area well, but would have maybe liked to do better on the second goal.

• 3G. Chiellini

  Needed to be much stronger in the challenge. Surprisingly out-worked by Kalinic on several occasions, as the striker's hold-up play gave him fits.

• 19L. Bonucci

  Not as influential in possession as he's used to being, as he struggled to cope with Fiorentina's high press.

• 15A. Barzagli

  Blocked passage through from the left flank, but needed to offer more support on Kalinic. Lacked the necessary pace at times.

• 12Alex Sandro

  He battled out on the flank with Chiesa, working hard for his openings, and was the architect of some of Juventus' better moments in attack.

• 8C. Marchisio

  Was a marked man in midfield, unable to drop deep and pull the strings. Needed to do better to find space and distribute the ball.

• 6S. Khedira

  His cross led to their only goal. Needed to be more responsible with the ball higher up the pitch.

• 27S. Sturaro

  A tidy pass to assist Higuain's goal, but that was the lone bright spot in a match where he saw little of the ball and generally lacked adventure.

• 7J. Cuadrado

  A shadow of himself against his former side, proving pedestrian in possession and failing to carve out a single chance.

• 21P. Dybala

  Squandered a great chance to equalise in the final minutes, but skied his effort. Uncharacteristically lacking in quality, was the striker, who will want to quickly forget about tonight.

• 9G. Higuaín

  Pounced on a decent set-up to fire his side back in the game from close range, and nearly bagged his second with a header inside the final 10 minutes. Otherwise it was a frustrating night as he was held at bay by a stubborn Fiorentina defence.

Substitutes

• 19S. Cristóforo

  Did well on the ball to win more than a few free-kicks for his side, helping to alleviate pressure late on.

• 72J. Iličić

  Composed on the ball and had a glorious chance to put the game to bed late on when he was played through by Kalinic, but a heavy touch took the ball behind.

• 16Tello

  Late sub.

Substitutes

• 28T. Rincón

  On for the final 10 minutes, but couldn't find the decisive ball they lacked.

• 20M. Pjaca

  Replaced Sturaro for the final 30 but was unable to influence the game.

• 17M. Mandžukić

  A delightful layoff to play Dybala through for what should have been the equaliser.

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS 

 

2-1

 

 

Nikola Kalinic 37'

Milan Badelj 54'

Gonzalo Higuaín 58'

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 20

Sunday, January 15th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence
Referee: Luca Banti

 

 

 

Fiorentina flatten rivals Juventus

 

Nikola Kalinic and Milan Badelj gave Fiorentina their first home win

over Juventus since 2013 and sent the leaders down to a shock 2-1 defeat.

 

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/88018

 

 

Jan 15, 2017

 

The Viola had Borja Valero back at last after an ankle problem, but left Josip Ilicic on the bench. Stephan Lichtsteiner was suspended with Dani Alves injured, Mario Lemina and Medhi Benatia at the Africa Cup of Nations, but the ‘BBC’ defence started together for the first time since October 29. Juan Cuadrado returned to his old hunting ground.

 

Juve had won their last five competitive meetings with Fiorentina, home and away. On Tuscan soil, the 4-2 thriller in October 2013 is their only defeat since 1998, along with seven victories and nine draws.

 

Matias Vecino burst through the middle and his shot was beaten away low by Buffon, then on 10 minutes the same player dribbled through the defence and thumped the outside of the near post from close range.

 

Federico Chiesa, who renewed his contract this week, also found space down the right and forced Buffon into a one-handed save at the foot of the near stick.

 

The initial pressure calmed after a while and Alex Sandro was able to test Ciprian Tatarusanu with a smart flick and volley.

 

However, Fiorentina continued to have the better of the game and took a deserved lead. Bernardeschi prodded through the pass for Nikola Kalinic’s angled drive across Buffon into the far bottom corner.

 

Juve finally threatened on the stroke of half-time, as Cuadrado couldn’t get on the end of a Dybala cross and Gonzalo Higuain’s shot was charged down by Maxi Olivera.

 

Buffon had to be alert on a Bernardeschi cushioned volley and again to rush off his line to close down Kalinic, so it was no surprise when Fiorentina doubled their lead.

 

Milan Badelj’s cross-shot over the top sailed over everyone and Chiesa made a gesture to volley with his shin, but didn’t seem to make contact, so the movement alone wrong-footed Buffon.

 

Moments later, Juventus got back into it, as Sami Khedira’s cross bundled off both Sturaro and Olivera until Higuain pounced to tap in the loose ball from six yards.

 

Marko Pjaca came on, moving the Bianconeri to a 4-2-3-1 system, but they struggled to create any genuine chances. Pjaca had a mazy run down the left and his shot was charged down.

 

There was a chaotic move after Higuain’s header from a free kick was parried by Tatarusanu’s feet, everyone piled on to the loose ball in the six-yard box until the goalkeeper somehow got it under control.

 

Mario Mandzukic sent Dybala clear in the final minute of normal time and he seemed to get the hard part over with by shaking off a defender only to blast over the bar. It was a huge miss and summed up Dybala’s overall rather poor night.

 

Josip Ilicic also missed a sitter in stoppages, as he sprung the offside trap and tried to dribble round Buffon, but went too far and ran it straight out of play.

 

---

 

Fiorentina: Tatarusanu; Sanchez, Gonzalo Rodriguez, Astori; Chiesa (Tello 81), Badelj, Vecino, Olivera; Borja Valero (Ilicic 84), Bernardeschi (Cristoforo 70); Kalinic

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli (Mandzukic 79), Bonucci, Chiellini; Cuadrado, Khedira, Marchisio (Rincon 77), Sturaro (Pjaca 61), Alex Sandro; Dybala, Higuain

Ref: Banti

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS 

 

2-1

 

 

Nikola Kalinic 37'

Milan Badelj 54'

Gonzalo Higuaín 58'

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 20

Sunday, January 15th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence
Referee: Luca Banti

 

 

 

Fiorentina topple Juventus, give chasing

pack hope in Serie A title race

 

 

 

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/report?gameId=461106

 

 

Jan 15, 2017

 

Fiorentina put a dent in Juventus' title charge with a 2-1 win at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.

Nikola Kalinic and Federico Chiesa fired Fiorentina in front with goals in either half and, although Gonzalo Higuain got Juve back into it, the Serie A leaders could not find an equaliser.

Defeat leaves Juve one point clear of Roma, although still with a game in hand.

Fiorentina did the bulk of the pressing early on. Matias Vecino had a great chance in the ninth minute when the hosts capitalised on uncertainty in the Juve defence and he wriggled through on the left. But, as the angle tightened, he sent his rising shot against the outside of a post and away to safety for the visitors.

By that point, Kalinic had already seen one shot charged down and they kept the pressure on as Chiesa brought a save out of Gianluigi Buffon with a low shot from the right.

Vecino then fired wide as it began to seem like Fiorentina were going to regret their spurned chances.

They appealed in vain when Kalinic collapsed under a cross, claiming a push, but moments later the Croatian fired them into the lead.

A long ball up fell to Federico Bernardeschi, who slipped in Kalinic in the right channel, from where his low shot across goal beat Buffon to find the bottom corner of the net.

Juve were struggling to get going as an attacking force, with Ciprian Tatarusani having little to do -- comfortably holding a long-range volley from Alex Sandro, while watching a header sail comfortably over the bar from Giorgio Chiellini.

As half-time approached they created their best chance. Juan Cuadrado, playing against his former club, tried to get on the end of a cross, but instead the ball ricocheted up, eventually falling for Higuain.

His low shot was blocked by the arm of Maximiliano Olivera, but, as the Fiorentina man was on the ground and looking away from play at the time, the penalty appeals were correctly waved away.

Kalinic had a glorious chance to double the lead four minutes into the second half when played in by Chiesa, but Buffon was quickly off his line to smother the chance.

But they did not have to wait long for the second, with Chiesa the man to score it in the 54th minute. Milan Badelj drove a high ball into the box and Chiesa got the slightest of touches, barely redirecting the ball but doing enough to keep Buffon on his line.

However, Fiorentina had barely finished celebrating when Juventus cut into the lead in rather scrappy fashion, with a loose ball in the area falling for Higuain to stab home.

Vecino appeared to squander a chance to reply immediately, but the flag was raised as he fired high and wide.

With 10 minutes to go, Juve had a great chance to level, but Tatarusano palmed away Higuain's header and then his defenders helped him smother Juve attempts to poke the loose ball home in a goalmouth scramble.

With time running out, Paulo Dybala broke into the area, but he went for power and blazed hopelessly high and wide on his preferred left foot.

In stoppage time, Josip Ilicic wasted an even better chance to seal it, breaking clean through only to lose his nerve in front of goal as Buffon close him down.

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS 

 

2-1

 

 

Nikola Kalinic 37'

Milan Badelj 54'

Gonzalo Higuaín 58'

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 20

Sunday, January 15th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence
Referee: Luca Banti

 

 

 

Chiesa: 'Like a Viola title'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/96944/chiesa-viola-title

 

 

Jan 15, 2017

 

Federico Chiesa said Fiorentina beating Juventus “is like its own season all by itself” and claims he did get a touch for the second goal.

 

Nikola Kalinic opened the scoring and Milan Badelj’s cross-shot grazed Chiesa’s shin for the second before a Gonzalo Higuain consolation.

 

“I threw my shirt to the fans after the game because they fired us up so much,” the 19-year-old said on Mediaset Premium.

 

“This match is like its own season all by itself. We were more determined than Juventus. The goal? I thought I touched it, but we’ll see who gets the credit.

 

“I just signed the contract and the jersey is like a second skin to me. It’d be a dream to become the future of Fiorentina, but I have to take it one day at a time.

 

“I dedicate the goal to my family, who have always helped me.”

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110