The Giallorossi might complain that Daniele De Rossi had a late goal ruled out due to a debatable line call, but in reality taking a point from this fixture represents a timely upturn in league form.
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Needless to say, in stark contrast to the Roma-Napoli game earlier in the day, this one would live up to its billing in the early stages, with Fiorentina grabbing the lead in the third minute through the boot of Josep Ilicic from the penalty spot – that after Federico Bernardeschi was hauled down in the area.
“The match on Sunday is very important”, midfielder Claudio Marchisio told reporters. “We want to be protagonists, play with confidence and make the most of our qualities”, he said.
“Fiorentina are not up there by chance, they have been consistent at home and away”.
The Bianconeri had three separate scorers during their win at the Juventus stadium, however the 48-year-old tactician has singled out Mario Mandzukic, who was about to taken off during the match prior to his goal, but ultimately helped the Old Lady secure all three points.
Roma were booed off the pitch in midweek after an insipid 0-0 Champions League draw against BATE Borisov despite qualifying for the last 16.
There is no love lost between Fiorentina and Juventus, an animosity that dates back to the 1982 season when Fiorentina fans feel they were robbed of a third title on the last day of the season.
It was Juventus who asked more of the questions either side of the interval as Fiorentina dropped deeper to protect what would have been a good result, and despite the home side dominating possession, Paulo Sousa’s men coped easily for long spells.
Influential winger Mohamed Salah is, however, available again after making his first appearance in over a month in the goalless draw with BATE Borisov on Wednesday. It’d be a whole different story had we got those. “We have to recover quickly”.
The same player made a mistake that nearly let Fiorentina in for a second goal when play resumed, but Nikola Kalinic was anticipated by Buffon before he could capitalise.
Gonzalo Higuain scored both of Napoli’s goals and the striker can break the club record belonging to fellow Argentinian Diego Maradona this weekend, if he nets in his ninth consecutive home match.
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Leading standings: Crotone 37; Cagliari 36; Bari 32; Novara 31; Cesena, Brescia 27; Pescara, Entella 25.
