33nd Matchday: Juventus - Fiorentina 1-1

Fiorentina left the Delle Alpi with a point after a hard-fought draw with the bianconeri. After a competitive opening forty-five minutes, in which Abbiati saved a penalty from Jimenez, the Viola went ahead early in the second half through Luca Toni. Del Piero’s strike a quarter of an hour later levelled for the home side and ensured a draw that sees Juve 7 points clear at the head of Serie A after Milan beat Chievo at home.

Following a disappointing exit from the Champions league in mid-week, Juve felt that they had a point to prove to their detractors and were determined to justify their dominance of Serie A this season. They stated their intent from as early as the first minute, when Vieira’s headed effort went just inches over the bar. Minutes later, Zlatan tried his luck from distance, his right-footed shot swerving agonisingly wide of the post.

With Juventus controlling much of the early possession, Fiorentina were awarded a penalty a quarter of an hour into the first half against the run of play. Surging into the box from the left-hand-side, Toni beat Thuram before going down under the challenge of Zebina. From the subsequent spot-kick, Abbiati – a last-minute replacement for Buffon - guessed correctly to deny Jimenez and keep the game at 0-0. Later in the half Fiore’s low cross was almost converted by Giannichedda, the deflection beating Abbiati and striking the post before being frantically cleared by the ‘keeper.

However, moments after the restart Luca Toni capitalised on a backheel from Jimenez to put the Viola in front. The goal seemed to spark a new determination in the home team who went close through a fierce strike from Zambrotta from outside the area. This was soon followed by the Juventus equaliser. Seeing Del Piero in space just inside the area, Vieira played an inch-perfect through ball which the Juve captain coolly slotted to the left of Lobont. Not content with a draw, the bianconeri sought a second goal and went close twice trough Ibrahimovic and Zalayeta before Vieira’s powerful header struck the bar. In the final minutes Ibra had another chance but was unable to control Vieira’s pass, striking his shot over the bar.

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