KALINIC HITS THE BAR FOR FIORENTINA! The striker almost makes up for his penalty miss with a header at the back post, but it the cross was slightly above him which results in the attempt cannoning off the woodwork! Incredible end to this match!
90' +2
FOUR MINUTES of added time have been allocated by the referee, which normally would catalyse some cheers for the home crowd, but you get the feeling that Fiorentina have allowed their chance of an equaliser to pass by with that missed penalty.
90'
Penalty saved by G. Buffon!
SAVED BY BUFFON! The legendary stopper lives up to his reputation and saves all three points for Juventus with a stunning save down to his left to deny Kalinic, who had actually won the spotkick. UNREAL!
Justice is probably done, as Kalinic misses the penalty kick after taking a dive to win it in the first place!
89'
J. Cuadrado gets yellow.
PENALTY KICK TO FIORENTINA! Cuadrado, who has only been involved in the action a couple of minutes, is penalised for bringing down Kalinic inside the area! That looked a clear dive from the striker, but the referee doesn't share this view and points to the spot, while the Colombian sees yellow.
88'
F. Roncaglia enters the game and replaces M. Badelj.
J. Cuadrado enters the game and replaces S. Lichtsteiner.
Liechsteiner comes off to be replaced by Juan Cuadrado.
For Fiorentina, Sebastian Roncaglia replaces Badelj.
87'
The Fiorentina fans eagerly keep an eye on the fourth official who is preparing to announce how much added time will be allocated. Unclear how much we will actually see as the game has been relatively free-flowing for the most part, but the Viola certainly want to see a big number on the board!
85'
Allegri reacts quickly to going a goal up again and makes a defensive alteration to his line-up. Paul Pogba is the man coming off after yet another dazzling performance, and his replacement will be Kwadwo Asamoah, who will just provide a little more steel in the midfield area in these latter stages.
84'
K. Asamoah enters the game and replaces P. Pogba.
83'
Álvaro Morata has scored a goal for Juventus!
Álvaro Morata gets yellow.
GOOOOAALLLL! GOOOOAALLL! GOOOAAALLLL FOR JUVENTUS! AN INCREDIBLE RESPONSE! A cross is floated in to the back post which falls fortuitously to the feet of Evra, who slises a goal-bound strike aimed towards the bottom corner which is blocked on the line by Badelj. In predatory fashion, though, Morata is on hand to tap home from a yard out to restore the lead! Two-one! Unbelievable!
Morata is booked for goading the Fiorentina fans during his goal celebration.
81'
N. Kalinić has scored a goal for Fiorentina! Assist by M. Zárate.
A positive impact off the bench for Zarate, who hunts down Bonucci before setting up Kalinic!
GOOOOOOAAAAALLLL!! GOOOAAALLLL FOR FIORENTINA! THE HOSTS BACK ON LEVEL TERMS! Bonucci is guilty of some absolutely suicidal defending at the back as he attempts to dribble his way out of trouble before being dispossessed by Zarate. The substitute then tees up Kalinic, who fires a superb finish curled into the right corner! ONE-ONE!
Minute
Description
78'
OOOOHHH JUST OVER KALINIC'S HEAD! Alonso, who disappointed with a cross only a moment ago which flew harmlessly behind, does much better on this occasion with an absolutely fantastic cross to the back post for his team-mate, who just finds himself caught under it a little, meaning he can't rise high enough to direct a header on goal! Juve survive.
76'
A little too close for comfort for Juve here as Fiorentina are definitely on the ascendancy as we enter the last portion of the match. Even with the experience of the visitors, with the game so narrowly poised at 1-0 there are sure to be nerves creeping into the ranks of the Old Lady, especially considering they could be named champions tomorrow night.
74'
FIORENTINA COME CLOSE TO THE EQUALISER! Surprisingly, Juventus allow the home side not one, but two attempts to get a shot away from inside the box after failed attempted clearances by Barzagli and Rugani. The ball eventually drops to Alonso completely unmarked, but he just can't get a good connection on the ball which allows Chiellini to make the vital block!
72'
D. Rugani gets yellow.
Ladies and gentleman, history has been made tonight. After a tug on the shirt of Bernardeschi, Rugani is called over by the referee to see his very first yellow card of his young career in the colous of Juventus. Fair enough, as you don't play alongside Bonucci, Barzagli, and Chiellini without learning how to get yourself into the book...
70'
Álvaro Morata enters the game and replaces P. Dybala.
That wonderful piece of trickery will be Dybala's last contribution to the match, as he is coming off to be replaced by Alvaro Morata. The Spaniard isn't exactly a bad substitute to bring on, so Fiorentina will need to deal with a very different threat now that he will be partnering Mandzukic up top.
69'
Dybala collects the ball deep inside his own half and finds himself crowded out by two or three Fiorentina players. It seems likely that he will be dispossessed, but somehow manages to dance his way away from danger before catalysing a Juventus counter with a bursting run through the middle. What a player!
67'
About a third of the match remaining now and we remain at 1-0 Juve with the game delicately balanced. Fiorentina will feel aggrieved that they have perhaps not managed to get back on level terms, but even with the opposition goal being peppered with shots, the home side have struggled to create clear goalscoring chances inside the box.
65'
Pogba displays a quite brilliant piece of footwork to leave Valero for dead in the middle of the park and then strides forward before threading a lovely pass down the wing for Dybala. The Argentine attempts to take on Rodriguez with a couple of dazzling stepovers, but the Fiorentina captain defends well to usher possession out for a goal-kick.
63'
Second change of the match from Sousa and it sees Tello, who has displayed moments of pace and quality down that right wing without every really managing to find the final ball, leave the pitch to be replaced by Mati Fernandez.
62'
M. Fernández enters the game and replaces Cristian Tello.
61'
There is certainly no love lost between Juventus and Fiorentina tonight, as the tackles have been flying in within the past couple of minutes. Dybala, Liechsteiner, Valero, and Alonso are all the guilty parties and, although fairly entertaining, it is not allowing the game to flow to a particularly good standard.
59'
That venture into the final third a few minutes ago from Pogba shows just how dangerous Juventus can be on the counter, and this is the risk Fiorentina are playing with at the moment as they desperately try and find an equaliser. With plenty of men flooding forward for the hosts, it wouldn't be surprising if Allegri's men went up the park and grabbed another.
57'
G. Rodríguez gets yellow.
First yellow card of the match now and it is definitely a deserved one for Gonzalo Rodriguez, who takes Dybala completely out the game with an extremely poor challenge around 25 yards out, which results in a free kick. A little bit higher from the former Villarreal defender and that was a leg-breaker...
55'
WHAT A MISS FROM POGBA! Fiorentina are caught criminally high up the park and Juve take advantage with the Frenchman dashing through on goal to go one-on-one with the keeper, but he rather awkwardly attempts to finish with the wrong foot, which sees the attempt go the wrong side of the right-hand post! A massive let-off for the home side!
53'
M. Zárate enters the game and replaces J. Iličić.
Unfortunately for Ilicic, not only did that strike a few minutes ago fly harmlessly over, but it appears he has actually injured himself in the process of making a connection with the ball. He trudges to the side of the pitch to eventually be replaced by Mauro Zarate.
51'
POOR FROM ILICIC! Tello drives down the right wing with pace and manages to hit the byline before reversing a teasing cross to the edge of the box for his team-mate, but the resulting strike on goal is screwed high and wide of the bar. For the top scoring midfielder in Serie A this season, that is certainly disappointing.
49'
A great start to the second period from Fiorentina here, who have had some fire put in their bellies by Sousa at half-time by the looks of things. They need to try and capitalise on these moments of dominance though, as they started the first half like this only to eventually concede.
47'
An interesting feud is developing between Kalinic and Bonucci, both of whom are clearly not wanting to be bested by the other in terms of physicality. The latest entry in the saga comes with the Juventus defender dropping to the ground after a rogue arm to the face from the Croatian striker. Not a lot in it.
46'
We are back underway at the Artemio Franchi!
45'
Half-time in this Serie A clash. Fiorentina have the right to feel aggrieved going into the break 1-0 down against Juventus after having a perfectly acceptable goal disallowed, whilst also being denied a penalty kick as Marcos Alonso was hauled to the floor at a corner. The Italian champions have been typically ruthless, though, and took the lead after Mandzukic capped off a wonderful move with a low volley into the bottom corner. This promises to be a fiery second period!
43'
WHAT A MISS FROM ALONSO! A corner-kick is swung in to the back post and the former Bolton man gets in front of Rugani to get the diving header away, only to send his attempt off target from six yards! To be fair to the Spaniard, though, he was having his shirt pulled and a penalty should have been awarded. The Viola aren't getting the decisions from the officials so far...
41'
It was mentioned before that the first goal of this game could prove to be vital, but Fiorentina need to try and not be too damaged by going behind as they have been impressive for the majority of the first half, forcing Buffon into a number of saves in the process. The confidence is fllowing within the ranks of Juve now, though.
39'
M. Mandžukić has scored a goal for Juventus! Assist by P. Pogba.
A rare sight of Pogba's aerial ability as he easily rises higher than Tomovic to set up Mandzukic.
GOOOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLLL FOR JUVENTUS! An oustanding move from the Old Lady! Khedira moves through midfield completely unopposed before clipping a perfect cross to the back post for Pogba, who in turn cushions a header into the path of Mandzukic. The Croatian meets the ball with a cracking left-footed volley into the bottom left corner from 20 yards! One-nil!
37'
There is a half-hearted penalty appeal from the Artemio Franchi faithful as the ball bounces up and strikes the bottom of Barzagli's hand, but there was certainly no intent in the incident from the Italian defender, and the referee is right to wave play on despite the protests.
35'
The flow of the game is just being interrupted by a few cynical challenges here and they which have resulted in free-kicks being awarded by the referee. Juventus are the most guilty of this in the past few minutes as both Dybala and Bonucci have committed needless fouls in order to halt the ascendancy of the Viola.
33'
Tello takes on Evra at left-back and decides against going down the right wing, instead shifting possession on to his left foot. After assessing his options in the final third, he pulls the trigger with the attempt flighting ominously towards the top left corner, but Buffon remains calm in the end to claim the strike out of the air.
31'
The Argentine striker is involved in the action again, this time in open play with a neat dribble through the middle of the pitch. He finds a yard of space before spraying a pass out to the right wing for Liechsteiner, but the attack breaks down as Alonso steps in before eventually winning the throw-in for the home side.
29'
Dybala stands over a corner-kick deep down the left wing and has the likes of Barzagli and Bonucci to aim for in and around the six-yard box. The former is the target with the curled cross, but it is Gonzalo Rodriguez who gets there first with a clearing header which is subsequently picked up around 30 yards out by Lemina, as Juve pile on the pressure.
27'
Very patient play from Fiorentina at the moment as they probe around this Juventus defence looking for openings. The current attack ends as Badelj receives possession with his back to goal before turning sharply to get the left-footed shot away, but it is just dragged wide of the post and doesn't pose much of a threat to Buffon.
25'
We are just beyond the midway point of the first half now and, despite the tepid opening to proceedings, we finally seem to have a game on our hands with both sides looking more than capable of opening the scoring. Who will it be, though, as you get the feeling first goal could be vital in such a tight clash?
23'
DYBALAAAA! JUST OVER! The former Palmero man, who has been in and out of the game so far, collects the ball to feet around 25 yards out and tries his luck with a drilled long-range strike. It cannons off a Fiorentina defender on the way through, though, which flights it over the bar for a corner-kick.
21'
OH WHAT A SAVE FROM BUFFON! The Viola once again take advantage of a Juventus defence which is slow to react to the counter, and it is Kalinic who is the threat on this occasion with a powerful dribble down the left. He attempts to pick out a team-mate inside, only for the ball to wickedly deflect towards goal, which forces the veteran keeper to adjust his stance to make the brilliant block!
19'
ANOTHER OFFSIDE GOAL! Fiorentina catch Juventus out with a pacey counterattack and it is Ilicic who leads the charge with a drifting run forward before picking out a threaded pass in behind the defence for Bernardeschi, who opens up his body to send a lovely finish into the corner. The flag goes up once again, but this time it is the WRONG decision! He was onside, just.
17'
Pogba shakes off the attentions of two or three Fiorentina challenges with an impressive display of strength before opening up his considerable stride through the middle to launch an attack forward. The ball eventually comes to Mandzukic, who attempts to link up with Dybala, but a breakdown in communication between the duo allows the home side to step in and reclaim possession.
15'
GOOOOOAAAAAAAAALLLL FOR JUVE! WAIT! NO! OFFSIDE! A cross is curled dangerously into the area and Mandzukic does brilliantly to twist his body to set-up Khedira through on goal, with the German going on to find the back of the net with a lovely finish. Unfortunately for the Old Lady, though, the linesman correctly flags as offside.
13'
SAVE FROM BUFFON! Fiorentina put together a lovely passing move into the final third and Ilicic attempts to top it off with a whipped strike from 25 yards out, but even as the Juventus goalkeeer is called into his first meaningful action of the game, it proves to be a routine stop between the sticks.
11'
Juventus are just starting to become a little more prominent out there in terms of their share of the possession. The central area is just so congested, though, which is making it difficult for the creative players on both sides to find room to operate and try and hurt the opposition. This promises to be a tight affair...
9'
Buffon and Bonucci get involved in a rare miscommunication at the back which allows Alonso to steal possession to send Bernardeschi down the left channel. The talented winger finds a yard of space up against Liechsteiner and proceeds to reverse a teasing cross back into the centre of the box, but there are no takers for Fiorentina and Khedira eventually takes care of the situation by clearing up the park.
7'
Sousa's men may indeed be in a fairly poor run of form compared to their performances earlier in the season, but there are definite signs out there that they are up for the game against their Serie A rivals, Juve. A little more penetration required from the hosts though as a lot of their possession has been in areas which don't pose much of a threat.
5'
Lemina, who is preferred to Hernanes in the starting line-up tonight, receives the ball to feet in midfield but just languishes in possession a little too long which allows Valero to pounce and launch a counter-attack for Fiorentina. Fortunately for the visitors, Bonucci vigilantly steps across to make the vital interception on the Spaniard.
3'
Decent start to the match for the home side here, who are looking to take the game to Juve early on. Tello and Ilicic, who was rested in the game during the week, have been particularly bright with their high-tempo movement of the ball to each other. No real chances as of yet, though.
1'
WE ARE UNDERWAY AT THE ARTEMIO FRANCHI!
Good evening football fans! Welcome to LIVE coverage of the Serie A clash between Fiorentina and Juventus from the Artemio Franchi.
With the departures of key men such as Andrea Pirlo, Carlos Tevez, and Arturo Vidal last summer, this season certainly had an air of transition about it for the Old Lady. This theory proved to be fairly accurate in the first portion of the campaign as Massimiliano's charges struggled to put form together to mount an assault on their fifth straight Italian league title. However, as time went on Juventus' confidence grew and grew alongside their points tally, and they now hold a nine-point lead over Napoli in Serie A, on the cusp of yet another domestic trophy.
The match between Roma and Napoli in 24 hours has ramifications not only for Juventus, but for Fiorentina as well. Paulo Sousa's charges had aspirations of reaching next season's Champions League via their league position, but they will likely be left disappointed as they are currently down in fifth, nine points away from the capital club in the last qualification place for Europe's premier club competition. In order to keep their hopes alive, they must match or better Roma's result tomorrow.
Indeed, should other matches go Juve's way in this round of fixtures, they could be named champions by Monday evening. In order to be crowned, they need to claim all three points tonight and hope that Napoli fail to match that result when they travel to the Italian capital to take on Roma at the Stadio Olimpico tomorrow evening.
TEAM NEWS...
The pre-match stats don't make particularly good reading for Fiorentina fans. Not only have Juventus won eight matches on the bounce in the league, but they remain the Viola's biggest conquerors in the history of Serie A. The Florence-based side face the team today which they have their worst domestic record against, having won just 32 out of 153 league games against Juve. They have also managed to pick up just one win in 15 matches against the Bianconeri.
The last match between the Old Lady and Fiorentina took place at the Juventus stadium in the middle of December, and the Viola had the misfortune of coming up against their opponents who were enjoying the middle of a superb resurgence in form. On that occasion in the Serie A a few months ago, Juve ran out 3-1 winners, with Juan Cuadrado, Paulo Dybala, and Mario Mandzukic all getting on the scoresheet to seal the victory.
The players are making their way to the pitch and we are almost ready for kick-off!
Full-time at the Artemio Franchi. An absolutely breathless last portion of the match comes to an end as Juventus run out narrow 2-1 winners over Fiorentina in this highly entertaining Serie A clash. The goalscorers on the night for Juve were Mario Mandzukic and Alvaro Morata, who netted a mere seconds after the Viola had initially managed to equalise through Nikola Kalinic. The Croatian had the opportunity late on to give the home side a point, but saw his penalty kick dramatically saved by Gigi Buffon. Should Roma fail to win tomorrow, Allegri's men are champions! Thanks for joining us, see you next time!
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