Juventus defeated Fiorentina 1-0 at the Juventus Stadium on Sunday afternoon in Serie A.
The Bianconeri gained revenge for their astonishing defeat in Florence back in October as a first half goal from Kwadwo Asamoah was enough to see off the challenge of the Viola.
Although Vincenzo Montella had the fit again Mario Gomez to call on, the absence of the suspended Borja Valero and long-term injury victim Giuseppe Rossi seemed vital against a determined Juventus side despite themselves missing Andrea Pirlo.
Despite the absence of the suspended Italian international it was the Bianconeri who controlled the opening exchanges, pressing the vistors straight from kick-off and creating the first clear chance when Fernando Llorente played in Arturo Vidal, but after supplying the onrushing Stephan Lichtsteiner the Swiss international sliced well wide after being forced onto his left foot.
While the Viola seemed content to stifle the Juventus attacks they did slowly begin making their way into the game with Anderson trying to impress in midfield, snapping at the heels of the opposition and trying drive the team forward.
With Antonio Conte’s side struggling to play their way through the Viola it was a more direct approach that nearly brought the breakthrough as Claudio Marchisio played a ball over the top of the defence for Carlos Tevez who’s attempt to control the ball saw it trickle past the post despite appearing offside.
On 26 minutes Juventus went even closer when Asamoah met a deep cross sweetly on the volley, but Neto showed great reflexes to readjust his body and palm away when Alberto Aquilani’s outstretched boot nearly deflected the ball past him.
With their constant domination looking destined to give the Old Lady the lead a corner kick was excellently flicked on at the near post by Paul Pogba, but Juan Vargas just managed to rise high enough to head away and stop Vidal nodding into an empty net.
Just before half-time Juventus had their advantage through Asamoah, the Ghanaian with a wonderful piece of skill to cut in from the left, and although surrounded by several Fiorentina defenders fired off a shot that took a slight deflection off the leg of David Pizarro and flew in off Neto’s left post.
Highlighting the visitors meagre attempts to test the Gianluigi Buffon during the opening period was the fact that their only attempt was a blocked Aquilani shot from some 30 yards from goal.
Although the second half started following a similar path Fiorentina finally created a second attempt on the Juventus goal only for Gomez to completely head a Manuel Pasqual cross off target six yards from goal.
With Juventus seemingly willing to defend their one goal lead and Fiorentina failing to replicate the quality that they have shown on numerous times this season the game as a contest looked destined to fade away, as is the Viola’s hopes of catching Napoli in third and a chance of Champions League qualification.
However, as the clock ticked down Fiorentina nearly drew level when Ryder Matos, on for the ineffectual Gomez, met a Rafal Wolski flick-on yards from goal but could only direct his header against the crossbar as Juventus had their victory.
Follow Kevin Pogorzelski on Twitter: @rabbitrabbiton
