Fiorentina vs. Juventus: Bianconeri Distracted as Champions League Fate Looms

Fiorentina hosted Juventus on Friday evening, the latest instalment in one of Serie A’s most deeply felt rivalries. The bitterness between the two sides was discussed at length here in the match preview—a tense 90 minutes at the Stadio Artemio Franchi was in the offing.

The two sides shared five yellow cards and stats from WhoScored show no fewer than 28 fouls called by the referee. Neither side really created a clear-cut chance to win the game, playing out a dull encounter with very few of the notable moments which have so often punctuated their meetings through the years.

Leonardo Bonucci was arguably the man of the match, the defender putting in a fine performance at the heart of the Bianconeri back line. The 27-year-old marshalled Mario Gomez superbly, denying the German striker a chance to repeat his goal from the Europa League last-16 tie from last term.

Who Scored shows that the Juventus stopper made a game-high nine clearances, adding four interceptions and three blocked shots in a gritty display. His 88 touches were more than any player on either team—as were his 66 completed passes—testament to the quality Bonucci possesses on the ball.

It was notable that he connected more times than Andrea Pirlo, who just last weekend turned in a master- class performance against Torino. Aside from his match-winning goal, the midfield genius was clearly the best player in the derby, a matter discussed at length here.

Against Fiorentina, however, Pirlo looked distracted, and his team-mates appeared to echo that feeling. Paul Pogba played worse than he has in some time, while Arturo Vidal and Roberto Pereyra lacked the focus that has highlighted Juve’s recent matches.

With Carlos Tevez and Claudio Marchisio rested—plus Stephan Lichtsteiner absent through suspension—the Bianconeri failed to shine as they have in recent weeks. “We certainly made a step backwards in terms of chances, as we had created so much in previous games” Bonucci told Sky Italia shortly after the final whistle (h/t Football Italia).

It is difficult to argue with that assessment, the stalemate marking only the second league game this season in which they have not scored. Indeed, netting 12 times in their last three matches alone, Juventus had enjoyed a fine period of form before Friday’s trip to Florence.

That is understandable, however, as Tuesday sees a fixture which could ultimately determine how their 2014-15 season is viewed. Atletico Madrid travel to Turin already qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League, but La Madama still requires a point from the final Group A match up.

Failure to secure it would see the grand Old Lady of Italian football crash out at the first hurdle for the second consecutive season, an unthinkable conclusion to a promise-laden campaign. Massimiliano Allegri knows his future could depend on securing passage to the knockout stages, and as such it requires an excellent performance.

The spotlight will be firmly upon them and that makes their uninspired display against La Viola much more acceptable. With a three-point lead over closest rivals Roma, even the most ardent Juventus supporter would allow such a dour display if it leads to a positive result in Europe next week.

“We must step on to the field with only one objective,” Bonucci concluded when asked about the meeting with Atleti. “We are not a team built to contain, but to attack,” and they will need to return to the sparkling side which so dominated in recent weeks.

Allegri kept Alvaro Morata in reserve against Fiorentina, and the Spanish striker’s pace and directness could be vital against Diego Simeone’s men. Juventus will need their stars at their best—the likes of Tevez, Pogba and Pirlo will be expected to deliver when it is most needed.

Their fate remains in their own hands and it was clearly the only thing on their minds on Friday night.