Fiorentina welcomed the reigning Italian Champions – for Seven times in a row – in Florence this Saturday in Serie A’s Matchday 3. Hindered by injuries in their key players, Juventus ended up losing their first points in the Italian League in the goalless draw with the hosts Fiorentina.
But to be honest, Juventus fans should not make a big deal out of this draw at Fiorentina. The hosts were clearly the brightest side, always more organized and were closer to the victory than Turin’s rival, who was hampered by sequential injuries throughout the match.
Coach Maurizio Sarri was unable to make a substitution by tactical or technical option and had to change the team three times because of injuries. First, he had to sub Douglas Costa off for Bernardeschi on seven minutes. At the end of the first half, yet another blow. Pjanic was fouled by Bentancur and could not keep going. Then, Danilo also felt an injury and was replaced by Juan Cuadrado. What bad luck at Juve.
Cristiano Ronaldo was gone missing, as Juventus had little to none offensive power. Fiorentina had the best chances to win but did not take advantage of them. Veteran Frank Ribery made his starting debut and made a good start. He moved a lot and commanded the midfield of the Florence team. He ended up being subbed off for Boateng but went all serenaded by the local fans.
With the 0-0 draw, the seven-point Turin side could lose the lead to both Inter Milan and Torino, who still have a game in hand and have six points. On the other hand, Fiorentina could finally get away with a point in the league after two defeats.
Juventus will now travel all the way from Italy to Spain, where they will take Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium next Wednesday in the UEFA Champions League debut. After that, they are back in action in the Serie A next weekend.