As Juventus prepares to host Fiorentina in a pivotal Serie A clash, both teams find themselves locked on 31 points, making this match crucial for Champions League qualification . Juventus enters the fixture with an impressive unbeaten streak of 13 matches and boasts the league's best defensive record, having secured ten clean sheets. However, their recent tendency to draw rather than win has raised concerns among fans and analysts alike. Conversely, Fiorentina has struggled recently, suffering defeats in their last two outings after a promising start to the season . This contest could serve as a turning point for either side.
Weston McKennie and Nicolas Gonzalez were on the scoresheet as Juventus squeezed past rock-bottom Monza 2-1 last weekend. That was their 13th consecutive unbeaten game in all competitions. More importantly, it maintained Thiago Motta’s unbeaten league record in charge.
Despite being the only team alongside Paris Saint-Germain yet to lose a top-flight fixture across Europe’s top-five league this season, Juventus’ notorious inability to turn draws into victories could cost them dearly. Indeed, they languish three points adrift of fourth-placed Lazio pre-round, with nine standing between them and pacesetters Atalanta.
The triumph over Monza was brought to the squad by Nico Gonzalez, one of the many players who have made the transition from Florence to Turin. Fiorentina has long been referred to as not just the "Violets" but rather "Affiliates," suggesting that their stars often end up at Juventus. Vlahovic and Gonzalez are recent examples. Speaking of Dusan, he has been consistently performing well lately: he has scored against Manchester City in the Champions League, Cagliari in the Coppa Italia, and he netted a crucial penalty against Venezia in the league.
In the calendar year of 2024, the Bianconeri under Motta and Allegri finished 20 matches in Serie A with draws. Only Perugia had more in the distant 1979 – 22 matches. Juventus has yet to break that record, but such omnipresence in draws is certainly not pleasing to the Turin tifosi. Moreover, it won’t bring silverware. Following the match against Fiorentina, Juventus will travel to Saudi Arabia, where the Italian Supercup will be contested in early January. On the third, Motta’s men will face Milan.
Juventus vs Fiorentina Potential Starting Line-ups
Juventus (4-2-3-1): Di Gregorio; Savona, Kalulu, Gatti, Cambiaso; Locatelli, Thuram; Conceicao, Gonzalez, Yildiz; Vlahovic.
Fiorentina (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Dodo, Comuzzo, Ranieri, Gosens; Adli, Cataldi; Colpani, Gudmundsson, Sottil; Kean.
Historically, Juventus has had the upper hand in this matchup. They have won 26 of their previous encounters against Fiorentina and have shown dominance at home with a record of three wins and six draws this season. While Juventus aims to capitalize on their home advantage and maintain momentum from their recent victory over Monza, Fiorentina faces an uphill battle given their lackluster away form—especially considering they have lost twelve of their last thirteen matches against Juventus on the road. The forecast suggests that this match may yield fewer goals based on both teams' recent performances and head-to-head statistics.
In terms of line-ups, while specific formations are not disclosed in previews, it is anticipated that Juventus will field key players such as Vlahovic leading the attack along with McKennie and Locatelli in midfield. Meanwhile, Fiorentina could rely on De Gea in goal alongside Kean and Beltran up front. Analysts predict a low-scoring affair characterized by strategic play rather than offensive fireworks; thus "under 2.5 goals" is the likely outcome . As these two clubs vie for critical points in Serie A standings amidst mounting pressure for Champions League qualification, fans can expect an intense encounter filled with tactical nuances.
Read more
Premier League: Liverpool vs. West Ham United-Predicted Lineup and predictions Crystal Palace vs Southampton: Preview, free online live and lineupsSarah H
Also on site :
- I’m the Boston Celtics legend who has a perfect 6-0 record vs Michael Jordan in the playoffs and was the one NBA star that MJ couldn’t beat
- Phil Maton tells The Post he’s out for revenge against 29 teams —including Mets — for free agency snub: ‘It’s personal’
- Celebrity Big Brother star reveals she’s engaged after very romantic proposal in the Maldives