Tuesday's match with Fiorentina was as close to a must win as possible for it being this early in the season. Prior to the match, Juventus had only won a single game in the last five matches. Fortunately they hadn't lost any but many of those ties felt like losses, especially the Genoa clash. Regardless it was vital for Juve to get back to winning and Fiorentina was a perfect opportunity to set the ship right and get the fans excited again. The score line doesn't truly reflect the flow of the game. Although Fiorentina had its chances, Juve dominated this game and it is no surprise that Conte and a few of the players expressed their displeasure with the end result. Juventus owned this match for about 70 percent of the time. The first half was all Juve while a slow start to the second allowed Fiorentina to get back in it. Juventus had a total of 14 shots on net yet only 2 goals while Fiorentina scored 1 goal on only 2 shots on net. Regardless of how many goals were scored, it is still promising to see so many shots on target as surely some of them will start to make their way past the keeper.
Every match gives a better indication of what players need to play more and what players need to start sitting. Matri carried his form from Sunday bagging his third goal in two games and fourth of the season. He also forced the greatest save of the game as he took a quick shot that curled towards the net, but was met by Boruc's amazing acrobatic effort. One can only wonder how many goals he would have scored had he been given the start each week. Even when Juve switched to a defensive mentality, Matri continued to push forward with conviction and caused the defense loads of trouble on his own. Located on the wing, Vucinic played decently well and should have had a goal as he rocketed a shot right at the keep. However his lack of goals is still a concern and if he doesn't start finding the back of the net soon then maybe it should be time to give Quaglia a shot. As always Pepe worked hard, as he tries to earn the respect that he may actually deserve. The Matri goal was incredible, not because of the finish but because of Pepe. Somehow he threads a perfect ball to Matri while being harassed by three Fiorentina players. He is always a hard worker and, on Tuesday, he didn't make too many mistakes that usually happen often with him on the pitch. He especially avoided unnecessary challenges up until late in the game when fatigue stepped in. Vidal, Pirlo, and Marchisio all played as expected. Pirlo looked a little more human than normal, playing some balls a little too long and towards the end started showing fatigue but the inclusion of Vidal helps take the pressure of Pirlo.
On the defense, Chiellini didn't look too bad. It wasn't the best of performances but it was still better than the Genoa match. He was almost caught out of position on one cross, but he was able to get a head on the ball pushing it over the Fiorentina player lying in wait. He made some questionable decisions at the end especially not clearing the ball opting to let Storari get it outside the box. He also lacks any skill in the attacking front but that should be expected of a man who was a force as a center back. Stephen Lichtsteiner played well, constantly getting forward which is an important aspect of the Juve attack and was definitely lacking against Genoa. Once again Elia, Del Piero, and Quagliarella failed to get on the pitch. As much as I want these players to be included, Conte was right to make the more defensive subs as with 10 minutes left out came Catenaccio and with it a 5-4-1. Vucinic looked tired and Estigarribia was a great sub. He is a pure soldier; he does what is told of him, doesn't mouth of to anyone (probably because he only knows Spanish), and when he makes a mistake he gets up he works hard to get back. De Ceglie and Pazienza locked up the defense making attack near impossible. As for coaching decisions, my hats off to Mihajlovic. By replacing Cerci with Gilardino, Fiorentina were a whole different team and completely changed the flow of the game. A great win for Juve but I'm not rejoicing yet. The race is too close and any slip of points could be fatal in the long run. That is why it is extremely important they capitalize on an ailing Inter.
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