Fiorentina stand firm to hold Juventus
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
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Serie A leaders Juventus failed to win for the first time this season but still extended their unbeaten run to 44 matches with a goalless stalemate at ACF Fiorentina.
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Serie A leaders Juventus extended their unbeaten run to 44 matches with a goalless draw at ACF Fiorentina.
The visitors won 5-0 at the Stadio Franchi last season, a win which kick-started another streak, as the Bianconeri went 15 consecutive matches in Serie A without failing to score. Confidence was understandably high ahead of this contest, but Fiorentina held firm as the reigning champions drew a rare blank.
The hosts arguably deserved more than a point, after edging a tight game in which both sides managed just two shots on target. Stevan Jovetić came closest to scoring, turning David Pizarro's free-kick against the bar with Gianluigi Buffon beaten, while Adem Ljajić slipped a golden chance wide just before half-time.
Neither side could take control of the second half, though Antonio Conte's men will have been happier at the final outcome after Juan Cuadrado flashed a shot wide and Manuel Pasqual failed to convert a back-post header. SSC Napoli can assume top spot in Serie A with a win at home against S.S. Lazio on Wednesday night.