When Fiorentina host Juventus at the Artemio Franchi, intensity always prevails over beauty. On Saturday, things were hardly any different, even though the encounter between the two hated rivals started on a bright note. Arkadiusz Milik broke the deadlock for the visitors on his full debut, but Christian Kouamé found the equalizer from a swift counter attack. Luka Jovic could have put the home side in the lead just before halftime, but Mattia Perin conspired with the post to deny him. Despite dominating the play, the Viola couldn’t find the winner. Now let’s take a look at the player ratings for the intense affair between Fiorentina and Juventus.
Fiorentina (4-3-3)
Pietro Terracciano – 6
The Italian custodian was a mere spectator for the majority of the match. Milik beat him to the ball ahead of the opener. Made an awkward interception on a corner kick, but luckily for Fiorentina, it resulted in the counter attack that led to the equalizer.
Dodo – 6
Not a bad outing from the former Shakhtar right-back who repeatedly darted the flank in support of his teammates. However, he rarely provided the quality touch that was sorely missed.
Nikola Milenkovic – 6.5
The Serbian defender couldn’t prevent the ball from reaching Milik on Juve’s goal, but enjoyed a solid outing otherwise. Had to leave the pitch early in the second half, presumably with a physical discomfort.
Igor Julio – 7
A commanding display from the Brazilian centre back who continues to grow from strength to strength. Made life difficult for Milik, and dispossessed Cuadrado in on-on-one situations on several occasions.
Cristiano Biraghi – 6.5
A vibrant display from the Fiorentina captain who spent the majority of his match inside the Juventus areas. Sent a flurry of crosses towards the box, and linked up brilliantly with Sottil.
Youssef Maleh – 5.5
The Moroccan midfielder had some chances to score, but couldn’t properly finish the job.
Sofyan Amrabat – 6.5
Even though the former Verona man lacks the splendid technical touch, he managed to boss the middle of the park while winning back the ball on countless occasions. Could have grabbed a late winner from a fine shot but was denied by Perin.
Antonin Barak – 6
The Czech international is still adapting to life in Florence. Didn’t add much during the first half, but his performance grew as the game progressed. In the second half, he made some smart penetrations, and could have found the winner if it wasn’t for Danilo’s block.
Christian Kouamé – 7.5
A lovely performance from the former Genoa forward who put Sandro in all sorts of trouble early in the match. His finest moment came in the second half when he put himself at the end of a stunning counter attack and made no mistake when facing Perin.
Luka Jovic – 5.5
The former Real Madrid man couldn’t pose much danger for Juventus defenders, except on one occasion which resulted in a booking for Bremer. Could have put the Viola in the lead, but ended up wasting the spot kick.
Riccardo Sottil – 7
The winger’s talent earned a beating from the likes of Cuadrado and Danilo throughout the match. Put Kouamé through on goal with a wonderful assist, while proving to be a menace for the opposition on the left flank.
Fiorentina Substitutes
Lucas Martinez Quarta – 6.5
The Argentine replaced Milenkovic early in the second period while making sure that his team doesn’t drop a beat at the back. Made a host of timely interceptions to kill off any possible counter attacks from the visitors.
Rolando Mandragora – 6
The former Juventus midfielder didn’t add much, but he did consolidate the Viola’s dominance over ball possession.
Jonathan Ikone – 5.5
The Frenchman obviously has the magic in his legs, but was wasteful with the final product.
Szymon Zurkowski – N/A
Arthur Cabral – N/A
10 – Juventus have scored in the first 10 minutes of play for three games in a row in a single season for their seventh time in Serie A, the first time since 2012. Icebreaker.#FiorentinaJuve pic.twitter.com/AuN3AWjePe
— OptaPaolo ? (@OptaPaolo) September 3, 2022
Juventus (4-3-3)
Mattia Perin – 7
The Italian shot-stopper conceded his first goal of the season when beaten by Kouamé, but was once again the main hero for Juventus as he put his fingers into the ball to deny Jovic from the spot, before making a jaw-dropping save on Amrabat late in the match.
Juan Cuadrado – 6
The Colombian started the match on a positive note, as he initiated the Bianconeri’s goal with a great cross towards Kostic. But his performance dropped afterwards, as he struggled to make an impact or dribble past an opponent.
Gleison Bremer – 6.5
A solid outing from the former Torino defender which was only marred by a booking in the first half.
Danilo – 7
Similarly to his defensive partner, the Brazilian earned a yellow card, but it didn’t stop him form putting a commanding show at the back. Made a host of crucial interceptions, including a block on Barak.
Alex Sandro – 5.5
The former Porto man started the match on the wrong foot, but eventually managed to improve, making some decent contribution at the back.
Weston McKennie – 5.5
The American ran hard as ever, but left us all baffled when he decided to pass for a teammate when he found himself unmarked in front of Terracciano. This ill-advised decision could have secured all three points for the visitors.
Leandro Paredes – 6
The Argentine made his Juventus debut during one of the most unpleasant fixtures for the club. Nonetheless, he proved his prowess with his effortless passing technique. But could have cost his side the match by giving away a penalty due to a handball.
Manuel Locatelli – 5
The Euro 2020 winner tracked Barak and limited his danger, but offered very little on the ball.
Angel Di Maria – 6
The former PSG man is obviously not at his physical peak. However, he did put McKennie through on goal with an exquisite play.
Akadiusz Milik – 6.5
The big Pole showcased his striking credibility by directing the ball towards goal with his body. However, he was left isolated between the two Fiorentina centre backs and Amrabat for the rest of the afternoon.
Filip Kostic – 5.5
The Serbian winger is yet to find his feat in Turin. His attempted shot eventually resulted in assist for Milik, but failed to make himself noticed otherwise.
Juventus Substitutes
Mattia De Sciglio – 6
The fullback added virtually nothing on the attacking phase with Juventus sitting deep in their areas. But helped his teammates in containing the dangerous of the Fiorentina wingers.
Moise Kean – 5.5
The striker was introduced on the left wing. Tracked back to support his teammates, but couldn’t help his side in launching attacks.
Fabio Miretti – 5
The teenage sensation rarely saw the ball. The midfield battle was already a lost cause for Juventus upon his introduction.
Leonardo Bonucci – N/A
Nicolò Fagioli – N/A
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