Dusan Vlahovic’s hightly anticipated return to the Stadio Artemio Franchi since departing La Viola in January did not fall short of expectations as Juventus seized a 1-0 victory against Fiorentina within the dying minutes of the first leg of the Coppa Italia Semi Finals.
Lack-Luster Bianconeri Struggle in First-Half
Within the first half, Fiorentina exploited Juventus’ decimated squad as they posed a significant threat on the pitch through their fast-paced combinations through the middle, as well as their long-balls out-wide.
The skipper Christian Biraghi delivered a brilliant cross for Igor Julio early on within the game. However, the defender’s impressive attempt was brilliantly blocked by the Old Lady’s line of defense.
Later on, Lucas Torreira slipped a magnificent pass for Biraghi at the top of the box. Without hesitation, the veteran full-back fired a long-rage rocket that was well-saved by Mattia Perin.
The Bianconeri were struggling to cope with Italiano’s men on the flanks as the pair of wingers Jonathan Ikone and Riccardo Saponara weaved through the back-line through their sublime dribbling skills and struck some venomous shots on several occasions. Despite their brilliant first half display, La Viola‘s attackers were unable to find the back of the net.
Meanwhile, Allegri’s men were barely capable of creating occasions as they struggled immensely within the final third of the pitch. The Bianconeri tried to use Vlahovic as their main focal point of attack, but Nikola Milenkovic did a good job on containing him and shutting him down defensively as the 22 year-old marksman attempted tossing and turning to shake off his marker. Juventus’ lack-luster performance forced Allegri to settle with a level scoreline at the end of the first half of 45 minutes.
Cuadrado’s Last-Gasp Strike Stuns Fiorentina Yet Again
Within the second half, Italiano’s men continued where they left off as Ikone maneuvered through the Bianconeri defense and fired a blistering shot from the center of the box. Just as it seemed Fiorentina would seize the opener at the Stadio Franchi, the French international’s attempt hit the post and went out-wide.
Italiano’s men continued posing a threat out-wide as Biraghi distributed a well-weighted cross for Gaetano Castrovilli in the center of the box. The Italian midfielder connected well with a header, but his attempt on target was stopped by Perin.
Italiano tried to make tactical substitutions by bringing on the likes of Arthur Cabral, Riccardo Sottil, Joseph Duncan, and Nicolas Gonzalez. Unfortunately, the Italian tactician’s substitutions did not provide his men with a goal that would break the dead-lock.
Allegri’s men improved drastically as they created several occasions through Juan Cuadrado’s cross to Matthijs De Ligt and Luca Pellegrini’s brilliant over-the-top ball into space for Dusan Vlahovic. However, the Dutch defender’s header went out-wide and the Serbian international’s cheeky chip was magnificently stopped by Pietro Terracciano.
Just as it seemed like the first leg of the Coppa Italia Semi Finals was going to end scoreless, Cuadrado distributed a fast-paced cross into the box from a very tight angle out-wide. The Colombian’s last-gasp attempt deflected off of Lorenzo Venuti and entered the back of the net, handing Juventus the victory in the exact same way Cuadrado sunk La Viola at the Allianz within the Serie A.
What’s Next for Juventus and Fiorentina
Allegri’s men hope to increase their 17-game unbeaten run across all competitions as they prepare to face Spezia at the Allianz Stadium. On the other hand, Fiorentina are set to play against Verona at the Stadio Franchi.