Juventus vs Fiorentina 1-0: Rabiot Goal Enough in VAR Drama

A first half goal by Adrien Rabiot was enough for Juventus as they secured a narrow 1-0 win over Fiorentina on Sunday evening. There were plenty of empty seats at the Juventus Stadium in Turin as the Bianconeri hosted the Viola in Serie A action but the home supporters would go home happy after a late VAR decision helped rule out a dramatic equalizer for the visitors. 

Rabiot Puts Juve Ahead

An error by Nicolas Gonzalez gifted Dusan Vlahovic the ball after around ten minutes, handing the hosts the first opportunity of the game. Angel Di Maria then picked the ball up down the right and his deflected cross fell perfectly for Filip Kostic at the far post. However, the Serbian was unable to guide the ball home on his left foot, narrowly missing the target. A let-off for the visitors. 

Kostic had another chance to take the lead midway though the first half after a dangerous cross from the right but he was denied by goalkeeper Pietro Terracciano this time with a fine save. 

With around 15 minutes to go of the first half, Juve finally found some luck at the back post. Rabiot was able to convert with a header after a delightful lofted ball from Di Maria. Terracciano did all he could to try and keep it out but goal-line technology signalled the ball had gone over the line. 

Fiorentina certainly weren’t out of the game heading into the break and had seen a good amount of possession but lacked quality in the final third to really threaten the hosts. 

The away side pressed well in the second half as they sought a way back into the match but the same pattern continued as the first – no execution with the final ball. 

Bianconeri Hold On, Despite VAR Drama

Vlahovic scored what he thought was his first goal against his former club. The Bianconeri talisman showed excellent composure after running through the middle of the Fiorentina defense and cooly lifting the ball over Terracciano. However, VAR would intervene and rule out the goal for a narrow offside, meaning the away side remained in the game with the score still at 1-0. 

Vlahovic would not get another chance to score against his former employers since he was benched midway through the second half for Moise Keane. The substitute would almost make an instant impact when he shot on goal but Terracciano kept it out as his busy night continued. 

Luka Jovic almost drew the scores level for Fiorentina with less than ten minutes to go with a glancing header but it narrowly evaded ‘keeper Wojciech Szczesny’s right post. Fellow substitute Aleksa Terzic had supplied a wonderful inswinging cross into the box in the build-up as the Juventus faithful watched on anxiously. 

Gaetano Castrovilli would provide late drama as he fired home an equalizer with just a couple of minutes of normal time to play for the Viola. However, referee Michael Fabbri was sent to the monitor by VAR where he later ruled out the goal for offside in the build-up. Juventus saw out the rest of the game as they sealed a narrow 1-0 victory over Fiorentina. 

What’s Next for Juventus and Fiorentina?

Juventus play host to Nantes, whilst Fiorentina travel to Braga in Europa League action, both on Thursday, February 16. 

MATCH SCORECARD

February 12, 2023 – Serie A 2022-23 Round 22
JUVENTUS – FIORENTINA 1-0

SCORERS: 34′ Rabiot