Juan Cuadrado scored a late winner for Juventus against Fiorentina and the Old Lady will be hoping history will repeat itself six years after his decisive goal in a derby della Mole clash, writes Lorenzo Bettoni at the Allianz Stadium.
The last time Juventus lost three games in a row in Serie A was more than ten years ago. March 2011, with Luigi Delneri in charge. The Bianconeri were in the middle of nowhere, with a weak project and even weaker players. They finished that season in seventh.
Today, Massimiliano Allegri’s side hosted Fiorentina at the Allianz Stadium on the back of two defeats in a row against Sassuolo and Hellas Verona. It was a must-win game for the Old Lady, who was sitting ninth before the kick-off.
Juventus suffered Fiorentina’s pressing in the first half and although the Tuscans didn’t have many shots on targets, they were the best side in the first half. The Bianconeri were short of ideas and missed many passes, both in the middle of the park and with their strikers. A red card shown to Nikola Milenkovic changed the game. The Serbian centre back collected two yellow cards in less than ten minutes in the second half. Both calls were legitimate and the 24-year-old left the pitch without even protesting.
Allegri did the rest with his substitution. He introduced Juan Cuadrado in the 77th minute and the Colombian was as decisive as Milenkovic.
The former Chelsea and Fiorentina man was sent running down the right flank and beat Pietro Terraciano from a tight angle at the near post. The Stadium exploded in joy, Cuadrado ran in front of Juventus fans to celebrate with one of his iconic dances and many had a sensation of deja vu.
The Colombian star had scored another decisive winner in the stoppages six years ago in a derby della Mole clash against Torino. Juventus had lost against Sassuolo a few days earlier and were 11 points behind table leaders Roma.
From that goal and from that win, Juventus began an incredible run of 14 victories in a row and won 24 of the following 25 matches in Serie A. Eventually, they lifted the second title of the Allegri era, the fifth one in a row for the Serie A giants.
Serie A | Juventus 1-0 Fiorentina: Cuadrado rescues Bianconeri
Can Juventus repeat the same this season? It’s hard to tell. They are now 13 points off leaders Napoli and Milan, who have a game in hand. Nobody has ever won the title in Serie A by recovering so many points. Also, there are now many more valuable opponents than six years ago. Milan and Napoli have won ten games out of 11, Inter are the defending champions, Roma and Lazio may not be title contenders, but are always tough teams to face.
The Bianconeri need consistency, which is what has helped them dominate the last decade in Italy. No matter if they faced big or smaller sides, Juventus always won.
This season, they’ve already lost four games out of 12, against Napoli, Empoli, Sassuolo and Hellas Verona. Cuadrado’s goal could turn Juventus’ campaign around, which doesn’t mean they will win the title. The fate is no longer in their hands, but if Cuadrado’s late winner helps them regain their mentality and solidity, Allegri would face the second part of the campaign with far fewer issues.
@lorebetto
No chance. When we did that, we had Khedira, Marchisio, Pogba in midfield, and fighting winners like Mandzukic up front. Not clueless oxes like Rabiot and Ramsey, which we have now. This season we must just pray for fourth place
@Cg, the chance is slim but if we can keep Dybala and Chiesa out of injuries for the rest of the season and bringing in someone like Kante or young Vidal in January, then i think Juve can go far.
Pfffttt who cares
@Cg back then the other teams were also in transition. Today there are many difficult games. No way Chelsea would let Kante go and he would cost big money. We need to focus on young an upcoming Italians. I am fed up of Ramsay and McKennie who do not know what it means to play for a club like Juventus.
Lightening will not strike twice. There are too many players who do not step up. I cannot fault Allegri as you can only do so much with players like Rabiot who never run, chase and give up. The bigger issue is at the top. I hate that Marotta was forced out I bet if he was still here we would have got Barella. I just hope Cherubini can shift on Ramsay and a few others. We need to sell first before we can buy. Been like that for 2-3 years.
Hi guys, all of you are 100% correct. If we bring in a top midfielder like Tchouameni in Jan, things will be possible. But that’s a big IF. Even if that happens, though, I think the scudetto is too far gone, now
We must not dwell on the past and look for signs. We had a great run that I am sure will never be replicated or broken. Roma lost today against Venezia and is proof that no game will be a walk in the park. The team esp in the middle of the park is not top draw but we need to make the most of it. They are good enough to get top 4 and just need motivation but next summer thank god Ramsay will surely have to go. Bring in hungry young players who can run.
Just rumors, but a name being mentioned is Eden Hazard for January.
Guys I heard you want Pogba. Please take him and get his lazy behind out of our club. Also If you are interested take Maguire and Luke Shaw better known as dumb and dumber. We will be happy to pay for the shipping FOC.
Besart,
Pogba was excellent for ManU in the first few matches. 4 Assists right away and good Results. What changed? A: Ronaldo’s arrival and having to play for him.
Pogba doesn’t get touches anymore, no wonder he is ineffective.
@dangerboy, Pogba has always been hot and cold for us even before Ronaldo arrived. He plays his best football for France as perhaps the setup as well playing next to Kante and quality benefits him. I forgot to mention not just Maguire and Shaw but you guys need midfield reinforcements. Take Fred Flinstone! How that man plays for us is beyond me.
Rescues, Ha, more like the referee rescued Juventus AGAIN with a questionable call putting Fiorentina down to 10. Juve was outplayed AGAIN and this sad commentary on Juve’s chances goes on like an old song ,sung by an aging choir of poor management and biased refs. It’s Really tiresome.