Fiorentina 0 : 0 Juventus - Juve slip up again

Posted Sunday, April 17, 2011 by PA

Juventus lost further ground on the European qualification places in Serie A as they were held to a 0-0 draw at Fiorentina, meaning they are now eight points behind fourth-placed Lazio.

Several good chances were created throughout the game but neither side could make any of them count as the point keeps the hosts in the top half of the table.

Fiorentina had the first real chance on 14 minutes when midfielder Alessio Cerci's effort was deflected narrowly over the bar by Fabio Grosso, before Juan Manuel Vargas' attempt drew a straightforward save from Gianluigi Buffon.

Juventus then had to a couple of efforts before the end of the half but could not convert either of them. Firstly Alessandro Matri's shot went just over the bar before Simone Pepe fired an effort from 25 yards that was caught by Arthur Boruc in the Fiorentina goal.

Both sides continued to search for the elusive first goal in the second half, Boruc saving smartly from Leonardo Bonucci header just after the break.

Alberto Gilardino then wasted a fantastic chance for the hosts when he headed wide from close range before Juve substitute Alessandro Del Piero forced the busy Boruc into the save of the game on the hour-mark, diving low to his left to keep out the effort.

Fiorentina full-back Manuel Pasqual fired wide twice in the remaining half an hour while Claudio Marchisio came closest to getting a late winner for Juve but his 25-yard strike just missed the target.