10 February 2023
When Juventus have hosted Fiorentina the balance is wieighed heavily in favour of the Bianconeri, 56 successes for the Lady to seven for the Viola.
Many of the most intense matches were played at the Stadio Comunale. In the background photo, the fixture from season 1979-80, with Pierino Fanna punching the air in delight after scoring the opening goal in a 3-0 win for the hosts.
TITLE BOUTS
Already in the 1950s Juventus-Fiorentina was a fixture that had generated significant rivalry for reasons tied to league standings.
In that decade, the Viola won the first of their two Serie A titles, in 1956. And when Juve prevailed in 1958, it was Fiorentina who finished in second place, albeit eight points adrift.
SETTING THE SCENE
The Juventus-Fiorentina most fondly remembered by the fans present at the Comunale stadium and in particular to the Curva Filadelfia has to be that of 1981. Spectacular scenes from the terraces welcomed the two teams as they entered the field.
It was the last day of the season and Antonio Cabrini's goal rewarded Juve with Scudetto number 19.
PABLITO'S DAY
Juventus-Fiorentina in 1983 was a match strongly influenced by Paolo Rossi.
A master at exploiting the smallest mistake by his opponents, Pablito pounced on a shot spilled by Giovanni Galli. The striker dribbled the Viola keeper and set up Roberto Bettega to make it 1-0.
Rossi scored the game's last goal in the 3-0 success with a right-foot shot following a delightful assist from Michel Platini.
PURPLE PREVALENCE
Also in 1988, exactly like seven years before, Juventus-Fiorentina was played on the last day of the season.
The penalty converted by Luigi De Agostini was not enough to avoid defeat, which forced Juve to face a derby play-off to qualify for the UEFA Cup.
On that day, the pure talent of a future Juventino shone brightly, the rising star that became an undisputed world class act, Roberto Baggio.
