09 February 2018
The Bianconeri picked up right where they left off putting in a workmanlike performance en route to a 2-0 win on Friday night against Fiorentina at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.
It was Federico Bernardeschi opening the scoring against his former club in the 56th minute, before Gonzalo Higuain sealed the result late on with his landmark 50th goal for Juventus to send the Bianconeri into Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League tie against Tottenham Hotspur in high spirits.
BERNA BREAKTHROUGH AFTER TOUGH FIRST HALF
A quiet match burst to life on 22 minutes as the hosts were seemingly awarded a penalty but, after consulting VAR, the referee annulled the decision for an offside call.
La Viola nearly took the lead in the 38th minute as Gil Dias made a bursting run down the right side before jinking a defender and sending a shot that beat Gianluigi Buffon. However, the shot would ping off the post and away to safety.
In the second half, Juve seized the lead on 56 minutes. Bernardeschi was tripped up just inches outside the box and the Italian stepped up to the ensuing free-kick, sending a crisp, curled effort low to goalkeeper Marco Sportiello’s right and into the back of the net. It’s the fourth straight Serie A match with either a goal or an assist for the former Fiorentina man.
HIGUAIN HALF CENTURY
The hosts pushed forwards after the Bianconeri goal looking for an equalizer, but playing in his 500th league game for Juventus, Buffon was called upon and stepped up in the 71st minute to deny substitute Cyril Thereau from close range. The Bianconeri put the icing on another impressive road win in the 86th minute as Giorgio Chiellini played through Higuain and the Argentine expertly finished when one-on-one with the keeper to double Juventus' lead with his 18th goal of the season across all competitions.
NEXT UP: TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
The 2-0 victory marks an 11th-straight win in all competitions for the Bianconeri who have not allowed a goal in seven consecutive matches to give Massimilano Allegri’s side a huge amount of momentum heading into the return of the UEFA Champions League.
The Bianconeri host Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday night at Allianz Stadium looking for a positive result in the Last 16 first leg match-up.
