A Lorenzo Venuti own goal in stoppage time saw a pitiful Juventus escape the Artemio Franchi with the advantage after the first leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final tie against Fiorentina.
Buoyed by their vivacious supporters, Vincenzo Italiano’s Viola were dominant for the most part and came close on several occasions to breaking the deadlock as Juve couldn’t cope with their intensity off the ball.
But somehow, someway, it was the Bianconeri who grabbed an all-important away goal and the lead in the tie ahead of the second leg in late April. A Juan Cuadrado cross was helplessly turned into his own net by a distraught Venuti to paper over yet another shoddy Juve showing and coaching performance from Massimiliano Allegri.
Nevertheless, it’s the result that matters in cup competitions, and Juve got a big one on Wednesday night.
Here are our Juventus player ratings from the fortunate first-leg victory.
Goalkeeper & Defenders
Mattia Perin (GK) – 6.5/10 – Outside of his erroneous pass to Danilo that set up a glorious chance for Giacomo Bonaventura, Perin was impressive in this one. The Italian’s hands were safe.
Danilo (CB) – 6.5/10 – The skipper on the night. Danilo was fine and the least of Juve’s worries. Defensively assured and lacking support in possession, the Brazilian did all he could.
Matthijs de Ligt (CB) – 7.5/10 – Playing in the middle of a back three is simply too easy for the majestic De Ligt, who neutralised Krzysztof Piątek. The Dutchman commanded the backline, which remained firm throughout despite being forced to deal with wave after wave of Fiorentina attacks.
Mattia De Sciglio (CB) – 4/10 – This was almost a carbon copy of his display against Villarreal with Ikone playing the role of Samuel Chukwueze. De Sciglio couldn’t handle the quick feet of the Frenchman amid yet another unconvincing display. The Italian’s in a bit of a rut.