Player Ratings: Fiorentina 1-1 Juventus

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Gilardino - Fiorentina (Foto Grazia Neri)

FIORENTINA

Frey: 7 – Kept his side in the game by saving a one-on-one from Del Piero at 0-1. Confirmed his status as one of Serie A’s top goalkeepers.

Zauri: 6 – Was pulled out of position by Nedved in the first half, but was more steady after the break.

Gamberini: 6 – Shrugged off by Del Piero on the forward’s golden chance, and had a few nervous moments, but like most of the team did well after the break.

Kroldrup: 5.5 – Roasted by Grygera for Nedved's goal, the former Everton man did ok thereafter but he remains a weak point.

Vargas: 6 – Struggled defensively against Camoranesi at times, but never gave up, and he was always an available outlet down the left going forward.

Almiron: 5 – Was keen to prove a point tonight having failed so miserably at Juventus last season, but made no impression on the game, and Fiorentina were a different team after he was substituted.

Felip Melo: 7 – A little disappointing in the first half, but was excellent after the break, making a number of bursting runs forward, until he was sent off for a late challenge on Poulsen.

Donadel: 6 – Supposed to be a midfield destroyer, but allowed Camoranesi to pass through his front door a little too often. Gave the ball away carelessly too on occasions.

Osvaldo: 4.5 – Came into the team to replace the injured Adrian Mutu but was completely anonymous, and it was a surprise he lasted as long as 63 minutes before being replaced.

Gilardino: 8.5 – This was the Gilardino from his Parma days. Held the ball up well, was strong, and a real handful to Mellberg, who just couldn’t cope with him. I’m one of his biggest critics but he’ll win me over with performances like this. Scored the Viola’s equaliser.

Santana: 7 – Lively display from the Argentine winger, who was full of energy. Missed a good headed chance though on the hour mark.

Substitutions:

Jovetic: 6.5

Pazzini: 6.5

Kuzmanovic: 6

JUVENTUS

Buffon: 7.5 – Barely had a save to make all game, but was at his imperious best, with his positioning, decision making and defensive organisation. Could do nothing on Gila’s goal.

Grygera: 7 – Impressive both defensively and offensively. Created Nedved’s goal after an excellent run and cross down the right.

Legrottaglie: 6.5 – A rock in the first half, but caused a few more problems in the second half by Gila. Largely stood up strong though.

Mellberg: 5 – Did very well in the first half, but had something of a shocker after the break. Was beaten by Gilardino when the striker missed a one-on-one, and was outmuscled and outfoxed for the last minute goal.

Molinaro: 6 – Has often been criticised for his lack of defensive qualities, but he was generally steady tonight, even if the lively Santana caused him the odd problem.

Camoranesi: 7.5 -  Once again Juve’s most impressive player going forward. A number of mazy runs, intelligent passes, while he set-up a good chance for Amauri at 1-0.

Poulsen: 7 – Tactically excellent. Poulsen did not appear to do much, but on closer inspection he stopped the Viola midfield from cutting through the heart of the Juve team.

Marchisio: 6 – Good first half, but allowed Felipe Melo to get the better of him after the interval. Showed promise though.

Nedved: 7 – Outstanding in the first half, covering every blade of grass, and celebrating his 36^th birthday with a goal. Faded after the break though.

Del Piero: 6 – Some good touches and link-up play in the first half, but he missed a sitter at 1-0 that would have killed the game, and this eventually proved costly.

Amauri: 6 – Has yet to justify his price tag. Amauri flatters to deceive, and seems to amble around aimlessly far too much. However, there is something about him that suggest that he can come good given time.

Substitutions

De Ceglie: 6

Iaquinta: N/A

Carlo Garganese