JUVENTUS – FIORENTINA, LUXURY ADVANCE FOR THE 9TH OF A!
CONTE ASKS FOR TIME: "THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE IS TO FIND CREDIBILITY"
MIHAJLOVIC AT WAR WITH HIS FANS: "BEWARE I GET BAD..."
Juventus – Fiorentina has never been and will never be a match like any other. Once again this year the challenge between the Bianconeri and the Viola is very heartfelt, partly due to the ferocious rivalry that unites the two fans (especially the Tuscan one), partly due to the delicate moment that both teams are going through. In the space of two weeks, Juve went from collective hosannas to criticism from fans and the press. The two consecutive draws against Chievo and Genoa have knocked down the square a bit, which after the success against Milan was hoping for a triumphal ride up to the Scudetto. Then add Agnelli's statements about Del Piero and the investigation by the judiciary into the Juventus Stadium and the omelette is served. That's why tonight the bianconeri will necessarily have to win, to avoid controversy and consolidate an increasingly fickle environment. To present the match against Fiorentina, Antonio Conte has chosen a low profile: “At the moment the ranking is absolutely secondary. What matters is restoring credibility to Juventus, because we mustn't forget that we come from two consecutive seventh places." And the Scudetto? “It would be very important to qualify for the next Champions League…”.
In short, Conte does not want to say too much, perhaps because he is not yet able to give an opinion on his team. But if the climate of Vinovo (understood as the press room) was hot, that of Florence was downright fiery. Sinisa Mihajlovic, never really loved by a fan base still without Prandelli, has entered the sights of the Fiesole curve. After the home draw with Catania, a sensational dispute erupted at the Franchi, which had the Serbian coach as its main objective. That this time he really took it, not so much for the football criticisms, but for the insults (racist and personal) addressed to him from a part of the stadium. “The fans can do whatever they want – said Mihajlovic – they have the right to express their opinions. However, insults must never become personal, otherwise I become mean. And I really hope that whoever spoke certain phrases to me has the courage to stop me on the street and repeat them to my face…”. A menacing Sinisa, who, despite the denials of the viola club, suggests that his future in Florence is really hanging by a thread. In the event of a defeat in Turin, the Della Valles could also decide to exonerate him. Mihajlovic ignored it ("Exoneration? I don't think about it"), but the rumors about Delio Rossi could not have left him indifferent. Juventus and Antonio Conte for credibility, Fiorentina and Sinisa Mihajlovic for survival. The ingredients for a great show are all there, now all that's left is to get in front of the television.
