Fabio Miretti goal earns Juventus hard-fought win over Fiorentina

An early goal from Fabio Miretti proved decisive as Juventus held on for a 1-0 win at Fiorentina on Sunday.

Miretti struck in the 10th minute but Juve also owed much to a strong defensive effort as they claimed a victory that lifted them to within two points of Serie A leaders Inter Milan.

Fiorentina controlled much of the play at the Artemio Franchi Stadium but were unable to find a way past Wojciech Szczesny in the Juve goal.

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The game had gone ahead despite some calls for it to be postponed following the storms that have devastated parts of the region in recent days. Players from both teams stood together in tribute to the victims prior to kick-off.

When the game got under way, Juve seized the advantage with their first attack.

Fiorentina’s defence were caught out as the visitors broke with speed and Fabiano Parisi missed a chance to intercept as the ball was slipped to Filip Kostic on the left of the area.

Kostic made the most of the opening and slid a pass across the box which Miretti met with a firm first-time strike at the near post that Pietro Terracciano could not keep out.

The hosts responded well to the setback but continually met with frustration in their attempts to find an equaliser.

Antonin Barak got into a good position but fired well over before Nicolas Gonzalez shot straight at Szczesny.

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Gonzalez forced a better save from the former Arsenal goalkeeper with a volley and Cristiano Biraghi tested the Pole with a free-kick before the interval.

Juve tried to break out and make the result safe early in the second half, but Moise Kean was denied by a Luca Ranieri block and Fiorentina continued to dictate the pace.

Rolando Mandragora dragged an effort wide and Giacomo Bonaventura also missed the target with a fierce strike before Szczesny saved from Christian Kouame.

Fiorentina fought to the end but they were unable to create any more clear-cut chances after M’Bala Nzola headed over with three minutes remaining.

Andrea Cambiaso almost added a second for Juve in stoppage time but Terracciano saved.