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Fiorentina twice lead but Juventus fight back to claim draw

·By Junior Yekini
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Fiorentina twice lead but Juventus fight back to claim draw

Juventus/X.com

Fiorentina twice took the lead against Juventus but could not hold on, with Gleison Bremer’s second-half equaliser earning Luciano Spalletti’s side a 2-2 draw at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.

Mateo Pellegrino headed the hosts in front after four minutes, Nick Woltemade levelled before half-time, and Alieu Njie restored Fiorentina’s advantage after the break. Bremer made it 2-2 in the 66th minute.

Paolo Vanoli was frustrated that his team had not turned an encouraging performance into victory.

“I have been severe with the players because they must learn to turn a great performance into results. This team reflected what the supporters wanted and wanted to win. Sometimes that desire to win can also make you lose, but I prefer a team like this.

“I was courageous with the team selection, but you have to let me develop these players because I see them in training. I have no problem playing them if they show the sacrifice they showed tonight.”

Vanoli insisted Fiorentina should not become fearful because of the goals they have conceded.

“We are working on it and must keep working, improving individual qualities. This team has to propose its own football; this is not the moment to be afraid of the goals conceded. We need to improve our possession and be more streetwise in certain situations.

“Two goals conceded per match is a lot, but I take the small steps. We took the lead and came close to beating a strong team like Juventus. I am angry because we should have taken the points. I told the players they should go home angry because we need to raise our level.”

Spalletti was also dissatisfied, despite believing Juventus had chances to win.

“I am not completely happy because we do not produce a consistent level of football worthy of aspiring to something important. There are moments when we are there, then we let go, lose easy balls and lose our balance.

“We could also have won because we had the chances. The problem is this inconsistency. The team showed desire, just as Fiorentina did. It was a match in which both teams hit each other hard, but we are not consistent.”

Vanoli defended De Gea, describing him as his captain and insisting: “He will never be a problem.”