Juve’s Meltdown: Ponderous Possession and a Lack of Inspiration – Franchi’s Echoes Turn into Mockery!

Fiorentina and Juventus showcased two starkly contrasting realities at the Franchi. Under the guidance of Palladino, the Viola put on a masterclass to trample a beleaguered Juventus side with a decisive 3-0 victory, evoking memories of their 2020 triumph in Turin during Prandelli's reign. This match will surely be etched in the annals of Fiorentina history, delighting their loyal supporters, who made their presence felt throughout the game. Despite the stadium being under renovation, the crowd of over 22,000 never let up, serenading and spurring on their team until the final whistle. With their characteristic humour, the fans cheered as Palladino’s lads played keepy-uppy, peppering the air with a chorus of “olés” that quickly went viral. Now, let’s dive into the numbers. For those who keep a keen eye on possession stats, Fiorentina had a modest 36.7%, with Juventus enjoying a more significant 63.3%. However, despite their advantage in ball control, the Bianconeri could not translate that dominance into clear-cut chances. In fact, Juventus’s best opportunities had higher expected goal probabilities than the three Fiorentina scored: Nico Gonzalez at 17%, McKennie at 16%, and Renato Veiga at 12%, compared to Gosens at 8%, Mandragora at 11%, and an alarming 3% for Gudmundsson. Both sides registered an equal number of attempts, with the hosts managing nine shots versus Juve's eleven, yet only two of those hit the target compared to Fiorentina's three. Passing metrics showed Fiorentina completed 348 passes to Juventus’s 596, while touches in the opponent's box stood at eight for the hosts to 19 for the visitors. Notably, duels tipped in Palladino's favour, showcasing a 53%-47% split. It appears, in football, possession without purpose often leads one down a fruitless path. - Resource: "https://www.corrieredellosport.it/news/calcio/serie-a/juve/2025/03/17-139267510/tracollo_juve_possesso_palla_sterile_e_poche_idee_la_reazione_del_franchi_uno_sfott