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Juventus continued their abysmal form in the 2020-21 Serie A, as they drew 1-1 at Fiorentina. The Bianconeri are now third in the points table but could drop down to fifth if Napoli and Atalanta win their games this weekend.
Dusan Vlahovic opened the scoring for Fiorentina, coolly slotted in a penalty to beat Wojciech Szczesny. But Juventus squandered multiple opportunities, as Cristiano Ronaldo and Aaron Ramsey failed to hit the target on numerous occasions.
Andrea Pirlo introduced Alvaro Morata just after half-time, and the move paid instant dividends. The Spanish international curled in a beautiful goal to restore parity for Juventus.
With both teams failing to find the winner, the game ended in a stalemate. On that note, let's take a look at five talking points from the game:
#1 Juventus could struggle to finish in the top 4
Following their draw against Fiorentina, Juventus ascended to third in the points table, with 66 points after having played 33 games. But they could miss out on the top four, as one of Atalanta and Napoli could overtake them after Juventus missed out on two crucial points.
Juventus now trail Inter Milan and are level on points with AC Milan. The Bianconeri are marginally ahead of Atalanta and Napoli, who have 65 and 63 points, respectively. But both teams have a game in hand on Juventus. If they win their respective fixtures, Juventus will drop down the standings.
#2 Cristiano Ronaldo has a game to forget
Cristiano Ronaldo did not have the best of games against Fiorentina. The Portuguese international rued some easy chances to win the game for Juventus.
Ronaldo endured some uncharacteristic misses and failed to register a shot on target. He has now gone goalless in three games.
#3 Juventus' struggles in defence continue
Despite solid performances from Matthijs de Ligt at the back, Juventus continue to concede too many goals.
The Old Lady have failed to register a clean sheet in their last nine league games. The last time Juventus kept a clean sheet was against Spezia in March.
Juventus's defensive lapses have led to many losses or spilled points this season. If they do not improve on that front, the Bianconeri could even miss out on a Champions League spot next season.
#4 Alvaro Morata comes off the bench to rescue Juventus
Alvaro Morata came on after half-time to level proceedings for Juventus. The Spaniard made an immediate impact for the visitors, curling one in to level the scores.
With his teammates misfiring, Morata was the only Juventus player who looked threatening. Ronaldo and Paulo Dybala failed to cause any real problems for Fiorentina up front.
It was only after Morata's introduction that Juventus started to conjure a few scoring chances.
#5 Andrea Pirlo looks clueless
Andrea Pirlo is having a torrid time. The Italian looked clueless on the sidelines against Fiorentina. From winning the league nine times in a row to struggling to keep pace with the league leaders, Juventus have faltered massively under Pirlo.
Juventus lack a bit of everything right now. Even Pirlo acknowledged that his team had a horrendous first-half performance. The Bianconeri will now need a massive overhaul in the upcoming transfer window if they are to challenge for the league title next season.
