Fiorentina vs Juventus is always an interesting one for Serie A fans due to the bitter rivalry that exists between the two clubs, and Saturday's game will be no exception.
The two teams couldn't have more contrasting starts to the season. Last term, the Viola barely escaped the drop and so naturally, they'll be desperate to start things off right. Unfortunately for them, they have yet to pick up a single point. On matchday one, they put in a great battle against Napoli, but despite scoring three against the Partenopei, Carlo Ancelotti's side still came away with the win after an exciting seven goal thriller.
Vincenzo Montella's men will be even more bitterly disappointed, however, with losing 2-1 to Genoa, as teams like the Grifone are smaller outfits against which they need to pick up maximum points if they want to avoid facing a relegation battle this term.
Taking on Juventus at this juncture, then, could not come at a more difficult time. For starters, Fiorentina have failed to win their last 16 Serie A games. To compound matters, the Bianconeri have proved to be an albatross around their necks - and the Stadio Artemio Franchi offers little home pitch comforts as well, as this interesting stat shows:
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Indeed, Fiorentina have lost their last two home games against Juventus without scoring a single goal. Meanwhile, as the struggling Viola aim to avoid what would be a demoralizing loss in front of their home fans, La Vecchia Signora will be looking to make history.
1952 was the last time Juventus won three on the spin at the Stadio Artemio Franchi. Will 2019 be the year they match that feat? Although Juve have yet to fully find their footing under Maurizio Sarri - as their performance against his former side Napoli showed on matchday two - they certainly are a lot more assured-looking than Fiorentina, who are still a rudderless ship still navigating through turbulent waters.
