Fiorentina 1 -  1 FC Juventus 

                             89' Alberto Gilardino                38' Pavel Nedved

A match to set the Serie A Table after the other big clubs Inter, Roma, and Milan could not win their respective their respective matches.  Here is the chance for Fiorentina and Juventus to win this match and start the season with the right foot.

Well, I am still surprised with Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli selecting the same trident Santana-Gilardino-Osvaldo when it did not work in the Champions League match Slavia Prague - Fiorentina.  I was waiting to see striker Giampaolo Pazzini in the starting eleven.. well... he is not. 

Here are the starting eleven players for Fiorentina with the 4-3-3 formation: Frey; Zauri, Kroldrup, Gamberini, Vargas; Almiron, Felipe Melo, Donadel; Santana,  Gilardino, Osvaldo

With the absence for injury of forward David Trezeguet, Juventus Coach Claudio Ranieri cannot start the season with the dynamic duo DEL PIERO-TREZEGUET, both the top scorers of last season.  Instead of choosing Iaquinta, Ranieri chooses the duo DEL PIERO - AMAURI. 

Here are the starting eleven for Juventus with the 4-4-2 formation: Buffon; Grygera, Legrottaglie, Mellberg, Molinaro; Camoranesi, Poulsen, Marchisio, Nedved; Del Piero, Amauri

Wow, the BIRTHDAY BOY Pavel Nedved  who turned 36 years old yesterday scored the first goal in the 38th minute!!! Way to celebrate his birthday.  

Fiorentina 0 - 1 FC Juventus

                        

Click the video to watch Pavel Nedved's goal.

In the 54th minute, Osvaldo almost surprises Buffon but he reacts fast and sends the ball out with his fist. 

Well, what have I been saying all along?  Forward Giampaolo Pazzini has done a better job and deserving to be in the starting eleven but Prandelli seems not getting the message. Well, he did now.  In the 64th minute, Prandelli makes his second substitution. Osvaldo out, and Pazzini in. Wow, a total applause for the entrance of Pazzini from Viola fans even commented it by RAI Italia commentators.

In the 84th minute, incredible but Referee Morganti sends off Fiorentina midfielder Felipe  Melo for a second yellow card, this time a foul on Juventus defender Christian Poulsen. Wow. 5 more minutes and Fiorentina must play with 10 players.

Wow, what a goal from Gilardino!!! In the 89th minute after an assist from forward Giampaolo Pazzini and Gilardino  turns around Mellberg to blast the net of Juventus saint goalkeeper Gigi Buffon. Wow, what an end!  Fiorentina fans are just in heaven and a big applause for Gilardino who celebrates his goal with his "playing of the violin."  Bravo for Gilardino

Fiorentina 1 - 1 FC Juventus

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Week 1 Italian Serie A Tim 2008 - 2009 / First  Round Matchday 1

Referee:   Emidio Morganti
Assistants:  Romagnoli and Nicoleti
Fourth Official:    Brighi

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What do you think of the result?  Which player disappoint you?  Who marked the difference?