Fiorentina 0-1 Juventus: Fabio Miretti scores as Juve dig deep for win in Serie A

Juventus cut the gap on Serie A leaders Inter Milan to two points by keeping a clean sheet for the sixth straight match in a resolute 1-0 away win against an energised Fiorentina side.

In a classic smash-and-grab victory for Massimiliano Allegri’s no-nonsense team, midfielder Fabio Miretti slipped home the winner on 10 minutes with a fine finish from a Filip Kostic cross to celebrate his first Juve goal.

The home side slumped to a third straight defeat in the league, but will wonder how they failed to score for a third successive domestic outing that saw them binge out on 70% of possession and rack up 25 shots on goal.

But they lacked a clinical edge to their play with Juventus central defenders Bremer and Daniele Rugani producing a masterclass in the art of defending your box from a breathless match at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.

The home side will aim to lift themselves when they travel to Serbia to face FK Cukaricki in UEFA Conference League Group F action on Thursday, while a buoyant Juve will expect to overcome Cagliari at home in Serie A on Saturday evening.

Max Allegri has seen and done it all at Juventus, but he remains a manager for the big occasion as this match proved.

After winning 1-0 at Milan last week, this was another evening for cool heads and composure against some fierce and frenzied attacking bouts from Fiorentina.

Yet despite dominating possession and goal attempts, it was difficult to see Juventus shipping a goal in Florence as they reduced Inter’s lead at the summit of Serie A to two points by taming the ongoing sense of chaos.

The Turin side might be without European football this season, but twice UEFA Champions League runner-up Allegri is again enjoying success with a classic counter-attacking style ripe for the elite levels of the continental game.

Expect the Bianconeri to go close to a record 37th Scudetto this season in such an uncompromising mood.

It may seem unfashionable in the modern game, but the art of defending is alive and well at Juventus.

It was a joy to watch as they managed to nurse home a lead from the 10th minute despite some frenetic Fiorentina attacking for large swathes of the evening in Florence.

Brazilian central defender Bremer was immense in repelling the home side with Daniele Rugani and Frederico Gatti supporting him superbly in defending stoutly with crosses and corners all headed clear or blocked.

Wojciech Szczesny was hardly overworked in goal which said it all.

Not pretty to watch for some, but pretty effective for coach Allegri, who prides himself on such meaningful organisation.

Fiorentina: Pietro Terracciano 6, Luca Ranieri 7, Lucas Martínez Quarta 7, Cristiano Biraghi 7, Fabiano Parisi 7. Antonín Barák 7, Rolando Mandragora 7, Arthur 8, Lucas Beltran 5, Christian Kouamé 7, Nicolás González 7 Subs: M’Bala Nzola 6, Jonathan Ikoné 6, Yerry Mina 6, Giacomo Bonaventura 6, Riccardo Sottil 6

Juventus: Wojciech Szczesny 7, Bremer 9, Daniele Rugani 8, Frederico Gatti 8, Adrien Rabiot 7, Fabio Miretti 7, Manuel Locatelli 7, Filip Kostic 7, Weston McKennie 7, Federico Chiesa 6, Moise Kean 7 Subs: Dusan Vlahovic 6, Arkadiusz Milik 6, Andrea Cambiaso 6

10′ GOAL FOR JUVENTUS! First attack of the night by the visiting side ends with a goal as Fabio Miretti arrives to slip home the Kostic cross at the near post. Brilliant goal. The visiting fans loving that strike. But awful defending by Fiorentina.

44′ BRILLIANT STOP BY SZCZESNY! Wojciech Szczesny dives across his line to claw out the Biraghi free-kick! Looks like he has damaged his hand on a post in the making that stop. Then Ranieri knocks a free header well off the mark. Still 1-0 to Juve.

65′ A THUMPING HIT FROM THE HOME SIDE But Bonaventura smashes the ball a few yards high and wide of goal from distance. So much pressure on that Juve goal, but the home team lacking a finishing touch.

75′ ANOTHER SHOT AT GOAL Kouame with a swerving shot from 25 yards or so, but Szczesny steps across to make the save with some ease. Heading for final 15 minutes of regulation play.

81′ MORE SUPERB DEFENDING BY JUVE This time it is Daniele Rugani who shows his quality to nod clear a dangerous cross with Ikone coming in at the back stick.