Fiorentina And Juventus Feud (5): Tevez-Pogba Mockery And The Betrayal Of The Federico Duo

Federico Chiesa (Instagram @ fedexchiesa)

JAKARTA - In the fourth part of the article The feud between Fiorentina and Juventus is told, the harmony of the transfer business of these two rival clubs during the Andrea Della Valle era was torn apart because Fiorentina's plan to recruit Dimitar Berbatov from Manchester United was damaged by the Bianconeri. The Firenze public was furious and did not accept the treatment of Juventus.

The feud is getting hotter into the 2013/2014 season. At that time, Juventus as the defending champion faced Fiorentina in the 8th week of Serie A, 20 October 2013 at the Artemio Franchi stadium.

In the first half, the Old Lady took the lead through two goals from Carlos Tevez (tired, 37′) and Paul Pogba (40′). After breaking into Norberto Murara Neto's goal, both Tevez and Pogba both celebrated the 'machine gun' which became one of the characteristics of Fiorentina legend Gabriel Batistuta in the 90s era.

As if mocking, Tevez even pointed the 'machine gun' at the Curva Fiesole, where the Fiorentina hardline tifosi are. While Pogba, while laughing.

As provoked by the provocation of the Juventus players, Fiorentina entered the second half blindly by scoring four goals. It started with the execution of Giuseppe Rossi's penalty in the 66th minute, Rossi returned in the 76th minute, then Joaquin Sanchez in the 78th minute, and again closed by Rossi entering the 81st minute. The score 4-2 for the Viola I victory lasted until the game was over.

At the end of the match, Della Valle made an innuendo to Juve. According to him, Antonio Conte's squad was "powerful" because Tevez and Pogba's two goals imitated Batistuta's celebration.

“I saw the machine gun (celebration) and it gave us luck. We responded with four rifle shots," said Della Valle, reported by Football Italia.

"This win was incredible and with this we erased a lot of bad memories. It is important to find this spirit. We dedicate this performance to all the fans and everyone in this city. Florence wins, our hearts win too, we never give up!” he continued.

In Serie A, this victory was the first for Fiorentina over Juventus at home after the last they won 15 years earlier. Uniquely, at that time Fiorentina won 1-0 through Batistuta's single goal!

The war isn't over. ahead of the 2017/2018 season, Juventus announced the recruitment of Federico Bernardeschi who was then a symbol of Fiorentina. Bernardeschi agreed to a five-year contract until 2022.

The 23-year-old footballer was redeemed by the Bianconeri with an initial transfer value of 40 million euros (about Rp 619.7 billion), which could potentially rise to 45 million euros (Rp 697 billion).

But, again, the move ignited the emotions of Fiorentina fans. Banners containing cynical tones for Bernardeschi were displayed around the city of Florence. They considered the Italian national team player to leave a lie by joining Juve.

"You left the city with a lie. Now you will get millions and be hanged by the ball," read a banner unfurled by Fiorentina supporters.

Bernardeschi ended his tenure with Fiorentina after four seasons wearing the purple shirt. in fact, he is one of the important players of the club based in the Artemio Franchi.

Three years later, Juventus again announced the arrival of Fiorentina players at their headquarters. this time it's Federico Chiesa, son of the legend of the Italian and Fiorentina national teams, Enrico Chiesa.

The Old Lady tied Chiesa to a temporary acquisition status for two seasons until June 30, 2022. Juventus spent 10 million euros (Rp 172.9 billion) to bring Chiesa.

Quoted from Football Italia, the fee was paid to Fiorentina in two stages, namely 3 million euros (Rp 51.9 billion) for the 2020-2021 season and 7 million euros (Rp 121.3 billion) for the 2021-2022 season.

However, Chiesa's move to Juventus ignited the anger of Fiorentina supporters. Tifosi put up banners outside the Artemio Franchi Stadium. Launching TuttoSport, Fiorentina supporters called Chiesa a traitor for defecting to a rival team.

"Betraying those who raised and protected you is the greatest disrespect. Florence is no longer your home," read one banner.

Chiesa is the idol of Fiorentina supporters. Joining the Fiorentina academy at the age of 10, the winger immediately became Fiorentina's mainstay after being promoted to the first team in the 2016-2017 season. At that time, his duet with Bernardeschi scared the opposing defenders.

Now, in the middle of the 2021/2022 season, it is the turn of the goal-hungry young striker Dusan Vlahovic who is anchored at Juventus with a tag of 70 million euros or equivalent to Rp. 1.1 trillion.

The Serbian striker's move again received a reaction from Fiorentina fans. They were angry that they threatened Vlahovic with a banner filled with insults that was unfurled outside the Artemio Franchi Stadium.

"Goals aren't enough to earn you respect. Damn Vlahovic Gobbo!" the text on the banner.

Banner containing insults against Dusan Vlahovic (Italian Football)

"Your bodyguard will not save your life. It's over for you," read another banner.

It's clear what makes Fiorentina fans hate Juventus so much. To the extent that an appeal appears when you visit the city of Florence, do not wear black and white clothes. Instead of enjoying the holidays, they are being chased by militant tifosi!

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