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When VAR Talks Back: Juventus vs Fiorentina Ends 1-1 Amid Controversy

22 November 2025

When VAR Talks Back: Juventus vs Fiorentina Ends 1-1 Amid Controversy
Tension and controversy shadow the Juventus–Fiorentina clash at Artemio Franchi.

Overview

Luca Marelli, a refereeing expert and former Serie A official, weighed in on the controversial incident involving Juventus forward Dušan Vlahović against Fiorentina.

Match result and key moments

Juventus were held to a 1-1 draw at Fiorentina, in a Saturday night clash that closed the twelfth round of Serie A at the Artemio Franchi.

Juventus took the lead thanks to Filip Kostić just before halftime, with Fiorentina replying through Rolando Mandragora in the 48th minute.

Penalty decision and VAR review

In the 14th minute, referee Daniele Doveri awarded a penalty after Vlahović appeared to be pulled by Fiorentina defender Pablo Mari. A VAR review led Doveri to reverse the call, canceling the penalty after analyzing the sequence where Vlahović seemed to grab Mari’s shirt at the start.

Marelli noted that both players were wrestling for the ball and that the on-field official’s decision remains decisive, with the review at that moment unlikely to overturn the initial judgment.

Doveri then awarded an attacking foul on Vlahović, a move Marelli called an overreach of the protocol, while Mari argued the review had become too expansive.

The discussion underlined the fragility and ambiguity of the moment, with the review ultimately returning responsibility to the on-field referee.

Stadium tension

The atmosphere at the Artemio Franchi grew tense as Fiorentina hosts clashed with their guests. Some Fiorentina supporters directed racist chants at Vlahović, prompting captain Luca Ranieri to intervene and call for an end to the abuse, warning that there would be consequences if it continued. The chants interrupted play twice in the first half.

Juventus’ form and Fiorentina’s woes

Juventus began the season strongly, with a win over Parma and a hard-fought victory at Genoa, followed by a dramatic 4-3 Derby d’Italia win over Inter. They endured a run of draws and defeats before a managerial change; subsequent results included a win at Udinese and mixed outcomes in later fixtures.

Fiorentina have endured their toughest spell this season, failing to win in 12 games, drawing six and losing six, collecting just six points and hovering near the bottom of the standings.

In the league table, Juventus sit around the middle, while Fiorentina face an uphill battle to climb out of the relegation zone as the season progresses.

What happened on the field raised questions about the efficacy of the VAR process and the way crowd behavior can influence a high-stakes match.

In summary, a night of drama, debate, and a swallowed whistle left both clubs with more questions than answers as they look ahead to the next round of fixtures.

Author

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Emma Amme

I am Emma Amme, an English sports journalist born in 1998. Passionate about astronomy, contemporary dance, and handcrafted woodworking, I share my sensitive view of sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened with the penalty decision and the VAR review?

The referee initially awarded a penalty for Vlahović, which was overturned after a VAR check, as the sequence involved both players grabbing shirts. An attacking foul on Vlahović was subsequently called, per the on-field judgment and protocol.

What was the final score and how did it affect the teams’ form?

The match finished 1-1. Juventus had an up-and-down run earlier in the season, while Fiorentina continued a difficult campaign with only draws and losses, leaving both teams navigating a challenging league position.

What issues affected the atmosphere during the game?

Racist chants directed at Vlahović interrupted play and prompted intervention from Fiorentina captain Luca Ranieri, who urged an end to the abuse under threat of consequences.