Fiorentina-Juventus: Fan's firsthand perspective

We always like to hear first-hand accounts of Fiorentina matches from our readers and Alex Miller sent us his thoughts from the game against Juventus at the Artemio Franchi. You can follow him on Twitter @AWMiller15.

Don't forget to send us your own accounts from live games - but for now you can enjoy what Alex had to say to us...

I visited Florence back in the summer of a 2012. I saw the city's beauty; however, I never experienced the beauty that lies inside of the Artemio Franchi.

I have been a Fiorentina follower ever since my visit. I've been avidly following their progress and watching almost all their games. Even being a relatively new fan, I have gained an attachment that cannot be explained: I have seen highs and unfortunately a few lows. All of these have come from afar, however, and I made it a goal to get to a game at the Artemio Franchi. An opportunity arose to go to Florence for my 21st birthday and see not just any game but the game against Juventus. After learning about the history between the two sides, this was the ultimate game to go to. My excitement was clear to see and I couldn't wait to sample the atmosphere. Wearing the famous Viola shirt, I was incredibly eager to get to the ground.

The atmosphere was electric. Sitting right next to the Curva Fiesole, I was able to get an incredible view of the fans creating a simply stunning display as the two sides emerged onto the pitch. I have never seen anything quite like it.

The match itself was eventful to say the least. There was a disallowed goal for both sides. It was not a surprise, but was against the run of play that Juventus took the lead near the half time mark through Mario Mandzukic, but that was just the beginning.

The second half began with total domination of the ball by Fiorentina but without the cutting edge, which changed in dramatic style with the introduction of former Lazio and West ham man Mauro Zarate adding more energy in the final third and causing a mistake from Leonardo Bonucci. The ball rebounded to Nikola Kalinic, who expertly placed it past Gianluigi Buffon. Then what you can only describe as chaos took place. I was met by the arms of a local who threw me in the air. It was pure ecstasy and was a moment that will stick with me forever.

Unfortunately things took a turn for the worse and a Paul Pogba corner a couple minutes later led to a simple finish from Alvaro Morata to restore Juve's lead. But there was to be yet another twist as Kalinic went from hero to villain. After winning the penalty he was fouled by none other than ex viola man Juan Cuadrado. The Croatian stepped up stepped up to take it. I and many other fans held our breath as time seemed to stand still only to see the penalty and then Federico Bernardeschi's following effort denied by Buffon.

Just as it looked all but over, Kalinic had another chance but somehow couldn't convert from 2 yards as he cracked one against the bar. It just wasn't to be, despite the domination which forced Buffon to make the most saves he’d made in a game this season. It also to force Juventus into their fewest shots on target this year in Serie A. In short, I was absolutely crushed.

Nevertheless, following the initial disappointment, there was a lot to be pleased about as I saw a very good Fiorentina performance. To see Fiorentina live was a surreal experience, one I will never forget and hope do again in the near future.