Venuti's Own Goal Makes Juventus Favourite After Narrow Win Over Fiorentina In Italian Cup

Juventus took control of their Italian Cup semifinal on Wednesday after Lorenzo Venuti's late own goal gave the visitors a 1-0 first-leg win on Dusan Vlahovic's return to Florence.

Venuti left the field in tears after he deflected Juan Cuadrado's cross into his own net in the first minute of stoppage time to hand Juve the win and a potentially crucial away goal.

Serbia forward Vlahovic was back at the Stadio Artemio Franchi for the first time since moving to Turin in January but had little joy for depleted Juve in a tense match that lacked quality.

"It was a difficult match because we were missing so many players, but we managed to keep order and we're improving," said Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri to Mediaset.

"We're doing well physically and psychologically, now we need to put this match to one side and look to the weekend."

The tie will be decided at the Allianz Stadium next month, with the winners taking on either AC Milan or Inter Milan – who drew 0-0 on Tuesday – in May's final in Rome.

"I don't know what more I could have asked, we had 22 shots and hardly conceded anything at the back," said Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Italiano.

"We've still got the second leg and we'll go to Turin to play our own game."

Fiorentina fans had promised a fiery welcome for former hero Vlahovic, whose departure to fierce rivals Juve for an initial 70 million euros ($80.2 million) brought an end to months of speculation around the 22-year-old's future.