As the Serie A season enters its final stretch, two of Italy’s top clubs prepare for a crucial encounter that could have significant ramifications for the title race and Champions League qualification. Juventus, currently fourth in the table, will host third-placed Atalanta at the Allianz Stadium on Sunday evening.
Juventus have been on a remarkable run, winning their last five Serie A matches. Their most recent victory, a hard-fought 2-0 win against Hellas Verona, allowed them to solidify their hold on the final Champions League spot while cutting Inter Milan’s lead at the top to just six points. This resurgence has reignited their faint Scudetto hopes, thought to be extinguished earlier in the season.
Atalanta, on the other hand, have stumbled in recent weeks. Their last outing resulted in a frustrating 0-0 draw at home against relegation-threatened Venezia, despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances. This setback denied them a crucial opportunity to close the gap on league leaders Inter and second-placed Napoli.
For Juventus, Khephren Thuram has been in scintillating form. The French midfielder has already set a new personal best for goal involvements in a single league season, with three goals and four assists. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively has been crucial to Juventus’ recent success.
Randal Kolo Muani, recently named Serie A’s Player of the Month for February, has been preferred up front to Dusan Vlahovic. His performances will be vital in breaking down Atalanta’s defense, which has kept clean sheets in their last four Serie A matches.
For Atalanta, the dynamic duo of Ademola Lookman and Mateo Retegui have been prolific, combining for 33 league goals this season. Retegui, in particular, leads the Capocannoniere rankings and will be looking to add to his tally against Juventus’ formidable defence.
This fixture has historically been closely contested, with the last three league meetings ending in draws. Since Gasperini took charge of Atalanta nearly nine years ago, this matchup has produced the most Serie A draws: 11 in 17 matches.
The match will also mark a significant milestone for Gasperini, as he equals Roma’s Nils Liedholm with the second-most games in charge of a single Italian top-flight team (332). Only Juventus legend Giovanni Trapattoni (402) has managed more.
The clash promises to be a tactical masterclass between Thiago Motta and Gian Piero Gasperini. Juventus boasts the league’s best defense, having conceded just 12 goals from open play. In contrast, Atalanta leads Serie A in goals scored from open play with 45.
Team News
Juventus will be without several key players due to injuries, including Francisco Conceicao, Renato Veiga, Nicolo Savona, and Douglas Luiz. Federico Gatti is also doubtful with a thigh strain, which could see Lloyd Kelly retain his place in the starting lineup.
Atalanta are facing their own injury crisis, particularly in defence. Stefan Posch is the latest casualty, joining long-term absentees Gianluca Scamacca, Odilon Kossounou, and Giorgio Scalvini on the sidelines. This could force manager Gian Piero Gasperini to reshuffle his backline, potentially dropping Marten de Roon into defence or recalling club captain Rafael Toloi.
Expected XI’s
Juventus: Di Gregorio; Weah, Kalulu, Kelly, Cambiaso; Thuram, Locatelli; Gonzalez, McKennie, Yildiz; Kolo Muani
Atalanta: Carnesecchi; Toloi, Djimsiti, Kolasinac; Bellanova, De Roon, Ederson, Zappacosta; De Ketelaere, Lookman; Retegui
Prediction:
Given Juventus’ recent form and home advantage, coupled with Atalanta’s injury concerns and recent stumbles, the Bianconeri are slight favourites. However, Atalanta’s potent attack and the high stakes for both teams suggest this will be a closely fought and potentially high-scoring affair.
Prediction: Juventus 3-1 Atalanta
