The Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo is set to host a crucial Serie A encounter as Atalanta BC welcome Juventus on Tuesday evening. Both teams, coming off disappointing results in their recent outings, will be eager to reignite their respective campaigns in this high-stakes matchup.
Atalanta, under the astute guidance of Gian Piero Gasperini, find themselves in a mini-slump after a stellar run of form earlier in the season. The Bergamaschi are winless in their last three matches across all competitions, including a Supercoppa Italiana semi-final defeat to Inter Milan and a goalless draw against Udinese in their most recent Serie A fixture. Despite this dip, Atalanta remain a formidable force in the title race, having previously strung together an impressive 12 wins from 13 games.
Juventus, on the other hand, are experiencing a peculiar season under Thiago Motta. While the Bianconeri remain unbeaten in Serie A, their campaign has been marred by an extraordinary number of draws – 12 in total. Their recent form mirrors this trend, with five draws in their last six league games. The Turin giants are currently outside the top four, a position that has put significant pressure on Motta, who was recently sent off during a derby draw with Torino.
This match promises to be an intriguing tactical duel between Gasperini and Motta, two coaches with a shared history from their time at Genoa. Gasperini’s Atalanta are known for their high-intensity, attacking football, while Motta has instilled a more possession-based approach at Juventus.
Atalanta’s fluid 3-4-1-2 system allows for quick transitions and overloads in attacking areas. The partnership of De Ketelaere and Lookman offers a blend of creativity and finishing prowess that could trouble Juventus’ defense.
Juventus, despite their struggles, possess quality throughout their squad. Their ability to control the tempo of the game through midfield will be crucial, with Locatelli’s return potentially key to their strategy.
The midfield battle between Atalanta’s De Roon and Ederson against Juventus’ Locatelli and Thuram could determine the flow of the game. Additionally, the performance of Juventus’ defense against Atalanta’s dynamic attack will be pivotal.
Team News
Atalanta’s injury concerns center around their attacking options. Gianluca Scamacca remains sidelined with a long-term injury, while Mateo Retegui is pushing for a return to the squad. Juan Cuadrado is expected to recover from a thigh issue, but Berat Djimsiti is doubtful after sustaining a head injury. The hosts are likely to field a 3-4-1-2 formation with Charles De Ketelaere and Ademola Lookman leading the line.
Juventus face their own injury woes, with uncertainties surrounding the availability of key players Dusan Vlahovic and Francisco Conceicao. Long-term absentees include Arkadiusz Milik, Juan Cabal, and Bremer. Manuel Locatelli’s return from suspension provides a boost to the midfield. If Vlahovic is unavailable, Nico Gonzalez may once again be deployed as a false nine in a probable 4-2-3-1 setup.
Expected Starting XIs
Atalanta: Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Hien, Kolasinac; Bellanova, De Roon, Ederson, Zappacosta; Pasalic; Lookman, De Ketelaere
Juventus: Di Gregorio; Savona, Kalulu, Gatti, McKennie; Locatelli, Thuram; Yildiz, Koopmeiners, Weah; Gonzalez
Match Prediction
With both teams desperate for a positive result, this match could be a tense and closely fought affair. Atalanta’s home advantage and recent history of strong performances against top teams make them slight favorites. However, Juventus’ unbeaten record in the league suggests they cannot be underestimated.
Prediction: Atalanta 1-1 Juventus
