As Atalanta prepare to host Juventus in a crucial Serie A encounter, the Bergamo-based club received a boost with the potential return of their top scorer, Mateo Retegui. After missing the recent goalless draw against Udinese, Retegui has resumed training and could feature in the squad for the upcoming match.
The home team’s options are further strengthened by the expected recovery of former Juventus wing-back Juan Cuadrado from a thigh issue. However, it’s not all good news for Atalanta, as they continue to miss long-term absentee Gianluca Scamacca, while Berat Djimsiti’s availability is in question following a head injury that required stitches.
With Retegui’s full fitness still uncertain, Charles De Ketelaere is likely to retain his position as the focal point of Atalanta’s attack. He’ll be supported by the in-form Ademola Lookman, who is on the verge of achieving double-digit goal tallies for his third consecutive Serie A season.
Juventus, under the guidance of Thiago Motta (who will be absent from the touchline due to a ban), are likely to be without key players Dusan Vlahovic and Francisco Conceicao who are both suffering from muscular injuries.
The visitors will have to cope without several important players, including Arkadiusz Milik, Juan Cabal, and Bremer, who are all sidelined with long-term injuries. Adding to their defensive concerns, experienced center-back Danilo is reportedly in discussions to terminate his contract early.
Nico Gonzalez stands ready to reprise his role as a false nine in Vlahovics’ absence. In midfield, Manuel Locatelli’s return from suspension is expected to see him reclaim his starting position, likely at the expense of Douglas Luiz.
Atalanta (3-4-1-2): Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Hien, Kolasinac; Bellanova, De Roon, Ederson, Zappacosta; Pasalic; Lookman, De Ketelaere
Juventus (4-2-3-1): Di Gregorio; Savona, Kalulu, Gatti, McKennie; Locatelli, Thuram; Yildiz, Koopmeiners, Weah; Gonzalez
