Juventus vs. Atalanta – News and Probable Lineups

After experiencing two distinct five-goal matches, Juventus aims for a morale-lifting win before the international fixtures begin, welcoming Atalanta BC on Sunday.

Recently, Juve bounced back from a significant Serie A disappointment by securing a comfortable victory in European competition, whereas the Nerazzurri have faced defeats in their last two outings.

Match overview

Having narrowly defeated Frosinone and Parma to earn maximum points in their opening two fixtures, Juventus then needed a last-minute equalizer to salvage a draw against AC Milan, followed by a disappointing loss last weekend.

After twice coming back from behind, Luciano Spalletti’s squad pushed for a winning goal but were caught off guard by Sassuolo, ultimately falling 3-2 in Reggio Emilia.

The dramatic winning goal for the hosts was notably scored by Vasilije Adzic – a young forward currently on loan from Juve – which led to increased criticism of Spalletti’s tactics.

With no time to dwell on the defeat, the Bianconeri swiftly returned to European action, participating in another high-scoring match that went entirely in their favor: troubled strikers Nick Woltemade and Randal Kolo Muani both found the net in a commanding Europa League win against NEC Nijmegen.

Fresh from a 5-0 triumph, Juve looks to carry some of that momentum into their final match before the international break – another home clash in Turin.

Juventus has lost only one of their last 10 matches at the Allianz Stadium, but they have struggled to secure victories against Atalanta there for several years.

Currently, Atalanta remains unbeaten in their last eight visits, averaging nearly two goals per 90 minutes, having previously lost eight consecutive away matches to Juve.

This marks a significant change for the Bergamo side against Italy’s most celebrated club, and head coach Maurizio Sarri will hope to leverage this history this weekend.

His team travels north following two consecutive defeats, having fallen 2-1 to Roma and Cagliari.

Initially, the hosts scored two late goals to leave La Dea disappointed at Stadio Olimpico; then Cagliari shocked them again in a repeat of the scenario from five months prior.

While Sarri’s squad earned six points from six possible in Serie A, they had also successfully navigated the Conference League playoffs, but they have since struggled with the recent setbacks.

Now, with a modest track record of three victories from their last 12 away matches across all competitions, Atalanta heads to the black-and-white side of Turin, where Sarri once clinched the Scudetto.

Team News

Spalletti’s options have been limited due to an extensive injury list, so despite a packed schedule, rotation within the squad may be minimal on Sunday.

Juventus will be without Kenan Yildiz, Khephren Thuram, Juan Cabal, Jeremie Boga, Jeff Ekhator, and captain Manuel Locatelli, with the last expected to be out until next spring.

On a more positive note, Weston McKennie has returned to action as of Thursday, and Lloyd Kelly will be back after serving a UEFA ban; Andrea Cambiaso may also be available following an ankle issue.

Whether it’s Woltemade or Kolo Muani leading the hosts’ attack, Nikola Krstovic and Gianluca Scamacca are competing for the role of leading La Dea’s forward line.

Among several players who could start just behind the strikers, Giacomo Raspadori boasts an impressive record, averaging one goal every 96 minutes against Juventus in Serie A.

As Gianluca Gaetano returns from suspension, Atalanta is only missing the injured duo of Isak Hien and Kamaldeen Sulemana.

Juventus probable starting XI:

Viceroy; Kalulu, Bremer, Lucumi, Celik; Luiz, Sarr; Conceicao, Gonzalez, Alajbegovic; Voltemade

Atalanta BC probable starting XI:

Carnesecchi; Bellanova, Kossounou, Scalvini, Kolasinac; Kessie, Gaetano, Ederson; De Ketelaere, Scamacca, Rowe

Spalletti versus Sarri presents a captivating tactical contest, with two of Serie A’s most seasoned and astute managers going head to head.

While it is likely to be a closely contested affair, Juventus appears to have the edge, as they seem more formidable than Sarri’s uncertain team and are becoming accustomed to Spalletti’s strategies.