There will be four games in Italy’s Serie A on Sunday, with the curtain rising at 11:30 GMT when Atalanta welcome Juventus to the city. Expect a competitive 90 minutes as the two sides regularly compete for Serie A’s prized places. This is a game where both Atalanta and Juve believe they can pick up three points, but which team will deliver the goods and give the fans something to cheer about.
The locals go into this game on the back of a strong run of form, going unbeaten in their last three at this level. Juventus are currently four places above their hosts in the league and can go further with an away win. Despite being in the top three with a real chance of finishing second, the visitors are without a win in four games after three defeats and a draw last time out.
The last time Atalanta and Juventus met in the competition, it was in January and we conceded six goals in a 3-3 draw. It was a memorable game with plenty of goals and more talking points. Both teams have found the net in each of their last three meetings and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see a few more here. This game has the potential to light up your Sunday viewing.
Atalanta is back!
“Atalanta” is a team that we are used to push to the European border. In an ideal season, Atalanta would finish in the top four and qualify for the UEFA Champions League, and this is where the big cash prizes are to be found. In a disappointing season, fans are hoping to qualify for one of the other European football competitions, such as the Europa League. At this stage of the season, the hosts still have a chance to secure places in the main table. They are within touching distance of Inter Milan and AC Milan.
The locals have been as consistent as we’ve come to expect from them lately. The week started with their stats showing 16 wins, seven draws and nine defeats with 53 goals scored and 37 conceded. Atalanta have found the net more than two of the top three teams but have conceded 37 goals, the second-worst of any team in the top seven. Their defense needs to improve and step up.
We last saw Atalanta at home to Spezia, hot on the heels of an away win against Torino. Atalanta added to their tally with a 2-1 away win thanks to goals from Zappacosta and Zapata, the latter coming on 88 minutes, as they struck late on to seal a famous upset and take the points. You can’t write this team off, even this late in the season.
Juve’s poor run of form continues
“Juventus” is not the team it used to be. As the ‘Old Man’ dominated Serie A on their way to 10 titles, fans could not have guessed what the future held for their club. The former champions have been sidetracked since allowing Cristiano Ronaldo to return to Manchester United and this will be another trophy to slip through their fingers. Juve are likely to finish no better than second place Napoli.
The visitors started the week in 3rd place in the table with a record of 18 wins, six draws and eight defeats with 48 goals scored and 27 conceded. Their 60 points left them one behind Lazio and 19 behind Napoli, who hit the front early and have hardly put a foot wrong all season. The visitors lost any cup ambitions after failing to win any of their last four games. That slow spell consists of three defeats and a draw.
The reserve level in that run was achieved last weekend when Juventus stopped the rot when they were held to a draw away to Bologna. It was a game they expected to win, but Bologna are no soft touch, especially at home, and they made Juventus fight hard to get anything out of the competition. Goals from Orsolino and a late goal from Milik secured a share of the spoils.
“Atalanta”-“Juventus” prediction
This is a game where we can make a strong case for either side to win. Juventus could finish second and that would be a dramatic improvement. It will also serve as a warning shot to the other division ahead of next season. But Atalanta need more points and that desire combined with home advantage could be enough.
Series A coefficients
The pre-match betting odds for this match are Atalanta 2.36 for a win with Juventus 3.02 and a draw 3.36.
Be sure to place a bet Atalanta – Juventus With 22Bet.
Be there