Four games will be played in the Italian Serie A on Sunday and the curtain goes up in style at 11:30 GMT when Atalanta welcomes Juventus to town. A competitive 90 minutes is expected as two sides regularly competing for the prize places in Serie A go head-to-head. This is a game both Atalanta and Juve believe they can collect three points from, but which team will deliver the goods and give fans reason to cheer.
The locals prepare for 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 higher than their hosts in the league and could pull further clear with a win on the road. Despite sitting in the top three with a real chance of finishing second, the visitors are without a win in four games following three defeats and a draw last time.
When Atalanta and Juventus last met in competitive action it was January and we were treated to six goals with the game ending 3-3. That was a memorable game with plenty of goals and even more talking points. Both teams have found the net in each of their last three meetings and it would come as no surprise to see a few more here. This game has the potential to brighten up your Sunday viewing.
Atalanta bounce back
Atalanta is a team we are used to pushing for a European finish. In an ideal season, Atalanta would finish in the top four and qualify for the UEFA Champions League and that’s where the big cash prizes can be found. On a disappointing season, the fans expect to qualify for one of European football’s other tournaments, such as the Europa League. At this stage of the season, the home team still have a chance of booking a seat at the head 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 in recent times. The started the week with their stats showing 16 wins, seven draws and nine defeats with 53 goals scored and 37 conceded. Atalanta has found the net more times than two of the top three teams but has leaked 37 goals which is the second worst of any team in the top seven. Their defence must improve and fast.
We last saw Atalanta in action at home to Spezia in midweek with that game coming hot on the heels of a win over Torino on the road. Atalanta boosted their tally thanks to that 2-1 away win with the goals scored by Zappacosta and Zapata with the latter coming on 88 minutes as they struck late for a famous smash and grab on the points. You can’t write this team off, even this late in the season.
Juve’s poor form continues
Juventus aren’t the team they once were. When the Old Lady was dominating the Serie A, pushing for 10 league titles on the bounce, fans couldn’t have predicted what the future held for their club. The former champions have been off the pace since allowing Cristiano Ronaldo to return to Manchester United and this will be another championship trophy that will slip through their fingers. Juve will likely finish no better than runners up to Napoli.
The visitors started the week placed third in the table with their stats showing 18 wins, six draws and eight defeats with 48 goals scored and 27 conceded. The 60 points collected left them one behind Lazio and 19 behind Napoli who hit the front early and have barely put a foot wrong all season. The away team lost any claims they had on the trophy after failing to win any of their last four games. That slow spell consists of three defeats and a draw.
The spare level finish in that run was achieved last weekend as Juventus stopped the rot when drawing with Bologna on the road. That was a game they were expected to win but Bologna are no soft touches, especially on their own patch and they made Juventus fight hard to get anything from the contest. Goals from Orsolino and a late leveller from Milik ensured a share of the spoils.
Atalanta v Juventus prediction
This is a game where we could make a strong claim for either side winning. Juventus could finish second and that would be a drastic improvement. It’ll also serve as a warning shot to the rest of the division ahead of next season. But Atalanta needs the points more and that desire coupled with home advantage could be enough.
Serie A odds
The pre-match betting odds associated with this game has Atalanta at 2,36 for the win with Juventus available at 3,02 and the draw 3,36.
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