Leaders Juventus will play host to in-form Atalanta side this weekend in the midst of an injury crisis, as one of these record streaks has to come to an end.
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Massimiliano Allegri’s lead at the top of the Serie A table was sliced to just four points last Sunday when they shockingly fell to a 3-1 defeat to Genoa at Marassi.
The result was the third loss inflicted on the Bianconeri so far this season, enough to see the likes of Roma, Milan, Lazio and, notably, Atalanta move that extra bit closer to breathe down their necks.
While there is still a long way to go before any alarm bells should be rung, Juventus will want to bounce back against an impressive La Dea side, who have won eight of the last nine rounds, drawing the other. No other club in Europe’s top five Leagues has done as well during that period.
On the other hand, Juve have won their last 23 Serie A home games, just two shy of the all-time record set from August 2013 to December 2014.
The problem that will hang over the defending champion’s head like an ominous cloud is the sudden attack of injuries that have flooded the medical room at Vinovo.
Losing Andrea Barzagli to a shoulder injury at the beginning of November was already a massive blow, but Allegri has since had to deal with losing both Dani Alves (broken leg) and Leonardo Bonucci (hamstring) for several months too.
The dilemma at the back means Stephan Lichtsteiner will finally get some playing time, while Medhi Benatia and Daniele Rugani will slot into the centre with Alex Sandro flanking them on the left. However, the worries don’t end there, as they have been extended further up field in the shape of Paulo Dybala, who spent the week training by himself and probably isn’t ready for his comeback after five weeks out.
This leaves the Bergamaschi eager to utilise Allegri’s squad problems to the best of their abilities, but they too will be missing a massive name in the shape of Roberto Gagliardini, who will be serving a suspension.
Remo Frueler is likely to step in to replace the youngster in the middle of the park, while Marco Sportiello will be in goal following Etrit Berisha’s operation, which will leave him sidelined until the turn of the New Year.
So far, Atalanta have proven to be enjoying their free-flowing football, coupled with excellent turnarounds on the transitions has undoubtedly made them one of the more exciting teams to watch this season.
Given Juve’s ongoing injury crisis and Atalanta’s excellent form, this game will be one for the books this weekend.
Keep An Eye On: Jasmin Kurtic (Atalanta) – The Croatian, who has scored four goals this season and bagged an assist, is likely to once again pull the strings when sitting behind Andrea Petagna and Alejandro Gomez in attack. If anyone can help decide a game against Juventus, it is the man who creates opportunities and moves between spaces.
Form Guide: Juventus (L W W W W) Atalanta (W W W W W)
Last Season: Juventus 2-0 Atalanta
Stat Fact: Atalanta have lost their last 12 meetings with Juventus. The most recent interruption was a 2-2 draw in Turin on May 17 2009.
Top Tip: Given Juventus’ record against Atalanta, and the latter’s recent form, a draw is probably the best bet.
Juventus (probable): Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Benatia, Rugani, Alex Sandro; Khedira, Marchisio, Pjanic; Cuadrado, Higuain, Mandzukic
Suspended: None
Atalanta (probable): Sportiello; Masiello, Caldara, Zukanovic; Conti, Kessie, Freuler, Drame; Kurtic, Petagna, Gomez
Predict : Juve WIN
