La Dea’s target for Champions League next season is not exactly safe yet. They are still involved in the UCL spot race alongside the other four teams. This midweek before fighting for top four finish, Atalanta still have a chance to win a Coppa Italia. They will be facing of Juventus aiming for their only title this season. Both Andrea Pirlo’s men and Gian Gasperini’s side are hopeful for this secondary but worthy title.
The teams’ previous matches
La Dea secured a win in a 4-3 thriller over Genoa last weekend. Duvan Zapata, Ruslan Malinovsky, Robin Gosens and Mario Pasalic netted the winning goal while Genoa responded through Eldor Shomurodov’s brace and Goran Pandev’s penalty.
La Vecchia Signora also managed to sealed a big win against Inter. They thumped the current champions 3-2. Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring, but Inter found the equaliser through Romelu Lukaku’s penalty. Juventus took the lead again by Juan Cuadrado but La Beniamata once more were level as Georgio Chiellini scored an own goal. The Colombian international winger, Juan Cuadrado bagged their winning goal by a late penalty.
Possible tactic
The former Genoa boss who once had a brief spell in Inter in 2012, Gian Gasperini has always been deploying the fluid 3-4-3 with the transition to 3-4-2-1 or 3-4-1-2. He counts on the physical game and versatility in their players. It has been Atalanta’s trademark and such may lead to unexpected starting XI. The Colombian forward, Duvan Zapata is still the main option upfront, supported by Ruslan Malinovsky and Mario Pessina behind him.
Andrea Pirlo still believes in his 4-4-2 formation. CR7 and Paulo Dybala featuring as the frontmen. In the midfield, Weston McKennie, Adrian Rabiot, Federico Chiesa, Juan Cuadrado are operating on the second line. The only name ruled out for this fixture is Alex Sandro who is serving his ban.
Players to watch
Atalanta’s top performers this season are the Ukrainian international Ruslan Malinovsky with eight goals and 12 assists, the German winger Robin Gosens with 11 goals and 6 assists and Colombian striker Luis Muriel.
Apart from Cristiano Ronaldo, Federico Chiesa who has contributed seven goals and eight assist, has been the versatile key man for Juventus. Another notable name to watch is the top assist provider, Juan Cuadrado with ten assists plus two goals.
Atalanta vs Juventus Prediction
Coppa Italia this year will be the only chance for both Gian Gasperini and Andrea Pirlo to win their first title in their managerial career. It will spice up the clash too, especially for Pirlo’s future as a head coach, while for Gasperini, the victory here could be the end of his long awaited silverware.
Betting odds
The punters seem to back Robin Gosens and Co as the slight favourite. They are projected to win at 14/9, whereas Juventus’ win market is at 21/11. The odds for the draw result are at the value of 28/11.
