Having finally ended a poor run of results thanks to a last-gasp goal at Stadio Luigi Ferraris, Atalanta will be looking to end the first part of the season on a high with a positive result against mighty Juventus. The Bianconeri are searching for their ninth successive victory in the league, but their run of eight clean sheets in a row is likely to be put to a serious test in Bergamo.

Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia becoming a fortress

Having been able to lean on one of Italy’s best youth academies, Atalanta have established themselves as genuine mid table side in Serie A, although club chiefs are finding it increasingly difficult to keep hold of their key players. The squad did not suffer too many changes in the summer, although Orobici did well to tie down Luca Cigarini to a long-term contract, with the former Italy international largely impressing this season. And while Stefano Colantuono’s side have experienced all sorts of problems on the road, losing seven of nine away fixtures, they have been quite impressive at their Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia, picking up 13 points from 7 fixtures on home soil. Having also managed to score at least one goal in home matches against Udinese, Lazio, Inter and Roma, among others, Orobici look a good bet to become the first team to score against Juventus after eight league matches. The likes of Bonaventura, Moralez, Denis and Kone are expected to cause the Bianconeri quite a few problems at the back.

Marko Livaja is doubtful with a muscle problem, but defenders Gianpaolo Bellini and Stefano Lucchini are definitely out.

Eight games without conceding

Juventus were incredibly unfortunate not to make it to the Champions League knockout stages, especially since they had all the ingredients to reach the final stages of Europe’s elite competition, but their early exit is certainly bad news for other Italian sides. Even during the hectic schedule the Bianconeri largely impressed in Serie A games and chances are their performances will be even better now that they will be playing just one match per week. It is fair to say that there is not that much room for improvement after all, with Juventus winning last eight league matches without conceding a single goal in the process, although chances are the match against Atalanta will be anything but a walk in the park. The Old Lady obviously remain favourites to win the game, but given the Orobici’s home record, I have doubts as to whether their back line will be able to prevent the hosts from scoring. Having conceded in 6 of 11 away matches in all competitions this term, I have a feeling their run of eight clean sheets is set to come to an end.

Andrea Pirlo continues to miss out through a knee problem, whilst Mirko Vucinic is doubtful with a bruised knee.

Verdict

Atalanta have proved their worth when facing the big teams at their Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia and they can be trusted to make life difficult for Juventus as well. The Bianconeri might just edge this one out, but don’t expect them to keep a clean sheet in the process.

Top pick: Both teams to score   2.20 (6/5) @ William Hill

Alternative pick 1: Half-time Draw   2.38 (11/8) @ BetVictor

Alternative pick 2: Away win+both teams to score   3.80 (14/5) @ Coral