Escape trials. The time has come for Juventus to accelerate in the standings and fly away, perhaps definitively, towards the seventh consecutive championship. The goal, thanks to Napoli's slowdown, is increasingly within reach and a success against Atalanta (18pm, recovery on matchday 26) would make it even more concrete.
Three points today would lead the black and whites to + 4 over the blues, thus digging a small (?) furrow on the direct competitor, which at that point would be forced to win them all (including the trip to the stadium) to maintain the chance of the tricolor. A beautiful scenario for Allegri and his, provided however that they do their duty and not be surprised by Gasperini's team.
“We've been leading for a few days and we have to be good at not giving up – explained the Juventus coach. – The important thing, however, is to continue taking one step at a time, Napoli are always there with the possibility of a title and there is still a direct match to be played. We will try to win but with great respect for Atalanta, a team that will put a lot of effort into us physically”.
The little game is always the same: keep the tension high and convince the players that every game can hide such pitfalls as to deserve the maximum effort. And so far, it must be said, Allegri's tactic is working quite well: after the defeat against Sampdoria (November 19) there have been 13 victories (11 consecutive) and only one draw (on December 9 against Inter ), all with 28 goals scored and just one conceded, moreover dating back to the first leg (December 30 in Verona).
In short, we are dealing with an almost perfect machine, not always pretty to look at but extremely reliable and capable of top performance. Stopping it is a difficult task for everyone but Atalanta, thanks to a ranking that once again authorizes the European dream (Sampdoria's seventh place is only 3 points away) wants to at least try.
“We have to play with the same attention seen in the Italian Cup, knowing that this time we have two results out of three available – thought Gasperini. – Juventus are in high spirits but we too are doing well both physically and mentally. It will be very difficult but we will try to achieve a result that would bring us closer to the Europa League”.
Compared to February 25, the original date of the challenge, the formations will obviously be different. Allegri must take into account the numerous close commitments of his players, therefore, compared to Udinese, he will make several changes. His 4-3-3 will see Buffon in goal, De Sciglio, Benatia, Chiellini and Asamoah in defence, Khedira, Pjanic and Matuidi in midfield, Douglas Costa, Dybala and Mandzukic in attack, with Higuain ready to take over from the bench.
Gasperini will also change several things compared to the February line-up: Atalanta were back from the match against Borussia Dortmund at the time, but this time they will be able to field their best players. In the Nerazzurri's 3-4-1-2 there will be Berisha between the posts, Mancini, Palomino and Masiello in the backline, Hateboer, De Roon, Freuler and Spinazzola in the midfield, Cristante in the trocar to support the offensive duo Ilicic-Petagna.
