Serie A Preview: Atalanta - Juventus

Kick Off: Saturday November 7, 20:30 CET, Azzurri d'Italia, Bergamo

Atalanta Falling Again

Atalanta coach Antonio Conte is relishing the chance to get one over his former side when Juventus visit the Atleti Azzurri D'Italia on Saturday. However, he has enjoyed mixed fortunes since taking over from Angelo Gregucci back in September. He has only won twice since then, but his team held mighty Milan to a draw last month, and thus they will fancy their chances against the Old Lady.

After beating Parma in week nine, the Orobici have lost twice against Livorno and Cagliari. It's that thin kind of faulty form that has seen them get dragged into the relegation zone. Only a better goal difference than Livorno and Bologna are keeping the team above the trap door.

Conte's side are not in the best form as they prepare to play Juve, perhaps their only advantage over the Turin side is that they didn't play in midweek. Ciro Ferrara's side struggled to beat Maccabi Haifa in the Champions League after having lost to Napoli last week, and so Atalanta will be looking to exploit Juve's weaknesses.

The coach knows his men cannot afford to slip up any further or climbing back up the table will become difficult. Coaches carry the can in Serie A, and Conte will not want to be put in doubt by his employers if the situation gets worse.

Atalanta have not beaten Juventus at home since 2001 when they won 2-1. Nicola Ventola scored the winner that day. Atalanta did however, beat Juve in Bergamo five years ago in the Coppa Italia.

Juventus Desperate To Stay In Touch With Inter

Juventus are starting to blow hot and cold again. There are major challenges ahead for La Vecchia Signora. They face Inter in a month's time, but unless they start playing with consistency, the Scudetto will remain a dream. A seven point gap separates the Turin side with their Tricolore rivals, that could be 10 by the end of play this weekend. Juve were stunned last week at home to Napoli, losing 3-2 after taking a two goal lead. Perhaps the result shook the players back to reality, and they will be hoping to prove their worth against Atalanta.

In 10 games against the Orobici in Serie A, Juve have won seven, drawn two and lost just once. Their last game was back in May and ended in a 2-2 draw. Maximiliano Pellegrino scored one of the goals for the Nerazzurri, but he is likely to start from the bench. Vincenzo Iaquinta was also on the score sheet that day, but he is out injured.

Juve won here 3-1 back in December 2008. Alessandro Del Piero, Nicola Legrottaglie and Amauri all scored, but none of them are likely to feature. The Italian striker is not ready to return, while Amauri is suspended. Legrottaglie is doubtful.

It's all or nothing for Juve. Giorgio Chiellini described this clash as “fundamental” earlier in the week, and he couldn't be more accurate. Anything less than a win will see the race for the Scudetto look over for the Old Lady.

Form Guide

Atalanta

November 1 v Cagliari (A) - LOST 3-0 (Serie A)

October 28 v Livorno (A) - LOST 1-0 (Serie A)

October 25 v Parma (H) - WON 3-1 (Serie A)

October 18 v Udinese (A) - WON 3-1 (Serie A)

October 04 v Milan (H) - DREW 1-1 (Serie A)

Juventus

November 3 v Maccabi Haifa (A) - WON 1-0 (Champions League)

October 31 v Napoli (H) - LOST 3-2 (Serie A)

October 28 v Sampdoria (H) - WON 5-1 (Serie A)

October 25 v Siena (A) - WON 1-0 (Serie A)

October 20 v Maccabi Haifa (H) - WON 1-0 (Champions League)

Team News

Atalanta

Robert Acquafresca is still in the treatment room. Thomas Manfredini and Diego De Ascentis are also doubtful. Ferreira Pinto is unavailable, while Edgar Barreto is facing a long injury lay-off following ankle surgery last week. Gyorgy Garics still hasn't recovered from his twisted knee. There are no suspensions.

Probable Starting XI 4-4-2: Consigli; Madonna, Talamonti, Peluso, Bellini; Padoin, Radovanovic, Guarente, Valdes; Doni, Tiribocchi.

Juventus

Alessandro Del Piero is in contention after making a full recovery from his recent thigh problems. Tiago is still struggling, as is Jonathan Zebina. Vincenzo Iaquinta and Claudio Marchisio are long term absentees. Mohamed Sissoko is out for up to a month with a thigh strain. Amauri is suspended following his red card against Napoli. Sebastian Giovinco is doubtful after picking up a muscular strain earlier in the week.

Probable Starting XI 4-2-3-1: Buffon; Grygera, Cannavaro, Chiellini, Grosso; Camoranesi, Poulsen, Melo; Diego, Trezeguet, Giovinco.

Players To Watch

Simone Tiribocchi (Atalanta)

The powerful striker is the club's top-scorer thus far with four to his name this term, and he will be hoping to add more on the board here. Juventus will need to keep an eye on his long range shooting.

Diego (Juventus)

The Brazilian ace is slowly returning to form. He was good against Haifa as he continued to show his magical skills. However, he has yet to show his early season form. Look out for his mazy runs and clever ball work. His vision is second to none.

Prediction

Atalanta will fancy their chances at home. Their volatile home support will be key to laying the foundations for a win. Juventus will struggle, but they will pull it out of the bag. Ferrara's men have plenty riding on this game, and they will show their mettle. Another loss for Conte.

Atalanta 1-3 Juventus

Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com