Struggling Atalanta will look to get their first win in 2016 as they welcome champions Juventus to the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia this Sunday.
Juventus survived a thrilling second-leg comeback by Inter Milan to reach the Coppa Italia final on Wednesday after throwing away a 3 goal lead. Allegri’s men were beaten 3-0 by Inter but eventually prevailed on penalties. Now they turn their attention to the league where Juventus are three points ahead of Napoli and five points above a resurgent Roma. Atalanta are seven points above the drop zone and without a single win in their last 12 games. Edy Reja will be hoping his side can spring a surprise and end a 15-year wait for the league success against the Bianconeri.
Key players will miss the game against Juventus
Atalanta boss Edy Reja explained that his side do not have much chance but is still hoping for a surpirse.”Sometimes there are surprises and you can get points where you don’t expect them,” he was quoted as saying by ForzaItalianFootball. They will be without the services of Alejandro Gomez, Carlos Carmona and Mauricio Pinilla who all are big players for Edy Reja’s side
Paulo Dybala and Paul Pogba returns for Juventus
Juventus have a three point lead after 16 wins in 17 games, but Allegri is not expecting an easy trip to Bergamo. “Napoli can still win many games, we must be careful and take things one match at a time. Sarri was very good in developing a playing system capable of bringing out the quality in Napoli,” he was quoted as saying by media outlet outlet Football Italia.
In spite of the eight-point lead over Roma and Fiorentina, Allegri refuses to rule them out of the race. “Roma can realize a sequence. They can win them all from here until the end. The quality of their players is excellent and [Coach Luciano] Spalletti instilled them with a new playing style. They could potentially reach 86 points and they can exploit games against their direct opponents.”
Mario Mandzukic will return to the starting lineup after being rested in the midweek fixture. The Croatian international has struggled for fitness in a campaign interrupted by injuries. However, he has been a vital player in Allegri’s system and has delivered in the big games. He will be eager to make an impact on the pitch tomorrow.
