They can achieve victory.
The Super Bowl ended too quickly
The Bergamasques are hungry now. They believed that they could not only compete for mini-sensations in tournaments, but also win trophies. Last season, Gian Piero Gasperini’s band already won the Europa League. There are now good chances of winning Serie A and some Cup hopes. Additionally, the team played in the Super Bowl.
For Atalanta, this title was more important than for Inter. But the Nerazzurri quickly sent the Bergamos home. The Milanese prepared well for the match. They quickly overcame the opponent’s pressure – with the help of sharp attacks, the team easily found free zones and created danger in the final third. Atalanta are now among the contenders for the Serie A championship, but the recent match against Inter showed the difference in class.
Make mistakes more often
Without a doubt, Atalanta produced a great series that caught the attention. The team had a nine-game winning streak in late October and early December. If we only talk about the Italian championship matches, the unbeaten streak was 13 rounds. And in 11 matches in a row, the Bergamasques have won.
Now something has broken in Atalanta’s game. They began to make mistakes more often – at the end of the year, Bergamo lost points against Lazio. It is clear that the Romans are the “dark horse” of the tournament. But against other giants, they did not have enough strength to grab points. This was followed by a 0:2 defeat against Inter and elimination from the Super Cup. It’s also understandable: the Nerazzurri have got back into shape. And yet, previously, the Gasperin gang was better in such matches. Now there is another alarm bell – a draw with Udinese (0:0). In this context, Atalanta has already lost its lead and fell directly to third place. (five points ahead of leader Naples).
Stamina runs out
The Bergamasques are hard workers who resist Gasperini’s strict demands. This brings results – and ones that no one expected. The team has certainly not been seen in the championship race yet this summer. But Atalanta made a breakthrough. Another thing is that this approach to football carries certain consequences. Gasperini’s philosophy, which allows you to get closer to the championship, takes you further away from it at the same time.
The team plays extremely energy-intensive football. Over a short distance, players in optimal shape show what the coach wants to see. But later fatigue kicks in – and the Bergamasques begin to decline. Today we are approaching such a milestone. Napoli and Inter took advantage of their competitor’s hesitation – and Atalanta is already third. But the games are superimposed Champions League. This will also come back to haunt you, but a little later.
Motta needs transfers
While Atalanta, Napoli and Lazio surprised everyone by entering the top four, Juve and Milan fell into the background. A global restructuring has begun at the “old lady”, led by Thiago Motta. The coach received a solid boost this summer – the Turin team spent 168 million euros (the biggest in Serie A). And this is apparently only the beginning.
In winter, Juve is planning high-profile deals – there are at least three candidates. From Manchester United The Bianconeri want to invite two players at a time. The strengthening of the attack group can be seen in Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee. The Englishman is not a priority for the Turin team, but the Dutchman managed to work with Motta in Bologna – it was a successful union. that of Joshua Manchester United doesn’t work – it’s worth trying to track down your old coach.
In addition to them, Barça defender Ronald Araujo is on the list – in this case the Turin team is hoping for a loan move. True, it is difficult to reach an agreement with the Catalans – they want to include a buyout obligation in the deal (and in general they are no longer sure of the need for a transfer – the question of reinstatement of Inigo Martinez is being decided).
Top scorer looks for another team
With the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo and Paulo Dybala, Juve lost their offensive leaders; the team, which had lost its hegemonic status, was in desperate need of a new goalscorer. It was Dusan Vlahovic. The Serbian was actively criticized, he stood out from the general pattern of play – and still scored. For two consecutive seasons, Dusan became the team’s top scorer in the championship.
From now on, the attacker adapts to Motta’s demands. Of course, it doesn’t go very well, but it is significant that even in such conditions Vlahovic is again Juve’s top scorer. And yet, the people of Turin are looking for a way to get rid of the Serb. When they reached Manchester United With an offer for Zirkzee, one of the options was a swap – the Bianconeri were ready to give in for Joshua Vlahovic.
The attacker’s departure is apparently a done deal. They just don’t want to let him go for free – Kolo-Muani and Füllkrug are considered alternatives.
Bergamasco are not doing well against Juve
In the last six official matches, Atalanta could not beat the Bianconeri. It is clear that there is only one victory – the teams still drew five times. But more than three years without victories is an alarming indicator. It will be difficult for the Bergamasques to resist the “old lady” even at home.
Forecast Soccer.ru: If this match had happened a month earlier, the favorite would have been obvious. Now Atalanta is not in such a terrible state and is making mistakes. On the other hand, Juve go into this match without a head coach – Thiago Motta was disqualified due to a clash with Vanoli during the derby with Turin. Considering all this, we will bet on a draw.
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