´Angry´ Juventus determined to turn draws into wins, says Motta

After yet another draw last weekend, Thiago Motta says it will be an angry Juventus side preparing to win at Serie A high-flyers Atalanta.

Torino held Juventus to a 1-1 draw on Saturday, subjecting them to their 12th stalemate in 19 games under Motta in the league, and leaving them fifth in the standings, nine points behind Atalanta.

Juve are, however, still unbeaten in Serie A this campaign despite their run of draws, though they have lost 12 points from leading positions. Across the last two seasons combined, the Bianconeri had only dropped 14 points when taking the lead (eight in 2023-24 and six in 2022-23).

“We are angry because we did not win the derby, but we are focused on tomorrow’s challenge against a team that is doing very well,” Motta told reporters ahead of Tuesday’s away game.

“We are the first to be angry. Not being happy is correct, but we have the conviction that the work we are doing is right to earn victories.

“It will be a great match, very complicated like all of them, we face a team that is better than us. The standings say so.

“We go with respect, but wanting to play our game to get the result we want, which is always victory.”

Juventus’ recent record against Atalanta does not look promising if they want to end that run though, as the teams have drawn 10 of their last 15 Serie A clashes, including both meetings last season.

There is slightly better reading for Juventus on the road against the Dea though, as they have only lost one of their last 19 trips to the Gewiss Stadium (W12 D6).

Juventus have failed to win when forced to play without striker Dusan Vlahovic this season, and he missed Saturday’s game with a muscular issue.

Vlahovic has scored five goals in his last four Serie A appearances against Atalanta (two braces for Fiorentina), but he is a doubt for Tuesday’s trip, while Francisco Conceicao is still out.

“We will evaluate Vlahovic in training this afternoon,” Motta said.

“All players are important. Dusan is an important player for us, there is no doubt about it.

“When he is present it counts, we did well when he was not there, but we are not satisfied because we did not get the victory.”