Prediction: Atalanta vs Juventus

Verdict: Atalanta win

Best Odds: 3/2

Bookmaker: Unibet

With the Coppa Italia up for grabs on Wednesday night, Atalanta and Juventus will face off at the MAPEI Stadium in what could be a mouthwatering affair.

Atalanta

Starting with Atalanta, while La Dea might have managed to avoid a late collapse away at Genoa over the weekend, Gian Piero Gasperini’s men once again put in another action-packed display on the road. Knowing that they have all but secured a Champions League return for next season, the Bergamo outfit are also within striking distance of wrapping up a silver medal finish in Serie A. With the mood in their camp likely at a real high and coming off the back of that 4-3 win last time out, Atalanta have continued to shine while on domestic duties over the past two months. Although the Blue and Blacks might have seen Real Madrid end their European adventure back in March, La Dea have mustered 29 points from just their last 11 top-flight contests. Gaining a reputation for their free-scoring displays in the final third, Gasperini’s side have bagged themselves a remarkable 90 Serie A strikes this season, the best-attacking return in Italy.

Team News

In a real boost for Atalanta, leading marksman Luis Muriel returned from a thigh injury over the weekend and has been given the green light for a start in midweek.

Likewise, the returning duo of Rafael Toloi and defender Hans Hateboer have also been passed fit to feature once again.

Juventus

As for Juventus, managing to snatch what was a stunning last-gasp winner against newly-crowned champions Inter Milan over the weekend, The Old Lady still find themselves dreaming of a late charge for the top-four. Heading into their final Serie A contest of the season sat a single point adrift of finding a route into the Champions League spots, the pressure firmly remains on Andrea Pirlo’s shoulders. With many in Turin unsure if the former Italian icon is the man to take Juve forward past the summer, they have at least enjoyed a much-needed boost over the past week. Managing to bounce back from that stunning 3-0 drumming at the hands of AC Milan earlier in the month, they have landed back-to-back victories against Inter Milan and Sassuolo. While attacking MVP Cristiano Ronaldo might be enjoying his own real purple patch, Pirlo will have a headache over his side’s extended issues at the back. It should be noted that Juventus have failed to record a clean sheet in 14 straight matchups.

Team News

Defender Alex Sandro will miss out on Wednesday night due to suspension.

After featuring in all of Juventus’ Coppa Italia matchups this season, veteran keeper Gianluigi Buffon is expected to start between the sticks.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides faced off on Serie A duties last month, Atalanta landed a 1-0 victory on home soil.
• Likewise, La Dea have lost just one of their last seven meetings against Wednesday’s opponents.
• Juventus have failed to record a clean sheet in any of their last 14 straight matchups across all formats.
• Finding the net against inter Milan over the weekend, Cristiano Ronaldo recorded his 39th goal for club and country this season.
• Atalanta have recorded 90 Serie A strikes this season, the best-attacking tally in Italy.

Conclusion

While Juventus might have managed to land that much-needed 3-2 win against Inter Milan over the weekend, The Old Lady might face another stern test on Wednesday night. Still in an uphill battle to clinch Champions League football for next season, the now-former Italian champions have gained a reputation for their extended issues at the back. Failing to remarkably record a single clean sheet in any of their last 14 straight contests across all formats, Atalanta might be smelling a real chance in midweek. Enjoying a remarkable purple patch since returning from March’s international break, La Dea have all but wrapped up a silver medal finish this season. Landing themselves a 1-0 win against Juventus when the two sides faced off last month, we’re backing Atalanta to lift this year’s Coppa Italia title this week.

Verdict: Atalanta win

Best Odds: 3/2

Bookmaker: Unibet