The match has seemed to calm down in tempo with both sides feeling the effects of tired legs and weary minds. Juventus are still pushing forward at every chance but Atalanta seem quite pleased with a point and are doing their best to slow the tempo to a walking pace.
90' +2
STAT: Juventus have yet to keep a clean sheet in the Serie A away from home this year, but have not conceded in their four home games.
90'
The referee has signalled SIX added minutes! Still plenty of time for either side to get a winner.
88'
M. de Roon enters the game and replaces B. Cristante.
Holding midfielder Martin de Roon will replace goal scorer Bryan Cristante.
85'
Dybala’s penalty was struck very well, low and to the left, but Berisha was faster and got a palm to the ball and the defence cleared any potential danger.
84'
Penalty saved by E. Berisha!
THE REFEREE HAS GIVEN THE PENALTY BUT BERISHA HAS MADE THE SAVE ON DYBALA! A very poor decision from Damato has been justified by a brilliant save by Berisha! It has been a crazy last few minutes in Bergamo but it remains 2-2!
83'
Referee Antonio Damato has signalled that he will consult with the VAR – and upon second reflection it looks as though the ball struck the shoulder of Petagna.
82'
A. Petagna gets yellow.
Dybala struck well with the left boot but the wall blocked the kick. The referee has called the play back for a yellow card to Petagna for a hand-ball and the referee has given Juventus a penalty shot as he deemed it was in the box!
Andrea Petagna has been given the yellow card for a hand ball in the area.
80'
J. Palomino gets yellow.
Palomino has been given a yellow card for bringing Dybala down just outside of his penalty area. This is in an extremely dangerous position and the young Argentine has scored from this range before.
79'
CLOSE TO A THIRD ATALANTA GOAL! Spinazzola wriggled free on the left side and drilled a low cross into the area. Had Petagna stuck out a leg, it would have beaten Buffon but the evergreen goalkeeper was quick to come out and collect – saving his teams’ blushes.
Minute
Description
78'
Douglas Costa enters the game and replaces M. Mandžukić.
In an attempt to win the game, Allegri has made his third substitution, with Mario Mandzukic making way for Douglas Costa.
75'
Perhaps Allegri went into this game with too many changes. The Juventus midfield has been overrun and there seems to be precious little chemistry between Matuidi, Bentancur and the defense which has caused problems in attack, but even more of an issue defensively.
73'
STAT: Atalanta have won only two of their last thirty-seven matches against Juventus. The positive for the Bergamo side is both of those wins have come at home.
71'
More confident attacking play from Atalanta as a ball for Petagna gets past Benatia. The pull-back wasn’t ideal and Cristante laid the ball off for Freuler to strike – which he did so eagerly. The ball flew high over Buffon’s net and out for a goal-kick.
69'
J. Cuadrado enters the game and replaces F. Bernardeschi.
Allegri has responded immediately to his side being brought level as Bernardeschi will be replaced by the pacey Juan Cuadrado.
67'
B. Cristante has scored a goal for Atalanta! Assist by P. Gómez.
Gomez will be awarded with an assist after his sumptuous cross set up Cristante's goal.
WHAT A GOAL OUT OF NOWHERE BY BRYAN CRISTANTE! Alejandro Gomez sent in an absolutely incredible cross from the right and Cristante rose highest and unmarked to steer the ball home! The sheer pace of the cross was enough for it to fly past Buffon and we’re all level at the Stadio Atleti Azzuri d’Italia! 2-2!
66'
A. Barzagli enters the game and replaces S. Lichtsteiner.
Lichtsteiner has been withdrawn and replaced by Barzagli. Max Allegri is obviously wary of a second yellow card for the Swiss international, who was infuriated even as he was leaving the pitch.
64'
P. Gómez gets yellow.
Gomez will receive a yellow card after up-ending Stephan Lichtsteiner. The two are now having choice words with each other as Lichtsteiner no doubt sees the challenge as reactionary for the Swiss right-back’s earlier elbow.
62'
A Juventus corner was put far too deep for even Mandzukic at the far post, and the ball rolled out for a Juventus throw, as the ball took a touch on the way out.
60'
It’s all getting a little bit tasty here as the intensity has been ramped up considerably since the referee’s decision to reverse Mandzukic’s goal. The last half hour will no doubt be furiously contested and the home fans have grown considerably louder to cheer on their side.
58'
S. Lichtsteiner gets yellow.
Lichtsteiner has been given a yellow card after the referee consulted the VAR and saw a Lichtsteiner elbow on Alejandro Gomez in the build-up to the now disallowed goal.
NO GOAL! The referee has consulted the VAR and it has been made apparent that the left elbow of Lichtsteiner did make contact with Gomez. The referee has called the goal off and awarded Atalanta a free-kick. It’s still 2-1 after some controversy!
57'
CONTROVERSEY SURROUNDS A JUVENTUS GOAL! Its 3-1 to Juventus after a brilliant Dybala cross was met at the far-post by Mandzukic to turn in, but during the build-up play it seems as though Stephan Lichtsteiner threw an elbow into the face of an Atalanta player.
56'
A. Petagna enters the game and replaces J. Kurtič.
A second Atalanta substitution will see Andrea Petagna replace Jasmin Kurtic.
55'
JUVENTUS AT ITS CREATIVE BEST BUT HIGUAIN BLAZES OVER! Fantastic one-touch passing between Mandzukic and Dybala set up Higuain in the box who miscontrolled and attempted a volley with his back to goal. The chance was wonderfully crafted but the final strike was always rising.
54'
Bentancur was caught indecisive in possession but luckily for the young Uruguayan, the referee deemed that Freuler had held onto his jersey – and gave away a free-kick as a result.
52'
Mehdi Benatia met the cross with a free header but instead of directing it on goal, attempted to play head tennis and set up Chiellini for a backpost unmarked header. The ball was too quick for the Italian defender and Berisha will take a goal-kick to restart the game.
51'
Masiello has been penalized for bringing down Asamoah in the Atalanta third of the pitch. Dybala is standing over it and looks to want to put the ball in the box.
49'
Dybala did well to play Higuain in the box but the striker held onto the ball for too long and Atalanta were able to clear the immediate danger and put it out for a throw.
47'
Atalanta have come storming out of the gate in the second half! A great Spinazzola ball fell to Hateboer at the back-post after the Juventus defence seemingly switched off, but Hateboer touched the ball wide of the post.
46'
Juventus get the ball rolling in the second half!
45'
Atalanta are not allowing the Juventus defence a second to breathe, pressing intently every time the ball is cycled back to Gianluigi Buffon. Asamoah and Chiellini, who are usually confident in control, are going to have a difficult day building from the back with the likes of Illicic watching their every move.
43'
Atalanta are building yet another attack – potentially their last before the half. They are passing the ball around patiently but a poor ball allows Juventus to clear and regroup with possession.
41'
Juventus are looking to slow things down with less than five minutes left in the first half. They’ve played well so far and going into the interval level would only be the result of a lack of focus – as the Bianconeri have dominated the play despite only being up by one goal.
39'
Atalanta once again in possession but an overzealous ball from Freuler to Illicic ended as a goal-kick to Juventus.
37'
Dybala found some space midway between the penalty box and half, and decided to attempt an audacious curler which was never threatening to hit the target. That is quite some confidence from the Serie A’s top scorer.
36'
Atalanta smell blood in the water as a Alejandro Gomez shot was blocked on the edge of the penalty area. The game is beginning to get stretched and Juve’s midfield needs to hold firm against the home side’s waves of pressure.
34'
AND ITS ALMOST 2-2! The new man Illicic crossed the ball beautifully for Kurtic who had a free header. Unfortunately for Atalanta, the Slovenian headed it down and wide. That is a huge let off for Juventus who have been put under pressure since going up 2-0.
32'
J. Iličić enters the game and replaces A. Cornelius.
Gasperini has made his first substitution of the game, with Andreas Cornelius being removed for Josip Illicic.
31'
M. Caldara has scored a goal for Atalanta!
ATALANTA HAVE MADE IT 2-1! Juventus-owned Mattia Caldara has scored an almost identical goal to Bernardeschi roughly ten minutes earlier. The free-kick was poked by Cristante to Gomez who struck confidently on goal. The shot was blocked but not caught by Buffon and Caldara rushed in to tap in the goal. Atalanta are back in the game!
30'
Atalanta in a dangerous position just outside the area have won a free-kick after Bernardeschi fouled the oncoming Alejandro Gomez. This is in a good position for either a shot or a cross.
28'
Palomino won an all-important free-kick after receiving the ball on halfway. Three Juventus players instantly were pressing the centre-back who almost turned possession over to Dybala who would have been in alone on goal. More dangerous play from Atalanta who seem shell-shocked.
26'
Suddenly, a positive start from the home team has been ruined by two goals in quick succession. Atalanta will have to press forward and score – which could put their defensive unit in increasingly perilous situations. Will it be a case of damage limitation for Gasperini’s men?
24'
G. Higuaín has scored a goal for Juventus! Assist by F. Bernardeschi.
The goal-scorer has turned provider as Bernardeschi is awarded the assist on Higuain's goal.
WHAT AN ABSOLUTE ROCKET FROM HIGUAIN! ITS 2-0 JUVE! More fantastic build-up play from Juventus as Bernardeschi played the ball through for Higuain to run onto in the box. Higuain controlled brilliantly and while holding off Palomino rifled it into the top left-hand corner of the goal. Berisha has been beat on his near post by an absolute thunderbolt! 2-0 Juventus!
22'
Upon the restart Medhi Benatia was brought down by a kick from Cornelius who, luckily for him, will not receive a card.
21'
F. Bernardeschi has scored a goal for Juventus!
IT’S A GOAL FOR FEDERICO BERNARDESCHI! A ball over the top was headed down on the left by Mandzukic for Asamoah who centred the ball for Matuidi. The French midfielder struck it first time and Berisha could not grab it cleanly. Bernardeschi stormed the box and tapped home the rebound. 1-0 Juventus!
19'
Gomez played Cornelius through the Juventus defence but once again Chiellini came across to dispel the danger. The subsequent Atalanta cross went over the head of Cornelius who had taken up a position in the box and the ball rolled out for a Juventus throw. That is an opportunity wasted.
17'
Atalanta are putting Juventus under significant pressure in the Bianconeri half but a marauding run from Bentancur has drawn a free-kick which will relieve the danger.
15'
A turnover in midfield caused by Matuidi sent Higuain through but Palomino was on his guard and blocked the shot wide for a corner which was promptly cleared into the Juventus half.
Almost from Higuain! Mandzukic chinned it down for Higuain in the box but the Argentinian failed to make sufficient contact with the bouncing ball and the shot trickled into the arms of Berisha who so far has been busy, but not put under significant danger.
13'
Dybala had a sight at goal and attempted the volley with his left boot but the ball was always curling away from the net and Berisha could watch it go wide.
11'
Bernardeschi was once again free on the right-hand side of the penalty area but his curled shot was almost immediately blocked by two surrounding Atalanta defenders.
10'
The Juventus midfield are constantly changing the pace, turning seemingly pointless midfield one-touch passes into pacey attacking interchanges in an instant. They employed the same tactic against Torino with considerable success and it’s so far so good for the Bianconeri here as well.
8'
Atalanta pressed forward quickly but a Giorgio Chiellini intervention prevented any potential danger and the ball is returned to Juventus.
5'
The frenetic start has since calmed down, with Juventus enjoying an extended period of possession.
3'
Good attempt from Bernardeschi! He got in a good position on the right-hand side but his shot was weak and rolled into the arms of Berisha in the Atalanta goal.
2'
Atalanta have started on the front foot here, going forward at every opportunity looking to pin back the Juventus midfield and attack down the flanks.
1'
Atalanta get us underway!
Good evening and welcome to our live text commentary of the Italian Serie A meeting between Atalanta and Juventus from the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia in Bergamo.
The hosts currently sit in 11th place in the table after six games having won two, drawn two and lost two. Goals have not been an issue for Atalanta, having scored in every match since the opening day of the season – a 1:0 defeat against Roma. Problems have arisen for head coach Gian Piero Gasperini at the back, as Atalanta have failed to keep a clean sheet in any Serie A clash.
Atalanta enter match week seven on the back of a good away draw against Fiorentina last Sunday and a midweek tie against Olympique Lyonnais in the Europa League. Since starting the campaign with back to back losses to Roma and Napoli, Atalanta have gone undefeated. Talisman Alejandro Gomez has been in top form, registering three goals and two assists while being featured in every match. For Juventus, all eyes will be on Paulo Dybala, whose league leading ten goals have propelled the Bianconeri to third place. A win today however would put them tied for top spot with Inter.
The away side have not dropped a single point in their Serie A campaign thus far, and have steam-rolled most sides they have faced. Last week’s Turin Derby was a goal-laden affair, with Paulo Dybala’s double paving the way for a 4-0 thrashing of cross-city rivals Torino. Juventus too were involved in European competition midweek, beating Olympiacos 2-0 at the Allianz Arena. It is sure to be an exciting affair today, with both squads confident of their attacking prowess.
The team news has just been announced, so let's start with the home side:
Atalanta substitutes: Riccardo Orsonlini, Robin Gosens, Martin de Roon, Luca Vido, Timothy Castagne, Gianluca Mancini, Andrea Petagna, Francesco Rossi, Haas, Josip Illicic, Pierluigi Gollini, Alessandro Bastoni.
Atalanta starting XI (3-4-3): Etrit Berisha; Andrea Masiello, Mattia Caldara, Jose Luis Palomino; Hans Hateboer, Bryan Cristante, Remo Freuler, Leanardo Spinazzola; Jasmin Kurtic, Andreas Cornelius, Alejandro Gomez.
Juventus substitutes: Juan Cuadrado, Douglas Costa, Alex Sandro, Andrea Barzagli, Carlo Pinsoglio, Wojciech Szczesny, Daniele Rugani, Stefano Sturaro, Fabrizio Caligara.
Juventus starting XI (4-2-3-1): Gianluigi Buffon; Stephan Lichtsteiner, Giorgio Chiellini, Mehdi Benatia, Kwadwo Asamoah; Rodrigo Bentancur, Blaise Matuidi; Federico Bernardeschi, Paulo Dybala, Mario Mandzukic; Gonzalo Higuain.
Max Allegri has gone with a four at the back formation, and has brought fresh legs into the rotation. Alex Sandro at left-back is left on the bench today in favour of sparingly used Kwadwo Asamoah. Blaise Matuidi is paired in midfield with 20-year old Uruguayan starlet Rodrigo Bentancur instead of Miralem Pjanic. Juan Cuadrado and Douglas Costa on the wings are replaced with summer signing Federico Bernardeschi and main striker Gonzalo Higuain – who was brought on as a substitute in the 80th minute of the Derby della Mole.
Both managers have made four changes for today’s game. Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini has opted for a 3-4-3 but has replaced Rafael Toloi in defence with Andrea Masiello. The midfield sees two changes as Martin de Roon and Timothy Castagne being swapped out for Bryan Cristante and Hans Hateboer. The final change sees the big target man Andreas Cornelius playing instead of Josip Illicic. Interestingly enough for Atalanta today, two of their starting eleven (Spinazzola and Caldara) are on loan at the Bergamo club from Juventus. It will be a daunting task for the two youngsters who are going up against their parent club.
HALF-TIME: Atalanta 1-2 Juventus
Gian Piero Gasperini’s men have battled well and acquitted themselves positively after going two goals behind to the reigning champions but will need to be more assured in possession and not let the Juventus press cause potentially costly errors. For Juventus, Dybala has been held in check, and aside from Higuain’s goal, and a squandered chance minutes earlier, the Argentine has also been quiet. Bernardeschi was rewarded for his positive play with his first Serie A goal for Juventus. Both coaches will go into halftime with a host of compliments and critiques. Either way – both teams have left the game for the taking in the second period.
A slow first fifteen minutes gave way to a frenetic and goal-laden last half hour. A tap-in by Bernardeschi after a Juventus free-kick and a blasted effort from Gonzalo Higuain put the visitors up 2-0 within five minutes, but Mattia Caldara – on loan from Juventus – managed to get one back for Atalanta with a goal that was an exact replica of Bernardeschi’s effort ten minutes prior. Juventus have looked assured in possession when going forward, but Atalanta have exerted significant pressure on the Juventus back-line during instances where Buffon was looking to play from the back.
What an absolutely fantastic display both of these sides have put on today. Juventus found themselves up 2-0 in under 30 minutes but Atalanta got one back from Mattia Caldara. In the second half it looked as though Juventus had restored their two-goal lead but an elbow by Stephan Lichtsteiner on Alejandro Gomez disallowed the Mandzukic header. Atalanta then found themselves level after a powerful header by Bryan Cristante. A late free-kick struck by Dybala was blocked by what seemed to be the shoulder of Andrea Petagna but the referee was quick to brandish a yellow card and point to the penalty spot as he had judged Petagna blocked the shot with his hand. Even after VAR consultation which seemed to clearly illustrate that it was the shoulder – referee Damato still insisted a Juventus penalty which was promptly saved by Berisha who saved a crucial point for Atalanta.
FULL TIME: Atalanta 2-2 Juventus
That is all from the Stadio Atleti Azzuri d’Italia! We hope you enjoyed the match and we look forward to seeing you again soon!
This will surely be a confidence boost to Atalanta who will face Sampdoria in Genoa after the international break in two weeks’ time. Juventus will also have a difficult tie – welcoming Lazio to the Allianz Stadium where they have yet to concede a goal this year. Max Allegri will hope that the international break will provide some of his players with some time to rest before the league starts up again in full force after his side failed to win for the first time this season in the Serie A.
Juventus seemed overrun in midfield and slightly disjointed but their quality shone through when it mattered. They managed the tempo of the game and had many fantastic attacking interchanges between Dybala, Higuain and Mandzukic. Atalanta battled back and showed incredible resilience and fortitude – pressing Juve’s back-line at every and any opportunity. They did not let their heads drop after going 2-0 down and are fully deserving of the point they received.
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