Juventus will host Atalanta at 6 PM on Sunday at their home stadium in one of the most interesting matches of the fifth round of Serie A. The Bianconeri are looking to return to winning ways in the league, but they face an opponent that has caused them major problems in Turin in recent years. Luciano Spalletti's side enter the match after a 3:2 defeat to Sassuolo, but also a convincing 5:0 European victory over NEC.
Atalanta, meanwhile, have suffered two consecutive defeats and arrive at Allianz Stadium under pressure. After four rounds, Juventus sit in eighth place, while Atalanta are eleventh with one point fewer. The difference in the standings is small, but a victory at this stage could seriously change the atmosphere and shape the remainder of the season for both teams.
THE RIVALRY BEGAN ALMOST NINE DECADES AGO
The first league meeting between Juventus and Atalanta was played on September 19, 1937, in Bergamo, in the second round of Serie A. Juventus won 1:0, with Mario Bergoncini scoring the only goal of the historic match three minutes before the final whistle. The first league meeting between the two teams in Turin followed on January 23, 1938.
The Bianconeri dismantled Atalanta 5:0, with Mario Varglien II scoring a hat-trick. From those first encounters to the present day, a rivalry has developed that has become particularly challenging for Juventus in Italian football over the last decade.
JUVENTUS HAVE NOT BEATEN ATALANTA IN TURIN SINCE 2018
One particular source of motivation for the Bianconeri is the fact that they have not beaten Atalanta at home in Serie A since March 14, 2018. Juventus won 2:0 that day, with goals from Gonzalo Higuain and Blaise Matuidi. Since then, Atalanta have regularly managed to take at least one point away from Turin.
It is important to note that this negative run applies exclusively to league matches played at Juventus' home ground. In the meantime, the Bianconeri have beaten Atalanta in Bergamo and in Coppa Italia finals. Sunday therefore presents an opportunity for Juventus to end a run that has lasted more than eight years and defeat Atalanta in front of their home supporters in Serie A once again.
HISTORY IS ON THE BIANCONERI'S SIDE
Juventus and Atalanta have played 128 Serie A matches so far, with the overall record clearly favoring the Turin giants. The Bianconeri have recorded 67 victories, 47 matches have ended in draws, while Atalanta have won 14 times. Juventus have scored 228 goals, while the Bergamo club have scored 110. There have been 64 league meetings played at Juventus' home ground.
The home side have recorded 38 victories, 20 matches have ended in draws, while Atalanta have taken all three points on six occasions. The goal difference in those matches stands at 123:51 in favor of the Bianconeri. The most recent league meeting was played on April 11, 2026, in Bergamo, when Juventus won 1:0. The decisive man was Jeremie Boga, who scored the only goal in the 48th minute.
THREE GREAT WINS JUVENTUS FANS WILL NEVER FORGET
The long history of this rivalry has produced several matches that hold a special place in the memories of Juventus supporters.
DEL PIERO'S SHOW IN BERGAMO
On April 20, 2008, Juventus defeated Atalanta 4:0 in Bergamo. Nicola Legrottaglie opened the scoring in the very first minute, before Alessandro Del Piero took center stage. The legendary captain scored a hat-trick and led the Bianconeri to one of their most memorable away victories against Atalanta.
KULUSEVSKI AND CHIESA DELIVERED THE 14TH COPPA ITALIA
In the Coppa Italia final on May 19, 2021, Juventus defeated Atalanta 2:1. Dejan Kulusevski put the Bianconeri ahead, Atalanta managed to equalize, but Federico Chiesa scored the decisive goal in the second half. Juventus therefore won their 14th Coppa Italia trophy.
VLAHOVIC BROKE ATALANTA'S RESISTANCE FOR ANOTHER TROPHY
Three years later, the same two sides met again in the Coppa Italia final. Juventus won 1:0 on May 15, 2024, with Dušan Vlahović scoring the only goal in the fourth minute. The Bianconeri reached a record 15th trophy in the competition with that victory. Vlahović is no longer a Juventus player, but his goal in the Rome final remains an important part of the history between the two sides.
DEL PIERO IS JUVENTUS' TOP SCORER AGAINST ATALANTA
Juventus' top scorer in league matches against Atalanta is Alessandro Del Piero. The legendary Bianconeri number 10 scored ten goals and provided seven assists against the Bergamo side. His hat-trick in 2008 remains one of the finest individual performances in the history of this rivalry. Against Atalanta, Del Piero demonstrated everything he became known for – precision, technique, positional awareness and the ability to take responsibility in the most important moments.
WHICH CURRENT JUVENTUS PLAYERS HAVE ALREADY SCORED AGAINST ATALANTA?
In the current Juventus squad, three players have already scored league goals against Atalanta while wearing the black-and-white shirt. Andrea Cambiaso found the net in a 2:2 draw played on March 10, 2024, in Turin. Pierre Kalulu scored on January 14, 2025, in Bergamo. The match ended 1:1, and it was also his first Serie A goal as a Juventus player.
The most recent goal was scored by Jeremie Boga. On April 11, 2026, he secured Juventus a 1:0 victory away against Atalanta. The experience of these three players could be particularly important in a match where patience, individual inspiration and taking advantage of rare opportunities are likely to play a major role.
ATALANTA ALLOW A LOT OF SHOTS, JUVENTUS ALLOW THE FEWEST IN THE LEAGUE
One of the biggest differences between the teams after the first four rounds can be seen in the number of shots they allow. According to the statistics so far, Atalanta's opponents have taken as many as 82 shots, the most in Serie A. Juventus, on the other hand, have allowed only 28 attempts on their goal, the fewest in the league. These figures indicate that Juventus currently look more organized defensively, while Atalanta leave space for their opponents and often allow matches to become open.
The Bianconeri will therefore look to use high pressing and quick ball circulation to attack the spaces between Atalanta's lines. The key will be converting the chances they create into goals, something that has been a problem in some matches this season.
ATALANTA'S BIGGEST THREATS
Atalanta still possess a very strong squad, capable of punishing any lapse in concentration.
Marco Carnesecchi is one of the most highly regarded Italian goalkeepers, while Giorgio Scalvini brings quality in playing out from the back and organizing the final line. In midfield, Ederson plays an important role, connecting defense and attack, winning a large number of balls and using his physical qualities to control the center of the pitch.
Giacomo Raspadori can play in several attacking positions, while Gianluca Scamacca represents a serious threat inside the penalty area. Juventus will particularly have to pay attention to their movement between the lines and set pieces. Atalanta also receive significant contributions from Nikola Krstović, Mario Pašalić and Lazar Samardžić. All three can pose a direct threat to goal, whether through finishing, late runs into the box or long-range shots.
THE BALKAN CONNECTION ARRIVES IN TURIN
The Juventus-Atalanta match will be particularly interesting for fans from the Balkans, as the Bergamo club have several players from the region in their squad. Montenegrin striker Nikola Krstović is a strong and aggressive option up front. His movement off the ball, physical duels and pressure on Juventus' center-backs could cause serious problems for the Bianconeri defense. Mario Pašalić has been one of Atalanta's most reliable players for years. The Croatian international is excellent at attacking space from the second line and often finds himself in the right position inside the penalty area.
Serbian international Lazar Samardžić possesses an excellent shot and the ability to change the course of a match with a single move. He is particularly dangerous when given space on the edge of the penalty area. The squad also includes Bosnia and Herzegovina international Sead Kolašinac, whose physicality, experience and aggression provide additional security to the back line. Juventus have young Bosnia and Herzegovina international Kerim Alajbegović in their squad, meaning the match will have a strong Balkan connection regardless of who gets the chance to play.
JUVENTUS WITHOUT GRABARA: VICARIO TAKES RESPONSIBILITY
A major blow for Juventus is the serious injury suffered by Kamil Grabara. The Polish goalkeeper suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Guglielmo Vicario should now be the first-choice goalkeeper, with a major responsibility expected of him for the remainder of the season.
Spalletti has experienced Carlo Pinsoglio and young Ricardo Radu available as alternatives, depending on registration, the coaching staff's assessment and the team's needs. Grabara's injury changes the hierarchy among the goalkeepers, but Juventus must quickly find stability with a very demanding schedule ahead.
JUVENTUS LOOK FOR A REACTION AFTER THE SASSUOLO DEFEAT
The defeat to Sassuolo showed that Juventus still need to find consistency in the league. The team scored two goals, but at the same time allowed their opponents to capitalize on mistakes and take all three points.
The reaction came in Europe, where the Bianconeri defeated NEC 5:0. That match restored some confidence, but the clash with Atalanta represents a much more serious test.
Spalletti will demand concentration, aggression and control of the tempo from his players.
Juventus cannot allow Atalanta open space for counterattacks, but at the same time they must be brave and decisive in the final third. Atalanta arrive in Turin after two consecutive defeats and will also be looking for a reaction. For that reason, an intense match should be expected, with the opening goal potentially having a significant impact on the rest of the game.
TIME TO END THE LONG RUN
The overall history clearly favors Juventus, but the recent history of league meetings in Turin is a reminder that Atalanta must never be underestimated. The Bianconeri's last league victory over this opponent at home came back in 2018. Eight years of waiting provides more than enough motivation for the team to play decisively in front of their supporters and end the unwanted run.
A victory would give Juventus important points, restore confidence in Serie A and provide additional momentum ahead of the demanding schedule. Atalanta will try to extend their successful run in Turin, but the Bianconeri have an opportunity to finally change the course of this rivalry. The match between Juventus and Atalanta will be played on Sunday, September 20, at 6 PM at Allianz Stadium. The match will be broadcast live on Arena Premium 4.
