Coppa Italia Preview: Atalanta-Juventus
11/19/2004 7:41:00 AM
With the Italian cup low on the Bianconeri’s list of priorities, Atalanta have the perfect chance to progress to the next round. Juventus will only field their reserves but will be a tough challenge none the less.
BACKGROUND
Atalanta sit on the bottom of Serie A after a poor start to life back in Italy’s top division. Although the season is still in its infancy Atalanta look destined for Serie B. The newly promoted side have yet to manage a win, securing seven draws and five defeats. Mandorlini’s side have conceded too many goals and not scored enough in the league, but have the perfect chance to progress against a reserve Juventus side. A victory against the Turin giants would be the perfect confidence booster, providing the perfect tonic for a surge in the Serie standings.
Juventus coach Fabio Capello has stated that he will use the match as a chance to give some of his forgotten players a chance to prove their value to the club. “This is the right opportunity for people to illustrate their worth,” Capello was reported to have said. The Bianconeri have one of the most impressive squads in European football and will have plenty of potential match winners at their disposal despite the absence of more established players.
Sources close to the club suggest that Mark Iuliano and Nicola Legrottaglie will start in defence, while Olivier Kapo and Marcelo Zalayeta should partner in attack. As Juventus’ first team have continued to sweep aside all before them this season, it should be interesting to see how players such as Kapo perform. The match provides several players with the opportunity to stake a serious claim for a first team spot with an impressive display in Bergamo.
TEAM NEWS
Atalanta:
The coach of Atalanta, Mandorlini, has most of the players at his disposal and above all no absences in the probable starting line up. Defender Fabio Rustico and midfielder Albertini are still out injured and will not take part.
Juventus:
Although Capello has selected Nedved in the squad, the Czech midfielder is unlikely to start the match. Del Piero has been rested and will not travel to Bergamo. Capello’s final line-up is not certain, but players such as Olivera, Kapo and Zalayeta should get the chance to show their worth.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Atalanta:
The experience of Zenoni in midfield will be crucial for the home team in Bergamo. Zenoni has played many important matches and has been on the winning side against the Bianconeri before.
Juventus:
After it seemed that Olivier Kapo was not in Capello’s plans, the pacy winger has impressed recently, deployed in attack. Kapo has the pace and skill to test any defence, with Capello’s help, the young prospect could become one of the most devastating players in Serie A. Just as Henry was converted into a striker, Kapo can enjoy the same success, but is equally effective on the wing.
PROBABLE STARTING XIs
Atalanta (4-3-3):
Taibi - Rivalta, Sala, Natali, Bellini - Zenoni, Bernardini, Marcolini - Montolivo, Budan, Saudati..
Juventus (4-4-2):
Chimenti - Thuram, Iuliano, Legrottaglie, Birindelli - Olivera, Blasi, Appiah, Kapo - Zalayeta Ibrahimovic.
PREDICTION
With the bianconeri expected to make wholesale changes to their line-up, and Atalanta probably playing their best side, this should end up to be a balanced match even though Juventus still possess more quality and experience than the Bergamaschi’s young squad. The Serie A leaders should progress.
Atalanta 0-2 Juventus
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