Atalanta emerges as biggest threat to another Juventus title

Third-placed Atalanta, which boasts Serie A's best attack, will cut the gap between itself and Juventus to six points if it extends its remarkable run.

Published : Jul 10, 2020 17:27 IST

Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini reacts during a Serie A fixture against Valencia.
Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini reacts during a Serie A fixture against Valencia.
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Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini reacts during a Serie A fixture against Valencia.

Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini insists he is not thinking of the Serie A title but with nine successive league wins his hugely entertaining side has emerged as the most likely threat to leader Juventus.

The two sides clash on Saturday and third-placed Atalanta, which boasts Serie A's best attack with 85 goals scored, will cut the gap between itself and Juventus to six points if it extends its remarkable run.

With six matches left after that, it is still unlikely it could catch Juve, but it could certainly make the titleholder uncomfortable, especially following Tuesday's 4-2 defeat at AC Milan when coach Maurizio Sarri said his team suffered a blackout.

Juventus, with 75 points and chasing a ninth successive title, has a seven-point lead over second-placed Lazio. Atalanta follows on 66 and Inter Milan is fourth with 65.

Lazio, struggling with injuries and suspensions, has lost three out of five matches since the season re-started nearly one month ago and looked a spent force during its 2-1 defeat at lowly Lecce on Tuesday.

It hosts in-form Sassuolo on Saturday in the early kick-off where the high temperature is likely to add to its problems.

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Inter Milan, meanwhile, has made a habit of dropping points in games it should have won, including Thursday's 2-2 draw at Verona where it conceded an equaliser five minutes from time. Its exasperated coach Antonio Conte already appears to be planning ahead to next season.

“The title? It's not a word that is really buzzing around in my head, everything is still in the hands of Juventus,” said Gasperini after his side beat Sampdoria 2-0 on Wednesday.

“It's clear that if you win all the games like we're doing, we'll make up ground - we want to make mathematically sure of qualifying for the Champions League, that is the first step.”

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However, nothing can be completely ruled out where Gasperini is involved. The 62-year-old has overseen a remarkable transformation at what is usually a middle-of-the-table team.

“I'm sure he is really thinking of the title,” said Verona coach Ivan Juric.

“He's been underestimated for years. We all steal ideas from him, including me and even abroad. He's had the courage to implant a different kind of football.

“He's one of the best. For me, it's (Jurgen) Klopp, (Pep) Guardiola, then him”.

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