Juventus have been battling turmoil for much of the season, but the struggling “Old Lady” has a golden opportunity to stake a claim in the Serie A title race when they host Atalanta on Sunday night.
Five consecutive league victories have propelled Juve within six points of league leaders Inter Milan, with Thiago Motta’s fourth-placed side quietly gaining momentum—even as fans continue to voice their discontent.
Monday’s 2-0 win over Verona was preceded by furious supporters protesting outside the team’s hotel, where the squad had been placed under lockdown as punishment for their humiliating Coppa Italia exit against relegation-threatened Empoli.
That shock defeat, coupled with their earlier Champions League play-off collapse at PSV Eindhoven, has fuelled frustration among Juventus supporters. Banners were hung outside the Allianz Stadium questioning the players’ commitment, while boos echoed at half-time on Monday when Juve were fortunate to be level after Verona’s Tomas Suslov had a stunning goal ruled out for offside.
Yet despite their struggles, Juventus have transformed from draw specialists into a team grinding out wins, even if Motta’s tactical identity is yet to take full shape.
Atalanta will provide a stern challenge, boasting the league’s best away record with no defeats on the road since their heavy loss to Inter Milan in August. Gian Piero Gasperini’s men remain in the Scudetto hunt, sitting three points ahead of Juventus in third, despite struggling for home victories.
While Juve might not reduce Inter’s lead this weekend—especially with the champions expected to beat bottom-placed Monza—Simone Inzaghi’s squad faces mounting injury concerns and a Champions League tie with Feyenoord that could complicate their title defence.
Inter are currently without four of their five wing-backs, while midfield linchpin Hakan Calhanoglu is still regaining form after recovering from a calf injury.
Meanwhile, Napoli will be seeking their first win since late January when they host Fiorentina on Sunday. Antonio Conte’s side impressed in their 1-1 draw against Inter last weekend but have slipped a point behind in second after four draws and a defeat in their last five matches.
Conte is still awaiting the return of winger David Neres, signed to replace the injured Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, while Andre-Frank Anguissa remains sidelined until after the international break.
