Juventus Predicted XI against Atalanta: Adrien Rabiot improving

Juventus will have a tough matchup against Atalanta on Saturday at the Allianz Stadium.

The Bianconeri need to bounce back after an embarrassing loss to Milan on Tuesday, but Atalanta won’t make it easy for them. Juventus are the favorites and should still sew up yet another Scudetto, but Atalanta are a Champions League side capable of scoring as many goals as the Rossoneri did during the week.

Here is a look at how Maurizio Sarri’s men could line up on Saturday as they look for nothing less than the full three points.

GK Wojciech Szczesny

Wojciech Szczesny didn’t make much of a difference for Juve against Milan, and he may be kept just as busy against Duvan Zapata and Co. on Saturday.

LB Alex Sandro

Alex Sandro is ready to start again, meaning Danilo no longer has to pretend to be a left back. The Brazilian did not have a good introduction to the Milan game, getting subbed on and immediately gifting Milan a goal after a woeful crossfield pass. Expect him to be better vs. Atalanta.

CB Leonardo Bonucci

Leonardo Bonucci was the worst player on the pitch against Milan, and he had some competition, including from center back partner Daniele Rugani. If Bonucci plays as badly vs. Atalanta as he did against Milan, then Juventus are doomed.

CB Matthijs de Ligt

One of the three best players on the team in 2020 along with known superstars Paulo Dybala and Cristiano Ronaldo, Matthijs de Ligt’s return from suspension is crucial to the Old Lady’s success. Juve melted against Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Co. without him.

RB Juan Cuadrado

Another one of Juve’s best players this year, Juan Cuadrado will have the matchup of the evening against Atalanta rising star Robin Gosens, who is squarely on the Bianconeri’s transfer radar amidst a breakout season in which he’s provided 15 goal contributions in Serie A.

CM Adrien Rabiot

The brightest spot of the Bianconeri’s loss to the Rossoneri, Adrien Rabiot scored a wonderful solo goal and threatened throughout. He showed signs of improvement in the two games preceding his breakout goal against Milan, and he seems to be fully adjusted to Serie A. Big things could be ahead for Rabiot against Atalanta as he looks to prove he has a future in Turin.

CM Miralem Pjanic

Miralem Pjanic’s ability to control games will be necessary against Atalanta, who are known for their attacking prowess and dominance of the ball. Juve’s regista is still one of the best midfielders in Serie A when he’s at full fitness, but his stamina will be tested by the visitors.

CM Rodrigo Bentancur

Working his tail off over the past couple of games, Rodrigo Bentancur has shown his importance to the Bianconeri and will be an X-Factor on Saturday.

LW Cristiano Ronaldo

If Cristiano Ronaldo steps up this weekend, then it’s game over for Atalanta. Ronaldo has been in fine form since Serie A’s return, racking up the goals. He’s scored a couple of corkers from outside the box, and knowing the kind of space he could find himself in on Saturday, CR7 could have a couple of more goals in him.

CF Paulo Dybala

Another much-needed return from suspension, Paulo Dybala is the kind of player who can change the complexion of the game with one dribble into the box or one curler from outside of it. He’s already had a couple of wondergoals since Serie A’s return, and you wouldn’t bet against him adding to his tally vs. Atalanta.

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RW Federico Bernardeschi

The right winger works hard but really needs to step it up in terms of final product. Atalanta love pushing up the pitch, meaning Bernardeschi will have loads of chances opposite of Ronaldo. But honestly, a big part of his role will be making sure Ronaldo and Dybala are the ones getting the opportunities to score.

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