Atalanta visit the Allianz Stadium in Turin on 9 March, with the Bianconeri then travelling to take on Fiorentina on 16 March. Juve’s two opponents are also chasing a top four finish to secure Champions League soccer next season.
Motta made it five Serie A wins on the bounce after finally dispatching relegation-threatened Hellas Verona 2-0 on Monday. The visitors frustrated Juve, and only conceded midway through the second half when Khephren Thuram bundled the ball home.
Substitute Teun Koopmeiners doubled their advantage on 90 minutes, with some of the constant booing from the Juventus Ultras were eclipsed by loud cheers from other sections of the crowd in Turin.
With 11 more matches remaining, Juve have an opportunity to lift the Serie A trophy for the first time since the 2019/20 campaign. Fourth-placed Juventus sit six points behind table-topping Inter Milan, with Napoli and Atalanta nestled between them.
Prepare for the challenge
Motta explained in his post-match press conference: “Now we have to work on recovery and regaining a few players to better prepare for the challenge against Atalanta, which will be very demanding.
“In football it is fundamental to be able to be creative in the final third — sometimes it succeeds, other times it is more complicated.
“I don't impose limitations on my players, especially when we attack. I want them to have freedom to express themselves. Within this system the lads have room to make the most of their qualities and creativity.
“Atalanta will try to press us aggressively, so we will have to respond with dynamism and aim to achieve the best possible result — which is victory.
“We will face a strong team that plays with great intensity. We will have to be focused, play with energy and take the initiative, because we know it will be a tough match.”
Juve’s last Serie A draw, their 13th this campaign, was the 1-1 stalemate at Atalanta’s Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia in mid-January.
Defender Pierre Kalulu scored early in the second half, with substitute Mateo Retegui’s diving header on 78 minutes to extend Atalanta unbeaten run to 15 Serie A games.
Another close encounter is expected in a match of tactics from Motta and his counterpart Gian Piero Gasperini, who has been linked with replacing the Juve manager if Project Motta comes to a sudden halt.