An absorbing second half saw Atalanta and Juventus share the spoils in a 1-1 draw at the Gewiss Stadium, as Serie A’s title race continues to heat up.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s men remain third in the table, while Juventus, under Thiago Motta’s guidance, extended their unbeaten league run despite registering their 13th draw in 20 matches this season.
The game began with a cautious first half, where Atalanta dominated possession and territory but struggled to carve out clear chances.
Their best opportunities fell to Ademola Lookman, who forced Michele Di Gregorio into action with a long-range strike, while Juventus’ late flurry saw Kenan Yildiz and Nico Gonzalez narrowly miss the target.
By halftime, the sides were goalless, with Atalanta’s xG at 0.33 and Juventus marginally ahead at 0.39.
After the break, the match sprang to life. Juventus stunned the hosts in the 54th minute with a counter-attacking masterpiece.
Weston McKennie surged down the left flank, evading challenges, before finding an unmarked Pierre Kalulu in the box. The defender, charging forward from the back, smashed a first-time finish past Marco Carnesecchi to give the Bianconeri the lead.
It was a moment of brilliance from both McKennie and Kalulu, marking the latter’s first goal of the season.
Atalanta responded by introducing Mateo Retegui, Serie A’s leading scorer, from the bench. Just 24 minutes later, Retegui made his mark.
Raoul Bellanova’s pinpoint header found the striker inside the six-yard box, and Retegui made no mistake, nodding the ball past Di Gregorio for the equalizer. It was a fairytale return for Retegui, who had been sidelined by injury.
Both teams pushed for a winner in the frantic final stages. Di Gregorio and Carnesecchi each produced crucial saves, while Lookman and Yildiz came agonizingly close to breaking the deadlock.
Teun Koopmeiners’ last-ditch block on Lookman’s goal-bound shot epitomized the defensive resilience on display.
The final whistle confirmed a draw that left Atalanta four points behind league leaders Napoli. Juventus, though still unbeaten, must grapple with their status as draw specialists, with Motta’s men finishing the game with an xG of 1.73 compared to Atalanta’s 1.39.
Next up, Atalanta face a crucial clash with Scudetto rivals Napoli, while Juventus meet Milan in a bid to revive their season after a recent Supercoppa exit.
Key Actions by the Minute
- 25’ – Save: Michele Di Gregorio parries a swerving shot from Ademola Lookman, who unleashed a powerful strike from just outside the box.
- 44’ – Just Wide: Nico Gonzalez collects a loose ball outside the area and curls a low shot narrowly past the left post.
- 50’ – Off the Line: Marco Carnesecchi claws away a shot that hits the far post and rolls along the goal-line, with a follow-up effort cleared by Atalanta’s defense.
- 54’ – Goal: Pierre Kalulu finishes a brilliant Juventus counter-attack. Weston McKennie bursts down the left and delivers a perfect pass for Kalulu, who fires past Carnesecchi to make it 1-0.
- 60’ – Off the Line: Teun Koopmeiners clears Ademola Lookman’s goal-bound shot from the line, preserving Juventus’ lead.
- 64’ – Just Over: Lazar Samardzic sets up Ederson, whose venomous 20-yard strike fizzes inches over the bar.
- 78’ – Goal: Mateo Retegui levels the score with a header from close range. Raoul Bellanova provides the assist with a precise knockdown inside the six-yard box.
- 83’ – Save: Marco Carnesecchi denies Manuel Locatelli’s header from Andrea Cambiaso’s cross with a superb reaction save.
- 84’ – Super Stop: Di Gregorio uses his feet to thwart Nicolo Zaniolo’s low drive from inside the box.
- 90+1’ – Close Call: Yildiz races into the area and fires a low, angled shot that drifts narrowly wide of the far post.
Juventus player ratings: Di Gregorio (6.5) – Savona (6), Kalulu (7), Gatti (6.5), Cambiaso (6) – Locatelli (6.5), Thuram (6.5) – Yildiz (6.5), McKennie (7.5), Nico Gonzalez (6.5) – Koopmeiners (5.5). Subs: N/A
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