Atalanta-Juventus: Danilo rescues point in Bergamo

Juventus knew they needed a good result against Atalanta, a direct competitor for top four, on Sunday evening. The Bianconeri return to Turin with only one point, which was rescued by Danilo shortly before the final whistle was blown. Juve keep fourth place in Serie A for now, but Atalanta still have a match in hand.

Juventus started the match well, maybe even better than ever this season. Dusan Vlahovic gave it a go from outside the box, but his shot was saved by Sportiello. Vlahovic created danger again shortly after. Weston McKennie made a great run and dribbled past his opponent. He made it to the backline and his cross landed on Vlahovic’s head, but the Serbian’s attempt went past.

The Bianconeri continued their pursuit of the opening goal. McKennie gave a fantastic through ball on Dybala. The Argetinian midfielder cut inside and tried to curl it in, but his shot went wide too. Later on, Morata found Vlahovic with a backheel pass, and the striker was able to fire on goal through the legs of an Atalanta defender, but his shot was too weak to trouble Sportiello.

Suprise Szczesny

Towards the end of the first half, the hosts started to become more dangerous. Muriel’s cross fell to a completely unmarked De Roon at the far post, but the Dutchman’s shot went over the bar. Szczesny came out his goal to clear a through ball, but Koopmeiners got there before him and they made contact. Muriel got the ball but failed to score, as Bonucci was there in time to stop his shot. Boga came close twice just before the whistle, but both his attempts were blocked by the defence of the Bianconeri.

Atalanta came out of the dressing room well. Szczesny parried De Roon’s shot from outside the box with a great save. Then it was Juventus’ turn again. A fast counter attack saw Dybala sending Morata through towards Sportiello. The Spaniard was unable to get a shot on goal. Vlahovic came close as he struck a rebound on goal, but Sportiello saved again.

Dybala dribbled past a few Atalanta players and gave it to McKennie, who immediately looked for Rabiot in the middle. The Frenchman’s shot went just wide. Atalanta started growing stronger again. Boga shot towards the far post, where Koopmeiners was almost able to put it in.

Malinovskyi’s rocket

The game went from half to half in quick tempo. De Ligt fouled Malinovskyi, who’d come on, to stop an Atalanta counter attack. Freuler passed the freekick to Malinovskyi, who produced a rocket and left Szczesny chanceless. Atalanta took the lead in around 15 minutes before the end.

Instead of Juve getting closer to an equalizer, Atalanta went looking to double their lead. Malinovskyi crossed it to Hateboer at the far post, but the Dutchman hit the bar from close by. With all hope seemingly lost, Danilo equalized in the 92nd minute. He put his head to Dybala’s corner and finally beat Sportiello.

Player ratings

Szczesny 6;

Danilo 6.5, De Ligt 7.5, Bonucci 6, De Sciglio 6;

McKennie 6, Locatelli 5.5, Rabiot 5.5;

Dybala 6.5, Vlahovic 6, Morata 6

Substitutions: Cuadrado (-), Kean (-), Arthur (-), Aké (-)