Juventus achieved a vital away win against Atalanta in a closely contested match for Champions League qualification. The decisive goal came from Jeremie Boga, bringing Juventus to within three points of league leaders Milan.
The encounter was pivotal for both teams competing for a Champions League spot, with only four points separating them prior to the fixture. Atalanta faced challenges with absent players like Isak Hien and Kamaldeen Sulemana, while Gianluca Scamacca and Giacomo Raspadori were not at full strength. Juventus were without the suspended Weston McKennie and the injured Dusan Vlahovic, Vasilije Adzic, and Mattia Perin. Michele Di Gregorio returned in goal, having saved a penalty in his previous appearance.
Atalanta had a strong recent record against Juventus, remaining undefeated in their meetings since the Coppa Italia Final in May 2024. They had secured two wins in their last four encounters, including a notable 3-0 victory in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals earlier this year.
The first half saw Atalanta pressing Juventus, with Nicola Zalewski’s shot flashing across the goal and Giorgio Scalvini’s header hitting the post from a free-kick. Juventus defended resolutely, blocking attempts from Davide Zappacosta and Nikola Krstovic. Lloyd Kelly’s header was deflected wide, and Charles De Ketelaere couldn’t find the target with his header from a cross. Juventus did create a late chance before halftime when Boga’s pass set up Pierre Kalulu, but Marco Carnesecchi made a brave save.
The deadlock was broken shortly after the restart in a chaotic sequence. After Boga was initially blocked from tapping in a pass, the ball continued, and a mishandled cross from Emil Holm by Carnesecchi fell to Boga, who fired in from close range, with the ball deflecting off the Atalanta goalkeeper for the opening goal.
Atalanta pushed for an equalizer, with Di Gregorio making a crucial save from Berat Djimsiti’s header and Giacomo Raspadori’s shot from the edge of the box being deflected just over the bar. Juventus almost doubled their lead when Emil Holm set up Khephren Thuram, but he blazed over the bar from a good position. Zappacosta and Djimsiti had further attempts for Atalanta, while Juventus also saw a penalty appeal turned down.
Match Summary: Atalanta 0-1 Juventus
Goal: Boga 48′ (Juventus)
