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Juventus welcome Atalanta to the Allianz Stadium in Turin later today for an enticing 2021-22 Serie A clash.
The Bianconeri will look to put their Champions League humiliation at the hands of Chelsea behind them and return to winning ways. Massimiliano Allegri's side are languishing in eighth in the league standings. They have 21 points from 13 games, but have won their last two league outings.
Meanwhile, the free-scoring Gli Orobici are in better form than stuttering Juventus. Atalanta are unbeaten in six league games, and sitting in fourth place with four more points than the Bianconeri. They will look to avenge their Coppa Italia final loss to Juventus in May.
Ahead of the enticing kick-off, here's a look at the five key battles that could shape the outcome of this clash:
#5 Davide Zappacosta (Atalanta) vs Adrien Rabiot (Juventus)
Davide Zappacosta has proved everyone wrong with a fine run of form since joining Atalanta. He has contributed four goals in the league thus far. Against Juventus, he'll once again look to provide width down the right. But he will have to be wary of Adrien Rabiot's presence down the same flank.
The Frenchman's key strength lies in avoiding pressure by using his dribbling skills to move up the pitch. He's a key ball-carrier too. It'll be interesting to see how Zappacosta handles Rabiot.
#4 Federico Chiesa (Juventus) vs Berat Djimsiti (Atalanta)
Federico Chiesa is likely to start on the right flank if Allegri deploys a 4-3-3 formation. That would see Chiesa lock horns with Berat Djimsiti.
The Albanian is adept in timing his tackles, reads the game brilliantly, and is strong in the air too. He has been a mainstay at the heart of Atalanta's backline for the last few years.
However, Chiesa will pose a real test of his skills. The Euro 2020 winner is known for his electric pace, devastating link-up play and exquisite crossing ability. That could be quite a handful for Djimsiti to handle.
#3 Mario Pasalic (Atalanta) vs Manuel Locatelli (Juventus)
Atalanta's surprise package of the season, Mario Pasalic, has been a lively attacking presence in their already-frightening vanguard. He has had a goal-contribution of nine in 13 games.
Pasalic offers energy, invention, flair and goals from midfield like no one else in Serie A. His tally of five league assists is also currently the joint-most in the division.
Juventus' Manuel Locatelli will have his hands full while going up against the Croatian. However, the Italian has made a fine start to life in Turin, with two goals and assists apiece in the league.
Locatelli is a strong tackler, reads the game brilliantly and jumps into blocks, attributes that could be called into question more often than not by Pasalic.
#2 Paulo Dybala (Juventus) vs Jose Palomino (Atalanta)
Paulo Dybala's return to the squad is a welcome boost for Juventus. He has been their most dangerous player this season with six goals and four assists in all competitions.
He'll look to cause Atalanta a lot of problems with his pace, directness and link-up play. That will require the utmost attention from his opposite number and compatriot, Jose Palomino.
The centre-back has impressed at the heart of Atalanta's backline this season. Palomino is averaging 3.2 interceptions and 2.7 clearances per game in Serie A this season, a testament to his reading acumen.
#1 Duvan Zapata (Atalanta) vs Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus)
With eight goals in the league, Duvan Zapata is breathing fire at the moment. He could pose the biggest threat to Juventus, against whom he has struck thrice in four games.
The Colombian hitman's movement, flair and athleticism could cause the Bianconeri rearguard plenty of problems. However, up against him will be one of Serie A's best defenders, Leonardo Bonucci.
The 34-year-old's intelligent style of defending with emphasis on smart positioning and game-reading acumen will be tested severely by the in-form Zapata.
