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Juventus host Atalanta in Serie A on Tuesday in what's likely to be an enticing clash.
The Bianconeri will seek to bounce back from their humiliating 4-0 loss to Chelsea in the Champions League on Tuesday. They'll fancy their chances of doing that, as they've won their last two league games.
Atalanta, meanwhile, were held by Young Boys to a pulsating 3-3 draw in the Champions League. In the league, they are on a six-game unbeaten run. Gian Piero Gasperini's side are fourth in the league table with 25 points. They are four clear of their mighty hosts, who're down in eighth place in what's been a tough season in the league.
Massimiliano Allegri's charm hasn't really worked on his return to Juventus so far. So and another setback this weekend could really set the alarm bells ringing in Turin.
Ahead of the highly anticipated kick-off, here's how Juventus and Atalanta would stack up in a hypothetical combined XI:
Goalkeeper: Wojciech Szczesny (Juventus)
Juan Musso and Wojciech Szczesny have both been good in the Serie A this season, but the latter gets the spot here courtesy of his better stats.
The Polish custodian has registered more clean sheets (3-2), and conceded fewer goals (11-15) in the league than his Atalanta counterpart. He was also the sole bright spot for Juventus in their Champions League defeat at Chelsea on Tuesday. Szczesny made several key saves to keep the scoreline at only 4-0 on the night.
Szczesny has not been helped by a lacklustre defence ahead of him. But without him, Juventus would have been much lower than eighth in the league this season. Atalanta's free-scoring attack could pose a stern test of his mettle.
The Polish shot-stopper has kept 60 clean sheets in 152 games across competitions for Juventus.
Right-back: Davide Zappacosta (Atalanta)
Not many would have expected Davide Zappacosta to feature on a list like this one. But he' has been excellent for Atalanta lately, and has contributed four league goals so far.
His meteoric rise this season has brought a new dimension to Atalanta's already frightening attack. His availability for Saturday is a huge boost, as he was initially doubtful because of a knock in the Young Boys draw.
Centre-back: Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus)
No surprises here, though. Leonardo Bonucci is an indispensable figure at the heart of Juventus' defence. His double penalty against Lazio showed that he can make a difference in attack too.
The 34-year-old is an excellent reader of the game, averaging 3.1 clearances in Serie A this season. He has posed a threat from set-pieces too. After the Chelsea rout, a free-scoring Atalanta would be another test of his defensive nous.
Centre-back: Jose Palomino (Atalanta)
Atalanta's centre-backs are underrated, especially Jose Palomino, who has been rock solid in their defence this season.
The Argentine is positionally aware, strong in the air, and times his tackles to perfection. He's averaging 3.2 interceptions and 2.7 clearances in the league this season, and has won 3.5 aerial duels duo.
Left-back: Luca Pellegrini (Juventus)
Alex Sandro has been a disaster lately; his performance in the 4-0 loss to Chelsea, in particular, was awful. That's why Allegri could give Luca Pellegrini a chance in this game.
Since arriving in the summer, he has made only four league appearances. But Sandro has looked promising; his work rate, technical ability and stamina have garnered him plaudits.
Defensive Midfielder: Marten de Roon (Atalanta)
Eyebrows were raised when Atalanta re-signed Marten de Roon following his disappointing spell with Middlesbrough in the Premier League. However, he has become a key player for the team.
The Dutchman has turned things around in his second stint at the club. De Roon has become a mainstay in the Atalanta midfield over the last four years, impressing with his passing range and crunch tackles.
Defensive Midfielder: Manuel Locatelli (Juventus)
Juventus may have gone through the motions. However, Manuel Locatelli has consistently impressed, taking no time to settle to life in Turin since arriving this summer.
He has been the key to orchestrating offensive plays from the deep, thanks to his line-breaking passes and impeccable vision. Locatelli has also scored and assisted two league goals apiece in 13 games this season.
Attacking Midfielder: Ruslan Malinovskyi (Atalanta)
As far as underrated midfielders in Serie A go, there's none more so than Ruslan Malinovskyi. The Ukrainian sharpshooter has a penchant for powerful long-range strikes.
He has contributed four league goals already this season, whilst being Atalanta's creator-in-chief with 22 key passes. That's the most in the squad and fifth in the Italian top flight this season.
Attacking Midfielder: Mario Pasalic (Atalanta)
Another player in Atalanta's squad who's having a fine campaign is Mario Pasalic. He has made the most goal contributions in the squad after only Duvan Zapata with nine (four goals, five assists).
Tall, pacy, direct and an exceptional dribbler, the Croatian has grown into a menacing figure under Gasperini. His assist tally is the joint-most in the league right now.
Striker: Paulo Dybala (Juventus)
Paulo Dybala's return couldn't have come any sooner. He has been Juventus' most important player this season, with six goals and four assists in 12 games.
The void caused by Cristiano Ronaldo's departure has given him the chance to shine again. The Argentine has grabbed the opportunity with both hands.
Striker: Duvan Zapata (Atalanta)
There's no player in better form right now than Duvan Zapata. The Atalanta striker has scored in each of his last six games in all competitions, and has also made two assists.
This season, the Atalanta attacker has already bagged ten goals and six assists in 16 games. Duvan Zupata might be licking his lips at the prospect of going against Juventus' uncharacteritically fragile defence this weekend.
