Check out the latest team news, injuries, suspensions, and predicted line-ups as Juventus face Atalanta without star man Ronaldo.
Juventus manager Andrea Pirlo has announced plans to leave Cristiano Ronaldo out of the trip to Atalanta on Sunday.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has a problem with his thigh flexors. He hasn’t been able to train properly this week, but Pirlo is hopeful of a quick return for Wednesday’s match against Parma.
So, with this in mind, let’s check out how Atalanta and Juventus could line up at the Gewiss Stadium.
Atalanta Team News & XI
Gian Piero Gasperini has confirmed Matteo Pessina is available after recovering from COVID-19. He refused to say, however, whether he will start the midfielder.
The Atalanta boss has flirted with a four-man defense recently, but could be tempted into more of an attacking formation with Cristiano Ronaldo out.
Center-back Cristian Romero, meanwhile, has accumulated too many bookings and must serve a one-match suspension. Hans Hateboer is also set to miss out due to injury.
Injured: Hans Hateboer.
Suspended: Cristian Romero.
Predicted Line up (3-4-2-1)
Juventus Team News & XI
Obviously the big news is Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence, so what will Pirlo do?
This is a must-win match against a direct top-four rival in Serie A. Defeat is simply not an option. It could knock Juventus out of the Champions League spots, which would be a terrible setback for the club.
Pirlo will, though, welcome back defenders Leonardo Bonucci and Merih Demiral. Arthur Melo and Weston McKennie are also cleared for Sunday’s visit to Bergamo.
The Bianconeri boss has also announced Paulo Dybala will start, probably as a replacement for Ronaldo in the line-up.
Joining CR7 on the sidelines is Federico Bernardeschi, who is recovering from COVID-19.
Injured: Federico Bernardeschi (COVID-19)
Suspended: None.
Predicted Line up (4-4-2)
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