Atalanta-Juventus is the final of the 2023-24 Coppa Italia and is played Wednesday at 9pm: news, live free-to-air TV, free streaming, likely lineups, predictions.
Diametrically opposite moods but same hunger for victories. On one side there is Atalanta, which continues to dream of that trophy that has been missing for sixty-one years and would be the right recognition for the resounding journey that La Dea has made from 2016 to the present with Gian Piero Gasperini on the bench. The Nerazzurri, who have now become to all intents and purposes a very solid reality of Italian soccer (and not only), will have the chance to lift even two trophies in just seven days, having also reached the last act of the Europa League: in Dublin, in a week’s time, they will face the “invincibles” of Bayer Leverkusen.
On the other hand, we have Juventus, called to end a three-year fast of success: a prolonged abstinence they are certainly not used to on the Continassa side. Ironically, the last “piece of silverware” lifted by the Bianconeri was the 2020-21 Coppa Italia, in the final that was exceptionally staged in Reggio Emilia for pandemic-related reasons and won precisely against Atalanta thanks to a goal by Federico Chiesa (2-1) that made Malinovskyi’s momentary Atalanta equalizer in vain.
That was the last Juventus with Andrea Pirlo on the bench but also with Ronaldo on the field (the Portuguese left at the dawn of the Allegri 2.0 era). For the coach from Livorno, the cup – it would be the fifth for him, an absolute record – could be a way to close with a smile a three-year period almost exclusively “tears and blood,” in which satisfactions can be counted on the fingers of one hand. Then he will probably pack his bags, even if he wins. Allegri is paying for an extremely disappointing turnaround: since February, the Signora has barely had three wins between the league and Coppa Italia and has not won in over a month.
Gasperini dreams big
Juventus missed the appointment with the three points again last Sunday against Salernitana, already in B for weeks (1-1). Fifth consecutive draw for a team unable to solve problems, no longer so solid at the back and uninspired even in the opponent’s half of the field.
The draw with the granata, at any rate, allowed Allegri and his men to qualify for the Champions League two rounds early, thanks precisely to Atalanta’s simultaneous victory over Roma. For the Bergamaschi it is a truly magical moment. Despite the fact that they are taking the field practically every three days, they continue to shine, and their six victories in the last seven matches prove it perfectly. Gasperini won a very important direct clash against the Giallorossi (2-1) taking fifth place and now also “sees” Champions League qualification. A goal that, together with eventual triumphs in the two cups, would make this season a true masterpiece.
However, the Nerazzurri coach at the Olimpico will not be able to count on Scamacca, one of the most fit men of the moment. Disqualified because of the yellow he received in the semifinal with Fiorentina, he will be replaced by Lookman, supported in turn by De Ketelaere and Koopmeiners. A heavy absence also for Juventus, which will deploy one of Nicolussi Caviglia and Miretti in the lineup to replace the disqualified Locatelli.
The Prediction
Atalanta is at it again after losing the ’19 and ’21 finals, and this time they start slightly favored over one of the most struggling Juventus in recent years. Woe betide underestimating the Bianconeri, who tend to come out on top in the moments that matter, but we believe the Nerazzurri, in fine form, will at least manage to avoid defeat in regulation time (the previous two season’s matches ended in draws, 0-0 and 2-2). At least two goals overall on the night at the Stadio Olimpico.
The probable lineups of Atalanta-Juventus
ATALANTA (3-4-2-1): Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Hien, Djimsiti; Zappacosta, Ederson, de Roon, Ruggeri; Koopmeiners, De Ketelaere; Lookman.
JUVENTUS (3-5-2): Perin; Gatti, Bremer, Danilo; Cambiaso, McKennie, Miretti, Rabiot, Kostic; Chiesa, Vlahovic.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-1