Atalanta stunned the Coppa Italia holders Juventus with a comprehensive 3-0 victory at the Atleti Azzurri d’Italia. Juventus had been looking to make it an unprecedented five back-to-back Coppa Italia wins but faced a tough test away to Atalanta.
It could be argued that given the other sides in the competition this was perhaps the best draw that the Old Lady could have hoped for. Juventus avoided the more traditionally ‘big’ sides in Roma, Lazio, Fiorentina, Napoli, AC Milan and Inter. Atalanta however, have been simply brilliant at times this season.
They currently sit 7th in Serie A and are well within reach of the final Champions League place, only trailing AC Milan by three points. Although Atalanta are a mighty 27 points behind leaders Juventus, the side from Bergamo are the league’s highest scorers with 47 goals in 21 games and have one of Italy’s most in-form strikers in Duván Zapata.
The Colombian forward had scored 15 goals in nine games before this Coppa Italia tie, finding in the net in each of those nine games at least once. He also had previous against Juventus, netting a brace in the league fixture just after Christmas in a 2-2 draw. In our tactical analysis we will look at how Zapata and Atlanta were able to continue on their fine run of form against the biggest and best side in the country.
To read the full analysis, click here.
