Juventus vs Atalanta - 5 key battles to watch | Serie A 2021-22

#3 Mario Pasalic (Atalanta) vs Manuel Locatelli (Juventus)

Serie A's most underrated midfielder

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.

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#2 Paulo Dybala (Juventus) vs Jose Palomino (Atalanta)

Dybala's return will boost Juventus' attack.

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.

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#1 Duvan Zapata (Atalanta) vs Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus)

Zapata has three goals in four games against 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.