26 October 2015
Juventus’ 2-0 victory over Atalanta on Sunday afternoon was their third league success of the season, completing a trio of consecutive clean sheets in all competitions for the first time since April.
For the Nerazzurri, Juventus Stadium remains far from a happy hunting ground, the visitors having lost every match played there since its construction.
The Bianconeri kept up their record of scoring in 13 successive games against the Bergamo-based outfit, yesterday’s win the seventh of these in which they have not conceded.
This was the second time of the season that Massimiliano Allegri’s men claimed all three points after leading the way at half-time, last month’s victory away at Genoa following the same path.
The afternoon also handed the Tuscan tactician a maiden win over his opposite number and experienced coach Edy Reja.
As in previous home games this season, Juventus outdid their opponents in terms of shots (19 to 5) and passes (703 to 298), the hosts also enjoying the lion's share of possession (70.2 per cent).
The match was the first time this campaign that a visiting side whipped in as many crosses as Allegri’s men (14), but Reja’s charges did not once produce a shot on target across the full 90 minutes.
Paulo Dybala’s unstoppable opener was his fourth league strike this term and fifth in all competitions.
The 28th minute scorcher was the first time that the Bianconeri scored within half an hour of a match so far in 2015/16.
His assist for Mario Mandzukic in the 49th minute meant that La Joya has made active contributions in six out of his side’s 11 goals in Serie A this season.
Mandzukic, meanwhile, showed extreme efficiency up front, hitting the target with both of his shots, the latter finding the back of the net.
A particularly positive fact is how goalscoring opportunities were created from all corners with Dybala, Paul Pogba and Patrice Evra each fashioning four chances.
Leonardo Bonucci put in a commanding defensive display, making four tackles and intercepting opposition balls on six occasions.
Claudio Marchisio was the pass master, completing 85 in the attacking half, over double that of anyone else on the pitch.
And the Little Prince also regained possession nine times, another match high this time shared with midfield partner Pogba.
