Yildiz Makes the Goddess Tremble

Atalanta 1–1 Juventus: A Balanced Clash Ends Matchday 19 – Retegui Cancels Out Kalulu

The 19th round of Serie A ends with a 1–1 draw between Atalanta and Juventus. As a result, Atalanta sits in 5th place, while Juventus holds onto 3rd.

This was the 10th draw in the last 15 Serie A meetings between the two sides, with Atalanta winning two and Juventus three. It’s the most drawn fixture in Serie A since Gian Piero Gasperini took charge of Atalanta in 2016. Last season, both encounters ended in draws (0–0 and 2–2). Juventus has now avoided defeat in 18 of their last 19 away matches against Atalanta, with the only loss coming in April 2021 (1–0).

Atalanta had scored at least two goals in each of their previous 13 home league games (2.8 goals per match), a streak only bettered by Zaccheroni’s AC Milan (15). Juventus, meanwhile, became just the second team to draw at least 12 of their first 19 matches in a Serie A season during the three-points-per-win era, after their recent derby draw against Torino.

In 2024, Atalanta leads the league for home wins (14) and goals scored at home (50). They’ve won 10 of their last 12 league games at home.

For Juventus, this marks only the second time in the three-point era they’ve won just 7 of their first 19 matches (after 1998–99, which they ended in 7th place under Lippi/Ancelotti). They’ve dropped 12 points from winning positions this season—more than all but Venezia (20) and Bologna (15).

First Half

Atalanta dominated early possession, with 68.5% in the first 15 minutes. Lookman had an early offside flag, and Yildiz stayed down after a challenge with Kolasinac. Juventus responded with two efforts from Savona, one a shot-cross saved by Carnesecchi.

Atalanta tried to build attacks, with Koopmeiners losing possession in midfield and De Ketelaere missing a good chance. Lookman forced a save from Di Gregorio in the 22nd minute. McKennie had a long-range attempt saved easily.

Juventus came close near the end of the half: Yildiz had a powerful shot just over the bar at 38’, and at 43′ Nico Gonzalez had a big chance inside the box saved. In stoppage time, Yildiz tried twice—once with a cross-shot, once with an overhead kick from a corner—but failed to score.

HT: 0–0, no cards issued, and no major VAR controversies. A VAR check at 23′ for a possible Locatelli handball ruled it unintentional.

Second Half

Juventus started strong: at 46’, Yildiz had a shot saved, and Kalulu hit the post on a corner header. Pasalic missed at the other end before Juventus broke through: Kalulu scored in the 54th minute on an assist from McKennie.

Atalanta responded quickly—Ederson tested Di Gregorio at 56’. McKennie had another effort stopped at 61’. Eventually, Atalanta equalized: Retegui headed in a Bellanova cross in the 77th minute.

Late in the match, both teams pushed for a winner. Locatelli had a shot saved for Juventus, while Zaniolo couldn’t beat Di Gregorio at the other end. FT: 1–1.

Match Analysis and Key Moments

• 23′ VAR Check – Possible Locatelli handball in Juve’s box. No penalty given; deemed accidental.
• 42′ Injury Stoppage – McKennie received an elbow from Kolasinac. No card issued.
• 45’+3 HT – First half ends 0–0. No bookings.

Atalanta Player Ratings

• Carnesecchi – 7.5: Kept Atalanta alive with crucial saves.
• Retegui – 7: Game-saving equalizer off the bench.
• Bellanova – 6.5: Provided the assist for Retegui’s goal.

Lineup (3-4-2-1)
Carnesecchi 7.5; Scalvini 5.5 (81′ Hien – N/A), Djimsiti 6, Kolasinac 6; Zappacosta 5 (65′ Bellanova 6.5), De Roon 5.5, Ederson 6, Ruggeri 6; Pasalic 5 (55′ Samardzic 6.5), Lookman 6.5 (81′ Zaniolo – N/A); De Ketelaere 5.5 (65′ Retegui 7).
Coach: Gasperini

Juventus Player Ratings

• Kalulu – 7: Scored, hit the post, but risked a late error.
• Di Gregorio – 7: Solid, made big saves.
• Yildiz – 6.5: Active throughout, nearly scored multiple times.
• Savona & Cambiaso – 5: Lost their marks on Atalanta’s equalizer.

Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Di Gregorio 7; Savona 5, Kalulu 7, Gatti 6, Cambiaso 5; Locatelli 6 (87′ Fagioli – N/A), Thuram 6.5 (75′ Douglas Luiz 6); Yildiz 6.5, McKennie 7, Nico Gonzalez 5.5 (81′ Mbangula – N/A); Koopmeiners 5.
Coach: Motta

Goals:
54′ Kalulu (J)
77′ Retegui (A)

Referee: Daniele Doveri (Rome Section)
VAR: Marini
Booked: Kolasinac (A), Mbangula (J)
Sent Off: None