The Serie A season got off to an electrifying start with Juventus and Atalanta delivering emphatic performances that set the tone for what promises to be an exciting campaign. Juventus, under new manager Thiago Motta, made light work of Como, while Atalanta showcased their resilience with a dominant display against Lecce.
Juve’s Dream Debut for Motta
Thiago Motta’s first game in charge of Juventus couldn’t have gone better. The Turin giants cruised to a 3-0 victory over newly-promoted Como, marking a successful debut for the former Bologna manager. The Allianz Stadium witnessed a promising display of attacking football, highlighted by goals from Samuel Mbangula, Timothy Weah, and Andrea Cambiaso.
Mbangula, who was a surprise starter on the left flank, opened the scoring with a well-timed strike before Weah doubled Juve’s lead. Cambiaso put the final nail in Como’s coffin with a powerful finish in stoppage time. Despite Juventus creating numerous chances, including several woodwork hits from Dusan Vlahovic and a disallowed goal, the margin of victory could have been even greater.
Motta, who arrived from Bologna where he led the club to Champions League qualification, has already begun to instill a more fluid and attractive style of play compared to his predecessor Massimiliano Allegri. However, Juventus is still a work in progress, with several key players sidelined, including Federico Chiesa, to accommodate Motta’s tactical preferences.
Como, managed by Cesc Fabregas, faced a reality check in their first top-flight match in over two decades. Fabregas acknowledged the quality difference, stating, “We need to be better,” and criticized his team’s tendency to give away easy balls. Como’s upcoming fixtures against Cagliari and Udinese will be crucial in determining their ability to adjust to Serie A’s demands.
Atalanta’s Stunning Display
Atalanta, despite a summer of upheaval, delivered a statement performance with a 4-0 thrashing of Lecce. The win was particularly impressive given the club’s recent challenges, including long-term injuries and transfer market turbulence.
Marco Brescianini and Mateo Retegui were the standout performers for Atalanta. Brescianini, who joined from Frosinone just days before the match, scored twice—once on the rebound before halftime and again in the 66th minute. Retegui also made his mark with a powerful header and a penalty, showcasing his attacking prowess.
Brescianini expressed his delight at the strong start, saying, “I’m really happy to be wearing this jersey and I hope to repay the faith the club and fans have shown in me.” His contributions were vital in securing a comprehensive win for Atalanta, who are navigating a season filled with uncertainty.
Coach Gian Piero Gasperini has faced significant challenges, including injuries to key players like Gianluca Scamacca and Giorgio Scalvini, and the potential departures of Teun Koopmeiners and Ademola Lookman. Despite these issues, Gasperini remains optimistic, noting the need to adapt and build as much as possible with the evolving squad.
Atalanta’s CEO Luca Percassi has hinted at efforts to retain their top talents despite transfer speculation, with Paris Saint-Germain reportedly interested in Lookman. Percassi emphasized the club’s intention to keep their star players, stating, “Our idea is that for the first time in our history to not let our big players go.”
Looking Ahead
Both Juventus and Atalanta have set high standards with their opening performances. Juventus, with Motta’s fresh approach, looks poised to challenge for top honors, while Atalanta’s resilience in the face of adversity highlights their strength and depth. As the season progresses, fans can expect both teams to continue their impressive form and contribute to a thrilling Serie A campaign.
