Club Friendly: European Giants Face-Off in Sweden

Atletico Madrid vs Juventus

In a final Club Friendly meeting before their respective seasons begin, Atletico Madrid and Juventus will meet on Sunday to get their last preparations underway.

For Juventus, this final pre-season game will be a last chance to get a win—their only friendly victory so far, going against their youth team—and set a nice mood before they open their Serie A account against Como on August 20.

Atletico, meanwhile, have had a decent pre-season spell (winning twice and drawing once), albeit, their upcoming match would be the first time they meet a top European side.

Talking Points

Thiago Motta wants a clean slate

Despite winning a record-extending 15^th Coppa Italia title, I Bianconeri’s 2023/24 season was one most Juventus fans would like to forget. They did not play in the Champions League—because of a poor campaign in the prior season—and was booted out of the Conference League after receiving a ban from UEFA for failing to submit complete documents regarding their financial information.

There was also the abysmal style that former head coach Massimiliano Allegri enforced, which resulted in the Old Lady being hesitant to attack and create big chances.

Juventus’ lack of excitement and goals eventually caught up to them, as Allegri’s side finished with 14 draws and only scored 56 goals in Serie A. They did finish third in the league, but they were way behind the champions.

But it is now the dawn of a new era in Turin, with new coach Thiago Motta hopeful to bring the squad back to their former glory.

How would he begin? By starting a fire sale.

According to Club Friendly 2024 news, the former Brazil international announced that eight players of the current squad are free to seek a new home, as they are now deemed surplus to requirements.

Wojciech Szczesny, Weston Mckinnie, Mattia De Sciglio, Arthur Melo, Filip Kostic, Hans Nicolussi-Caviglia and Daniele Rugani were all listed on the transfer list.

As of writing, Adrien Rabiot, Moise Kean, Matias Soule and Samuel Iling-Junior have also left the club.

But perhaps the biggest name on the table is none other than former wonderkid Federico Chiesa.

I know Juventus fans here at SBOTOP are all too familiar with how Chiesa introduced himself to the world stage. An impressive showing in his debut season with I Bianconeri was followed by a stellar display at Euro 2020 that helped Italy win the competition.

He was touted as a future Ballon d’Or winner back then. How the mighty has fallen.

Currently, Juventus have already secured two big-name signings in Khephren Thuram and Douglas Luiz.

With less than a fortnight before the next season begins, the question now beckons: where will the displaced players find a new home?

Atletico’s successful window

Diego Simeone and his Atletico Madrid side were always known to be colossal at the back. Last season, however, was a shocker. Atleti conceded 68 goals in all competitions—the most during Simeone’s 13-year stay with the club.

In fact, it was a reversal of roles at Wanda Metropolitano. They were brilliant scorers but lacked stability on defence. Their usual third spot in La Liga was also taken by a streaking Girona, and their Champions League dream was prematurely ended by finalists Borussia Dortmund.

So how will they bounce back? The answer is to splurge on some cash.

During the current transfer window, the Rojiblancos have already signed Alexander Sorloth and Robin Le Normand, whilst Julian Alvarez and Conor Gallagher are also on their way.

With how they’re looking, perhaps La Liga will be ruled by both Madrid clubs in the upcoming season.

History

Both clubs have faced each other a total of eight times. Atletico lead the match-up 4-2, with their other two meetings ending in a stalemate. They last met back in 2022—a friendly as well—where Atletico thrashed I Bianconeri 0-4.

With the two clubs’ current pre-season form, it would seem wise to pick Atletico. Juventus are all over the place in their pre-season outings so far, and cannot seem to find the right momentum. However, since this would be the final match before the competitive season begins, perhaps both managers won’t take any unnecessary risks.

Starters may play and give the travelling fans something to cheer about, but don’t expect the first-team players to play the full 90 minutes. The Club Friendly 2024 betting odds lean towards a draw, but rest assured that goals will be scored.

 

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