Juventus climbed into the Serie A top four after a narrow 1-0 victory over Atalanta B.C. at the New Balance Arena, extending their unbeaten league run to six matches.
Atalanta made a bright start and came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock within the opening 10 minutes.
Nicola Zalewski sent a close-range effort just wide when he arguably should have scored, before Giorgio Scalvini saw a powerful header crash against the post moments later.
Despite the early intensity, the tempo dipped for much of the first half before the game sparked back into life approaching the interval.
Atalanta’s Nikola Krstovic wasted another big opportunity with an acrobatic attempt from close range, as the hosts dominated territory but lacked clinical finishing.
They managed just one shot on target from 10 attempts before halftime, while Juventus offered little going forward and struggled to impose themselves.
The breakthrough arrived just three minutes into the second half. A scramble in the box following a delivery led to Jeremie Boga’s mishit effort looping into the net, handing Juventus an unexpected lead against the run of play.
Atalanta B.C. pushed hard for an equaliser and nearly found one just before the hour mark, but Michele Di Gregorio produced a fine save to deny Berat Djimsiti.
Despite sustained pressure, Atalanta could not find the finishing touch, as their lack of sharpness in attack proved costly on the night.
Juventus ultimately held firm to secure a valuable three points in their push for UEFA Champions League qualification in Serie A. They now turn their attention to a home clash with Bologna FC 1909 next weekend.
Atalanta remain in seventh place and will aim to recover when they face AS Roma in their next league outing.
