Weston McKennie described Luciano Spalletti as the best coach he has played under, with the Juventus boss extending his contract with the club ahead of Saturday's crucial showdown with Atalanta.

The Bianconeri are fifth in Serie A, one point adrift of fourth-placed Como, as they battle for Champions League qualification for 2025-26.

Atalanta, their opponents at New Balance Arena this weekend, are four points behind them and also in contention to make the cut for UEFA's premier club competition.

On the eve of the game, Juve confirmed Spalletti had signed a two-year contract extension to remain with the club, having only penned a short-term deal when he took the reins last October.

Spalletti's future became the subject of debate after an indifferent start to his tenure, but McKennie is delighted to see him commit his long-term stay to the club.

"I get on very well with him," McKennie said, as quoted by AlfredoPedulla. 

"I think every player has different needs and there are different expectations on each of us. Every time I see the manager, he gives me a sense of security.

"When he tells you off, he never does it in a harsh way, he always does it to make you improve. 

"Some coaches humiliate you, but Spalletti's personality makes you think that you need to get better. He commands your attention every time he speaks, he has experience and is wise.

"He is the best coach I have had in my career. The numbers say it and the way he manages the group makes him an outstanding coach."

Atalanta have registered back-to-back wins and gone unbeaten through their last four games in Serie A, having thrashed Lecce 3-0 on Monday.

Head coach Raffaele Palladino was delighted with La Dea's performance in that match but knows there is no room for complacency in the decisive weeks of the season. 

"We adjusted as time went on and did well to attack the space," he said. "I'm satisfied with the performance, another clean sheet also gives confidence to the defence.

"It was the first of eight finals, now we must continue our climb up that mountain."

PLAYERS TO WATCH 

Atalanta – Giacomo Raspadori 

Raspadori has scored four goals against Juventus in Serie A, only netting more against Genoa (five) in the Italian top flight. 

The striker has been involved in three goals (two goals, one assist) in his last five league appearances and, following his goal against Lecce last time out, could score in consecutive games for the first time since last May, when he netted against Lecce and Genoa.

Juventus – Kenan Yildiz

Yildiz, who has 19 goals and 10 assists in Serie A, could become only the third player to be involved in 30 or more goals before turning 21 since the tournament returned to 20 teams in 2004-05. 

The previous players to do so were Alexandre Pato (46) and Domenico Berardi (47), while Mario Balotelli also reached 29 before his 21st birthday.

MATCH PREDICTION – JUVENTUS WIN

Six of the last eight Serie A matches between Atalanta and Juventus have ended in a draw (one win apiece). 

Across the last 10 seasons (since 2016-17), Atalanta are the opponent against whom Juventus have recorded the most draws in Serie A (12).

Furthermore, Atalanta and Juventus have drawn four of their last five Serie A encounters when both sides started the day in the top seven positions in the table – the exception being a 4-0 away win for Atalanta on March 9, 2025.

The Opta supercomputer makes the Bianconeri slight favourites, though, despite Atalanta looking to win three straight Serie A wins for the third time under Palladino. 

Palladino has the highest points-per-game average as Atalanta coach in the three-points-for-a-win era in Serie A (2.00 - W12 D4 L4). 

Palladino, who represented Juventus during his playing career, has three wins as a manager against them in Serie A, including his first-ever win (1-0 with Monza, 18 September 2022). He has only recorded more against Genoa (five), Hellas Verona and Cagliari (both four).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Atalanta – 32.4%

Juventus – 32.4%

Draw – 27.2%