Paulo Dybala on target as Juventus defeat Atalanta in Serie A

Updated: May 17, 2023, 06:10 am
Paulo Dybala helped Juventus claim a much-needed three-point haul on Sunday.
Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images

Paulo Dybala inspired Juventus to beat 10-man Atalanta 2-0 in Turin on Sunday for their third Serie A win.

The Argentina forward put the hosts on their way in the 28th minute before setting up Mario Manduzkic for Juve's second of the afternoon after the re-start.

Atalanta, who failed to test Juve goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon throughout the encounter, had defender Rafael Toloi sent off for a second yellow card in the 74th minute.

Four minutes later, Dybala earned a penalty but Paul Pogba's spot-kick was saved by Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Sportiello.

The victory has lifted the defending Italian champions to 11th in the standings while Atalanta have dropped to ninth.

A goalless draw at home to Borussia Monchengladbach on Wednesday had halted Juve's perfect run in the Champions League.

Juve, who had held Inter Milan to a 0-0 result in the previous round, enjoyed a strong start.

Sportiello was forced to make two saves early on to deny close-range attempts from Leonardo Bonucci and Mandzukic.

Juve broke the deadlock shortly after when Dybala found space just outside the area and drilled a left-footed shot from 25 yards that beat Sportiello.

Sportiello was beaten for a second time after 49 minutes when Dybala's perfect pass found Mandzukic and he tapped home from close range.

The visitors suffered a further setback when Toloi was handed his marching orders after a late challenge on Mandzukic.

With 12 minutes remaining, the referee pointed to the spot after Gabriel Paletta fouled Dybala in the box.

Sportiello guessed correctly and kept out Pogba's right-footed shot towards the far post.