Cambiaso: ‘Juventus want Atalanta next, still not at 100 per cent’ | OneFootball

Juventus full-back Andrea Cambiaso is already looking forward to the head-to-head with Atalanta and admits he is ‘still not at 100 per cent’ after injury and that Manchester City speculation.

The pressure was on the Bianconeri following their recent elimination from the Champions League play-offs to PSV Eindhoven and on Wednesday the Coppa Italia quarter-final against Empoli on penalties.

It took a while to break down Hellas Verona, as both teams had a goal disallowed before Khephren Thuram’s first-time finish from 12 yards on the Cambiaso assist, then Teun Koopmeiners sealed the 2-0 result late on.

“We had a good performance, apart from the first five minutes when we allowed two shots on target,” Cambiaso told Sky Sport Italia.

“These games are always difficult and we did well, creating many clear-cut scoring opportunities. We should’ve scored in the first half too, but the goals arrived after the break.”

Cambiaso outlines Juventus ambition

TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 03: Teun Koopmeiners of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammate Khephren Thuram during the Serie A match between Juventus and Verona at Allianz Stadium on March 03, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

This result means Juventus consolidate fourth place in Serie A and are within six points of leaders Inter, so in theory still in the Scudetto race, especially as they go head-to-head with third-placed Atalanta on Sunday.

“The objective is to catch Atalanta and Sunday’s game is going to be wonderful to play. It is always an intriguing match with them, as they play such interesting football,” noted Cambiaso.

The versatile wide man has played in numerous different positions on the right or left, in defence or more advanced, so which is his favourite role?

“I get asked that a lot and I never manage to give a real answer, because it depends on the team and also on the opponents. I just like to help my teammates and today I had to stay a bit deeper to keep the balance against Verona counter-attacks.”

Cambiaso had a strong start to the season and then went off the boil a little, admitting that injuries were part of it, but also the speculation around a possible January €80m transfer to Manchester City.

“From December 7 it has been quite a tough period for me, both personally and as a team. I am still not at 100 per cent now, to be honest, but I’m trying to get back into shape.

“I was a bit unlucky, because I had this injury that wasn’t serious, but did drag on a bit and affect my mobility, then there was the transfer stuff too.

“I am learning to keep more of a balance and play even when I am not at 100 per cent.”