It's rather stating the obvious to say that Juventus need Mario Mandzukic's goals.

Following a difficult start to the season, The Croatian international will get another bite at the cherry against Atalanta, who have impressed outside of their 3-0 humbling at the hands of Fiorentina.

Coach Max Allegri plans to line him up alongside Paulo Dybala today, benching Simone Zaza and Alvaro Morata.

Eight weeks into the season, Mandzukic already has the dubious honour of belonging of the "zero club". Despite netting twice for the Old Lady - once in Europe against Manchester City and once in the Italian Supercup - the former Bayern Munich and Atletico hitman has yet to break his fast in Serie A, and joins Andrea Belotti, Jose Callejon and Mattia Destro in the ranks of the profligate.

That's a scary stat for someone who has played 269 minutes in five games. The good news is that Roberto Pereyra - who outperformed expectations last year with the Bianconeri - is back, and the two will line up in attack along with Paulo Dybala.

Bought for a hefty €40 million this summer, the former Palermo bomber is himself at the centre of another media storm, with many Juventini (not to mention a certain M.Zamparini) outraged at seeing the club’s prize signing being left on the bench, despite notching three goals and an assist this campaign.

Allegri reacted with quite some verve in yesterday’s press conference at Vinovo, claiming that Dybala’s fee “isn’t my problem. I’m a coach! What should City do, they spent €80 million on Kevin De Bruyne!”