European Football: Juventus vs. Atalanta and Arsenal’s Saliba Deal Highlight a Packed Week

As the weekend arrives, football fans can look forward to a thrilling lineup of matches across the globe. This guide provides a summary of the most anticipated games and significant news from the football world.

⚽ The Forward Line: Serie A Battle Heats Up

🇮🇹 Juventus and Atalanta Headline a Big Week in Serie A

A highlight of the weekend`s Serie A action is the highly anticipated match between Juventus and Atalanta, available live on CBS platforms. Juventus has displayed remarkable scoring form this season, a stark contrast to their more conservative approach last year. They`ve recently scored four goals in thrilling victories against Inter and Borussia Dortmund, showcasing a dynamic new style.

Under coach Igor Tudor, appointed in March after a period of instability, Juventus has started the season brightly, sitting just two points behind league leaders Napoli. Their participation in the Club World Cup also proved crucial for team cohesion and building momentum, as midfielder Khephren Thuram noted:

• Thuram: `We`re having a pretty good start, we know the coach well because he is with us last year and at the [Club] World Cup. The World Cup was very important for us to all be together, to learn how to work together as a group. It`s pretty good what we`re doing as a group right now but we still have work to do. We hope it`s going to get better.`

Atalanta, currently fourth in the table, has also shown signs of progress despite a summer of significant changes. After nine successful years, coach Gian Piero Gasperini moved to Roma, with former Southampton boss Ivan Juric taking the helm. While their start was slow with two draws, they`ve since secured comfortable wins against Lecce and Torino, demonstrating renewed strength.

The match could also feature key USMNT talents Weston McKennie and Yunus Musah. Musah, who recently transferred to Atalanta on loan from AC Milan, expressed his motivation:

• Musah: `I`m at a time in my career where it`s important for me to focus on in that [central midfield] position and develop as much as I can in that area. Also, Atalanta they`re in the Champions League, and having played in the Champions League in past seasons, I wanted to carry that on. That was something huge that really caught my attention.`

With two of Italy`s highest-scoring teams, promising US talent, and high stakes at the top of the table, this promises to be an absorbing encounter. The weekend also includes Inter`s match against Cagliari and Milan facing league leaders Napoli, all available on CBS Sports and Paramount platforms.

🔗 Midfield Link Play: Arsenal Secures Key Talent

📝 Arsenal Lock Up Superstar Talent

In the Premier League, significant news emerged with William Saliba reportedly signing a new five-year contract with Arsenal. This deal is considered extremely important, potentially more impactful than any of Arsenal`s summer signings.

Saliba, a key figure in Mikel Arteta`s squad, was previously seen as a potential departure risk, partly due to past public relationship nuances with Arteta and more significantly, interest from Real Madrid. Securing his long-term commitment prevents a scenario where Arsenal might have lost him on a free transfer.

This extension follows similar long-term deals for Gabriel Magalhaes, with Bukayo Saka expected to be next. The timing of Saliba`s extension is ideal as Arsenal prepares for a marquee Premier League fixture against Newcastle. Despite potential pressure if rivals secure wins, Saliba and the team have a proven track record of performing in high-stakes moments.

🔗 Top Stories

• 🧸 Meet the mascots: Introducing Clutch, Zayu and Maple: the triumvirate of World Cup mascots. While maintaining a critical perspective on the tournament, these new mascots have been well-received for their `cool` design!
• 🇦🇷 More Messi magic: Lionel Messi delivered another brilliant performance, transforming a one-goal lead into a decisive 4-0 victory with a late surge of form.
• 📈 NWSL power rankings: Gotham FC is on the rise in the NWSL power rankings, while questions are being raised about Racing Louisville`s recent form, as analyzed by Sandra Herrera.
• 🇪🇸 Barcelona win a big game: Barcelona closed the gap on Real Madrid after a 3-1 win against Real Oviedo. The question remains whether they have the consistency to challenge for the La Liga title throughout the season.
• 💪 Set piece shift: The increasing physical dominance of teams like Tottenham, particularly in set pieces against lower league opposition, raises concerns about a potential imbalance in the English football pyramid.
• 🔴 Ex-Arsenal player dies after on-pitch incident: Tragically, former Arsenal player Billy Vigar died after sustaining a serious brain injury from colliding with a concrete wall during a Chichester Town match.
• 🗣️ Thuram speaks: Watch Morning Footy`s full interview with Khephren Thuram, where he discusses playing against his brother Marcus and his relationship with Thierry Henry.

💰 The Back Line: Betting Insights & Broadcast Guide

💵 Best Bets

• Premier League: Crystal Palace vs. Liverpool, Saturday, 10 a.m. ET
  
  💰 THE PICK: Crystal Palace 1, Liverpool 1 (+600) – For betting insights, the prediction for Crystal Palace vs. Liverpool on Saturday is a 1-1 draw. Despite Liverpool`s perfect start to the season, many of their wins have been tense and hard-fought. Crystal Palace, a team known for their strong home performances, has already held Liverpool to a 2-2 draw in the Community Shield this season, suggesting they could secure another favorable result at home.

The Kings of Spain and France Meet 👀

What`s on CBS Sports Golazo Network

• ☀️ Morning Footy (Weekdays 8-10 a.m.): A weekday morning show featuring highlights, interviews, and major soccer storylines. Also available as a podcast.
• 3️⃣ Attacking Third (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday): A live studio show focused on women`s soccer, covering USWNT, NWSL, and European domestic leagues. Sunday live streams are also available on YouTube after the last NWSL game.
• ⚽ Call it What You Want (Tuesday and Thursday): A show (10 a.m. ET on Golazo America YouTube) with Jimmy Conrad, Charlie Davies, and Tony Meola, discussing USMNT and the state of soccer in the United States ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
• 🥅 Scoreline (Daily): A daily show providing updates on global football news, results, match highlights, and top goals.
• 📺 How to watch: CBS Sports Golazo Network is a free 24/7 channel dedicated to global soccer coverage, available for streaming on the CBS Sports app, Pluto TV, and Paramount+.