Stefano Colantuono urges Atalanta to “forget about last season” and their two-point penalty to prepare for tonight’s opener against Lazio.
Stefano Colantuono urges Atalanta to “forget about last season” and their two-point penalty to prepare for tonight’s opener against Lazio.
The Orobici had to fight back from -6 to secure safety last year, but this time ex-captain Cristiano Doni’s involvement in the match-fixing scandal is worth a two-point handicap.
“We’ve got to forget about last season. It would be a huge mistake to think this year will be easier,” said the Coach.
“We have to play with great intensity and try to put everyone under pressure, especially when on our own turf. It has to be difficult for any team to visit Bergamo.”
New signing Davide Biondini is expected to start in midfield just days after his transfer from Genoa was completed.
“Biondini is ready and could play straight away. Tomas Manfredini, Federico Peluso and Riccardo Cazzola are still doubts due to their fitness issues.”
Daniele Capelli, Carlos Carmona, Adriano Ferreira Pinto, Guido Marilungo, Ivan Radovanovic and the suspended Guglielmo Stendardo also miss out.
“Lazio are a well-drilled side who haven’t changed much in terms of personnel, even if they have a new Coach in Vladimir Petkovic and some different tactical approaches.
“We must watch out for Miroslav Klose, who is their reference point in attack, but also Hernanes, Antonio Candreva and Stefano Mauri.”