Edy Reja has more than one reason to push Atalanta on against Roma today. “My Lazio friends asked me to win!”
It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“It’s only logical that for me this tie has extra emotions and motivations attached to it,” said the former Lazio Coach.
Edy Reja has more than one reason to push Atalanta on against Roma today. “My Lazio friends asked me to win!”
It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“It’s only logical that for me this tie has extra emotions and motivations attached to it,” said the former Lazio Coach.
“You don’t forget four years in the Capital. I received many messages from my Laziale friends asking me to put in a great performance and win.
“Of course, I am above all interested in doing that because Atalanta need points. To get a result here, you cannot afford a single mistake.
“We certainly can’t come here trying to just not concede, so we must take the pro-active approach and try to make the most of spaces Roma leave at the back.”
Confidence and their position in the table were boosted by a 2-1 win over Sassuolo last week, which saw German Denis break his goal drought with a brace.
“I think that victory also helped us psychologically and I hope it can lead us to find even more belief and temperament.
“We can’t say we’re relaxed yet, as there are many rounds to go this season and our fixture list is not an easy one.”
Cesena earned a surprise 0-0 draw away to Sampdoria on Saturday, so as things stand the gap from the relegation zone is just six points.
Mauricio Pinilla continues his three-match ban, joined on the naughty step by Giuseppe Biava and Luca Cigarini.
Injury rules out Giampaolo Bellini, Lionel Scaloni, Cristian Raimondi and Niccolo Cherubin.
Atalanta squad for Roma: Avramov, Baselli, Benalouane, Bianchi, Carmona, D’Alessandro, Del Grosso, Denis, Drame, Emanuelson, Estigarribia, Frezzolini, Gomez, Grassi, Kessie, Masiello, Migliaccio, Maxi Moralez, Rosseti, Sportiello, Stendardo, Zappacosta