Edy Reja warns his revitalised Atalanta that the early kick-off with Empoli “is decisive” for their Serie A status.
The relegation dogfight is at 11.30 UK time (10.30 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“This game is going to be decisive and there’s no point trying to deny that,” declared Coach Reja.
“With a victory we could get ourselves out of the danger zone. With a defeat we could be plunged right back in the middle of it.
Edy Reja warns his revitalised Atalanta that the early kick-off with Empoli “is decisive” for their Serie A status.
The relegation dogfight is at 11.30 UK time (10.30 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“This game is going to be decisive and there’s no point trying to deny that,” declared Coach Reja.
“With a victory we could get ourselves out of the danger zone. With a defeat we could be plunged right back in the middle of it.
“We’ve done well in recent outings and have more confidence than we did before, but we still need to improve on how we handle the closing stages of a match.
“Empoli are practically safe, but they will come to Bergamo looking to take the initiative and certainly won’t go easy on us.
“Empoli are the revelation of this Serie A campaign for me and Maurizio Sarri is the top Coach. They are so organised and show great technique. It won’t be a simple task for us.”
Atalanta impressed in recent weeks with a victory over Sassuolo and 1-1 draw away to Roma.
However, they were also in the news after ultras interrupted a training session and lectured the squad for 15 minutes. Did Reja and the club bow down to the power of the fans?
“I don’t bow down to anyone. Those who know me will say I have always been fair to the fans and did not get involved in certain situations.”
Mauricio Pinilla completes his three-match ban, so is in the stands with injured Cristian Raimondi and Niccolò Cherubin.
Giuseppe Biava and Luca Cigarini return from suspension, while Giampaolo Bellini has now recovered.
Atalanta squad for Empoli: Avramov, Baselli, Bellini, Benalouane, Bianchi, Biava, Carmona, Cigarini, D’Alessandro, Del Grosso, Denis, Drame, Emanuelson, Estigarribia, Frezzolini, Gomez, Masiello, Migliaccio, Maxi Moralez, Rosseti, Sportiello, Stendardo, Zappacosta