Atalanta vs Cesena preview - Colantuono targets strong finish to 2011

Atalanta coach Stefano Colantuono is hoping his side can end a difficult year on a high note by beating strugglers Cesena on Wednesday.

Had Atalanta not been handed a six-point penalty at the start of the season for alleged match-fixing, they would be fifth in Serie A, having taken 23 points in 15 games.

As it is, the promoted outfit is languishing in 14th place in Serie A.

Last weekend's 2-2 result at Fiorentina - Atalanta's fifth consecutive draw - moved them five points clear of the relegation zone.

"I have to compliment my players," Colantuono said. "It has been a very hard year for us and we have shown a lot of focus.

"There is still a long way to go before we can celebrate but we are on the right path and that is the most important thing.

"We are doing well so far, we have only lost two games this season.

"But there is no rest for us."

The hosts will be looking to extend their unbeaten run to seven matches and go into 2012 with renewed optimism, but they must brace themselves for a battle.

Cesena travel to Bergamo also in desperate need of points in their battle to avoid the drop.

Daniele Arrigoni's side slumped to their ninth defeat of the campaign in last weekend's 1-0 loss to Inter Milan.

"It can happen to lose against a team like Inter," Arrigoni said. "The important thing is that we bounce back and end the year in the best possible way."

Cesena lie 18th in the standings, two points behind safety.

Adrian Mutu will lead Cesena's attack hoping to score his 100th Serie A goal on Wednesday. The Romanian forward is one goal shy of that feat.

The visitors will be without suspended defender Gianluca Comotto.