Novara Calcio vs Atalanta preview - Mondonico wants players to focus

Novara coach Emiliano Mondonico has told his players to forget their famous Serie A win at Inter Milan and concentrate on clinching another important three points against Atalanta.

Last weekend's 1-0 triumph at the San Siro was Novara's first victory since November 26 and lifted the club level on 16 points with 19th-placed Cesena.

Mondonico's men have the opportunity to reduce the six-point gap between themselves and safety with victory at the Stadio Silvio Piola, and the coach knows his players cannot afford to still be reflecting on last week's result.

"We played a great game against Inter and won," he said. "But I have reiterated to my players to put that success behind us.

"We need to give continuity to this result in order to climb up in the standings.

"Right now our focus is on Sunday's game against Atalanta. It will be no easy game."

Novara must overcome the absence of defender Michael Morganella and midfielders Ivan Radovanovic and Filippo Porcari, all suspended.

Rivals Atalanta go into the encounter in buoyant mood after claiming their first home win since December 21 in Wednesday's 1-0 triumph over Genoa.

Guido Marilungo's goal handed the Bergamaschi their second victory in seven games - a result which lifted Atalanta to 13th place, nine points clear of the relegation zone.

"We played a solid game against Genoa and deserved the win," Atalanta coach Stefano Colantuono said. "We have to continue to play in this manner.

"We are on the right path to defend our Serie A status and we have to make sure we clinch three points on Sunday."

Atalanta have won just once on the road this year but, fortunately for them, they face the leakiest defence in the competition with Novara having conceded 42 goals in 23 games.

The visitors will be without defender Thomas Manfredini, who serves a one-match ban.