Cagliari vs Atalanta preview - Colantuono wants more

Atalanta coach Stefano Colantuono has urged his team to maintain their recent momentum when they visit Cagliari.

Colantuono's side looked like they would be involved in a relegation scrap after starting the campaign with a six-point deduction for their part in a match-fixing scandal.

However, the promoted outfit have enjoyed a fine campaign and are on an eight-match unbeaten run that has seen them climb into the top half of the Serie A standings.

Last weekend's 2-0 triumph over Bologna lifted the Bergamaschi 10 points clear of the relegation zone with nine games remaining.

"We played a great game against Bologna," Colantuono said.

"We are very close to achieving our aim which is to defend our Serie A status and we are in a great position in the standings.

"We have to continue on this path, knowing that Sunday's game at Cagliari will be difficult."

Atalanta have looked solid at both ends of the pitch, scoring eight goals while giving away just two in their last eight league games.

The Bergamaschi will have to again overcome the absence of the team's top scorer German Denis, who is out with a muscular injury.

Rivals Cagliari go into the encounter on the back of last weekend's 1-0 defeat at Lazio.

The result kept the Sardinian outfit winless on the road since December 4 and dropped the club to 13th place, three points below Sunday's rivals.

Cagliari have lost just once at the Sant' Elia stadium this year and expect to take maximum points.

Coach Massimo Ficcadenti will be without pivotal defender Davide Astori, who must serve a one-match ban this weekend.