Catania vs Atalanta preview - Montella to stay at Catania

Posted Saturday, April 21, 2012 by PA

Catania have confirmed ahead of their game against Atalanta that coach Vincenzo Montella will remain at the club next season.

Montella, who joined the Sicilian giants last summer from Roma, has enjoyed a fine year at the club.

Catania are eighth in the standings, nine points clear of the drop zone with six games remaining.

Montella has been linked with a move away, with several Serie A clubs, including Lazio, keen to acquire his services.

However, Catania president Antonio Pulvirenti said: "Many clubs want Montella and his phone doesn't stop ringing. But he will remain with us next season."

Catania are eager to return to winning ways having lost some steam in recent weeks.

The Sicilians followed their 3-2 setback at Chievo with a 2-1 loss to Lecce last time out.

Opponents Atalanta travel to the Angelo Massimino stadium with confidence sky high after their 3-1 win at Napoli last time out.

That result lifted Atalanta to 10th place, two spots and three points behind Catania.

"We are more motivated than ever," Atalanta midfielder Ezequiel Schelotto said. "After winning such an important game against Napoli, the group have remained very united.

"Now we must brace ourselves for a challenging game in Sicily. Catania will be desperate to bounce back from their recent defeats and they will have the support of their fans.

"We just want to take another step towards defending our Serie A status. We cannot forget that there are still 18 points up for grabs and we have yet to secure Serie A football next season."

Catania will be without goalkeeper Juan Pablo Carrizo, who is suspended. Tomas Kosicky will take Carrizo's place in goal.

The visitors will be without striker German Denis, who is Atalanta's top scorer this season with 15 league goals, as he must serve a one-match ban.