Atalanta vs Lazio preview - Scaloni only looking up

Lazio defender Lionel Scaloni insists the Biancoceleste are fully focused on the remaining two games of the season as they aim to recapture third place.

The Romans travel to Bergamo to face Atalanta on Sunday having endured a miserable couple of weeks.

Lazio have taken just two points in their last five league games and Wednesday's 1-1 draw against Siena dropped them to fifth in the stgandings.

The Biancoceleste are one point adrift of Napoli, who occupy the last Champions League qualifying berth.

Lazio end the season at home to Inter Milan on May 13.

"We will confront these last two games looking to take six points," Scaloni said. "We still believe and we must concentrate on ending the season well.

"However, they will not be easy games.

"Atalanta have had a very good campaign while we face a battle against Inter in the last round.

"We have a great desire to react.

"Against Siena we gave everything we had but unfortunately it went as it did."

A major blow for Lazio coach Edy Reja is the news that goalkeeper Federico Marchetti, defenders Andrea Dias and Giuseppe Biava as well as midfielder Cristian Ledesma are all suspended this weekend.

To complicate matters, defender Stefan Radu, playmaker Hernanes and strikers Miroslav Klose and Tommaso Rocchi are out injured.

Albano Bizzarri will replace Marchetti in goal.

Atalanta, meanwhile, go into this weekend's match at the Atleti Azzurri d'Italia stadium in 11th position in the standings.

The Bergamaschi lost 2-0 at AC Milan in the last round to concede their 10th loss of the campaign.

"It's normal to lose a game against a top club like Milan," Atalanta coach Stefano Colantuono said. "My players did their best but it was not to be.

"We will now try to take as many points as possible from our remaining games to try to finish in the top half of the standings."

Atalanta have lost just three games at home this season while Lazio have not won away from Rome since January 29.

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