Atalanta vs Bologna preview - Pioli out to attack

Bologna coach Stefano Pioli wants his side to go on the front foot at Atalanta as the Rossoblu look for three points to all but seal their place in Serie A.

Bologna are 10 points clear of the bottom three, a point ahead of their opponents, and would virtually guarantee safety with a win at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia.

Pioli said: "Compared to our games against Palermo and Sampdoria, I'm going to ask my team to start differently.

"We don't want to be the ones chasing the match, but preferably be the ones being chased.

"We are certainly playing well, but now we definitely need to do better over the full 95 minutes."

Pioli paid tribute to his side's hosts, who are also closing in on another season in the top flight and will undoubtedly be looking to leapfrog Bologna.

"They are always a hard team to face," he told a press conference. "They are compact and determined and are having good season. Compliments to them.

"We're going to have to play our best game possible to bring a positive result home with us."

A draw would be a positive result for Atalanta coach Stefano Colantuono, who has rubbished speculation he will leave the club in the summer.

"I am 150 per cent certain I will be staying in Bergamo," he said. "Any speculation that wants me away from Bergamo is unfounded."

Colantuono remains focused on the task in hand, adding: "With a win, we would reach 41 points and that would take us very close to mathematical safety.

"On paper, a draw would be precious for both sides.

"It's not important how you get to your aim, all that matters is you reach it and, for us, that means staying in Serie A."