Livorno vs Atalanta preview - Livorno eye winning feeling

Posted Saturday, November 02, 2013 by PA

Livorno midfielder Pasquale Schiattarella is hopeful his team can halt a long wait for a Serie A win when they host Atalanta on Sunday.

The Amaranto have not come out triumphant in the league since beating Catania 2-0 on September 15 and four defeats and three draws have followed since then.

Livorno came back from two goals down to take a valuable point against Torino in Wednesday's 3-3 result.

The outcome allowed Davide Nicola's side to climb three points clear of the relegation zone.

"To be down 2-0 after eight minutes played is not easy but we were able to hit back and impose our play," Schiattarella said.

"This team has a precise identity and with the same motivation and conviction that we showed against Torino, we will face Atalanta."

Schiattarella, who will miss Sunday's game through suspension, has called on supporters to get behind the team in Sunday's contest.

"This is an important game," he said. "I ask all of our wonderful fans to come to the stadium and support us until the final whistle.

"We really need their help to win on Sunday."

Atalanta will be fired up for Sunday's match in Leghorn having held Inter Milan to a 1-1 draw on Tuesday.

A German Denis equaliser handed the Bergamaschi a point and lifted them to ninth place.

"We did a good job against Inter and we deserved the point," Colantuono said. "Now we must focus on taking three points at Livorno which will be no easy task."

Atalanta have collected just three points of a possible 15 on the road this season.

The visitors will be bolstered by the return of defender Constantin Nica from suspension while defender Guglielmo Stendardo must serve a one-match ban.

The home side is without injured midfielder Marco Biagianti, who is out with a muscular problem.