Udinese vs Atalanta preview - Atalanta bid to beat away-day blues

Atalanta's hunt for a long overdue win away from home continues as they prepare to tackle Udinese at the Stadio Friuli.

The Bergamaschi have not emerged triumphant on the road since October 5 and have mustered just one point since, relying on points accrued on home turf to remain clear of the drop zone.

However, last weekend's 4-0 home thrashing by Parma was their third loss in Bergamo this season and their third defeat from their last four games.

Atalanta's poor spell has seen them drop to 14th in the Serie A table, where they are level on 26 points with Udinese, who are 13th.

Stefano Colantuono's men do, however, hold an eight-point cushion over the relegation zone heading into Sunday's game.

"We have a good advantage with respect to the drop zone and we cannot throw it away," Colantuono said.

"We want to preserve our Serie A status as soon as possible. That is our only aim.

"In order to do that, we will need to starting grinding out results away from home."

Udinese have won just one of their last four games at home and go into the encounter on the back of last weekend's 3-3 draw at Genoa.

The Bianconeri looked to be heading for their third straight league win having taken a 3-1 lead early in the second half, but they conceded two goals to drop two points.

Coach Francesco Guidolin preferred to focus on the positives.

"Genoa are a very strong team, especially when playing at home," he said. "It was important for us to get a result in Genoa and we did that.

"I don't see it as two points lost but rather a point gained against a strong opponent.

"Now we must focus on our match against Atalanta."

Udinese will be without defender Thomas Heurtaux and midfielder Roberto Pereyra, who are both suspended.

The visitors will be bolstered by the return of midfielder Luca Cigarini as he returns from suspension.