Atalanta vs Livorno preview - Colantuono targets Europe

Posted Wednesday, March 26, 2014 by PA

Atalanta coach Stefano Colantuono is targeting continued improvement and a place in Europe after his side won at Inter Milan in dramatic fashion on Sunday.

Giacomo Bonaventura's last-gasp goal in a 2-1 victory at San Siro means the Bergamo outfit are now eighth in the Serie A table with 40 points.

Strugglers Livorno are next up on Wednesday night and Atalanta are targeting a record-equalling fifth straight win.

Colantuono told atalanta.it: "I'm happy with the results, and with everyone who is working out on the pitch for me, for the club, for the fans, for everyone.

"Atalanta are achieving our goals through the cohesion of all components.

"But we have to continue to improve by producing good performances."

The Europa League is now a target and Colantuono added on corrieredellosport.it: "We have secured our future in the top flight.

"The club's plan now is to consolidate in Serie A before gaining access to Europe.

"We do not believe we can finish incredibly high up the table, but we should at least make the Europa League."

Atalanta are likely to be without forward Maximiliano Moralez (calf) when Livorno visit the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia.

The Tuscans, who are missing defender Djamel Mesbah through suspension, must also play well collectively in order to get a result in Bergamo, insists coach Domenico Di Carlo.

He said: "Livorno always need 11 strong individual performances, but with everyone playing as a team, compact and united.

"We are in the fight for survival along with four or five other teams.

"We must look forward while keeping confidence in our own abilities: the positive reaction will come."

Livorno are third from bottom and staring at relegation but Di Carlo knows the result of Wednesday night's game will not determine his side's final fate.

He added: "It will not be a decisive game, I know the path we still have to take."