Cagliari vs Atalanta preview - Zeman demands focus

Posted Saturday, September 13, 2014 by PA

Cagliari coach Zdenek Zeman has called for maximum concentration from the Rossoblu when they face Atalanta on Sunday.

The Sardinian outfit began the campaign with a 1-1 draw at Sassuolo in Zeman's first game in charge since replacing Ivo Pulga at the helm this summer.

Zeman expects his side to show an improved performance against Atalanta at the Sant' Elia stadium.

"Against Atalanta, we cannot afford to make the mistakes that we made against Sassuolo," Zeman said. "It's true that we are the beginning of the campaign and we are still trying to find our style of play.

"But our aim cannot be just to defend our Serie A status.

"A team that starts the campaign focusing on avoiding the drop is already relegated.

"We have to do our best against every opponent.

"I know it will be difficult but we must try to be fully focused in every game."

Cagliari will be bolstered by the return of Colombian striker Victor Ibarbo, who has recovered from a muscle problem that saw him miss his team's opener.

Atalanta make the journey to Sardinia on the back of a goalless home draw against Hellas Verona in their league opener.

The Bergamaschi won just four times on the road last season, but finished 11th in the standings on the back of their good home form.

Coach Stefano Colantuono is set to hand Alejandro Gomez his Atalanta debut this weekend.

The Argentinian forward joined Atalanta from Catania on transfer deadline day after the Bergamaschi sold Italian winger Giacomo Bonaventura to AC Milan.

The visitors will be without experienced defender Guglielmo Stendardo, who is out with a thigh injury.