Torino vs Atalanta preview - Cigarini suspended for Atalanta

Atalanta have suffered a blow ahead of Sunday's game at Torino with pivotal midfielder Luca Cigarini unavailable through suspension.

Cigarini, who has played in all of Atalanta's matches this season, was handed a three-match ban by the Italian football league for insulting the referee during and after Wednesday's 1-1 draw against Napoli.

The 28-year-old, who was sent of against Napoli, will sit out the encounter in Turin as well as his team's matches at Sassuolo and against Roma.

To complicate matters for Atalanta coach Stefano Colantuono, defender Yohan Benalouane is also suspended while striker Alejandro Gomez is sidelined through injury.

Colantuono will be hoping their absences do not hinder his team as they look to return to winning ways.

"We have to be ready for Sunday's match at Torino which will be a difficult one," Colantuono said. "To have taken a point against Napoli is a good result but we still have a lot of room for improvement.

"I will have to make some changes to the squad but I'm hopeful we can do well at Torino."

Atalanta have won just one of their last seven games and are 16th in the standings, two points clear of the drop zone.

Torino head into the contest on the back of Wednesday's 1-0 triumph over Parma.

Matteo Darmian's winner handed the Granata their third victory of the campaign and lifted Giampiero Ventura's side to 12th place.

Toro have lost just once at home and Ventura hopes his side can now string two league wins in a row together, something they have failed to achieve so far.

"Sunday's game is very important," Ventura said. "We need to get as many points as possible at home and give continuity to our recent performances."

The hosts are without defenders Cesare Bovo and Cristian Molinaro, both out injured.

German Denis will lead Atalanta's attack this weekend with the Argentinian striker having ended his goal drought this season against Napoli.