Empoli vs Atalanta preview - Sarri wants to see hard work

Empoli coach Maurizio Sarri has warned his players they cannot afford to take their foot off the pedal when they host Atalanta on Sunday.

The Tuscan outfit is looking to defend its Serie A status this season and go into the encounter at the Carlo Castellani stadium looking for a third straight win.

Empoli, who gained promotion to Italy's top flight earlier this year, beat Lazio 2-1 before clinching a 2-0 triumph at Parma in the last round.

"We are on the right path," Sarri told the Italian media. "My players are trying really hard and the important thing is that we are getting points.

"But we cannot get our hopes up just yet.

"We will take things one step at a time as we have done in recent weeks.

"We have to continue to work hard and make the most of our chances.b

"We have an important game against Atalanta and we have to go all out for victory."

Their good run of form has seen Empoli climb from the drop zone to 14th place, with 13 points from 12 games.

Atalanta have not come out triumphant since a 1-0 triumph at Parma on October 19.

The Bergamaschi have collected three points since - all from draws.

Last weekend's 2-1 loss to Roma dropped the Bergamo outfit to 17th place, one point clear of the drop zone.

Lack of goalscoring has been Atalanta's main problem with this season, with Stefano Colantuono's side having the worst striking force in the competition with just five goals scored.

To complicate matters for Atalanta, Ghana striker Richmond Boakye must serve his first of a two-match suspension this weekend.