Palermo vs Atalanta preview - Reja warns of hard work ahead

Atalanta coach Edy Reja has warned his players ahead of Sunday's game at Palermo that they still have some work to do to consider themselves safe from relegation.

The Bergamaschi hold the last position of safety and are six points clear of 18th-placed Cagliari with four games remaining.

Last weekend's 1-1 result against high-fliers Lazio was Atalanta's fourth successive draw and extended their unbeaten run to five games.

"We produced a very good performance against Lazio," Reja said to Gazzetta dello Sport. "We deserved to win but we are nevertheless satisfied.

"Nothing is done yet and we still need more points in order to achieve our aim.

"Cagliari are right behind us and they can still leapfrog us in the standings."

Reja has reason to be wary for his side have to play away to Napoli and Torino and face Cagliari at home on May 24 in their remaining fixtures.

Cagliari take on Italian champions Juventus in Turin on Saturday.

Hence, the men from Bergamo know a positive result on Sunday is a must in their battle to remain in Italy's top flight. .

"We need to bring three points from Palermo, " Reja said. "A positive result in Sicily would give us the necessary calmness to approach our last three games."

Atalanta have not won on the road since beating AC Milan 1-0 on January 18 and have collected four points since away from home.

Palermo, who gained promotion to Italy's top flight last year, have already assured themselves of Serie A football next season.

The Sicilian outfit have 43 points in the bank and go into the game at La Favorita on the back of a goalless draw at Sassuolo.

Palermo are in the midst of a three-match winless run and lie 10th in the standings.

"It has been a positive season although we could be higher up in the standings," Palermo coach Giuseppe Iachini said. "We have hit the woodwork 19 times and wasted a few great scoring opportunities along the way.

"It would be great if we finished the campaign with 50 points."

The visitors are without defender Yohan Benalouane and striker German Denis, both suspended.