Atalanta vs Genoa preview - Reja looking to seal survival

Posted Saturday, May 16, 2015 by PA

Atalanta coach Edy Reja has told his players ahead of Sunday's home game against Genoa to get the job done themselves and secure Serie A football for another season.

The Bergamo outfit hold the last position of safety and need to clinch a point this weekend to ensure their top-flight status.

Atalanta will also be assured of avoiding the drop if 18th-placed Cagliari fail to beat Palermo.

"We need to focus on ourselves and not on what Cagliari does," Reja said to the Italian press. "We are just one step away from achieving our aim.

"We hope we can do it on Sunday."

Atalanta will not be at full strength with goalkeeper Vlada Avramov, defenders Davide Zappacosta and Giuseppe Biava as well as forward German Denis all suspended this weekend.

With goalkeeper Marco Sportiello also out injured, third-choice keeper Giorgio Frezzolini will play in between the posts.

"It's going to be a difficult match," Reja said. "We have several players unavailable.

"But we have to show the same determination we displayed at Palermo."

Last weekend's 3-2 triumph at Palermo, Atalanta's first win on the road since January 18, lifted them eight points clear of Cagliari with three games remaining.

"We took a vital step last weekend in Sicily," Reja said. "These three points were crucial for the standings and for our hopes of avoiding the drop.

"Genoa are a very good side and they will not give anything away.

"We expect a difficult match."

Genoa travel to Bergamo knowing that if results go their way this weekend they could climb up to the crucial sixth position.

Gian Piero Gasperini's men have won three of their last four games, including Monday's impressive 5-1 triumph over Torino.

The Grifoni are just one place and one point behind city rivals Sampdoria, who are sixth and hold the last Europa League qualifying spot.

Samp host Lazio on Saturday.

Genoa are without defender Sebastian De Maio and midfielder Tino Costa, who are both suspended, while French striker M'baye Niang is out with a sprained knee.