[D-Kin]

Serie A Week 19 - 14/1/07 (14.00 UK)
Atalanta - Livorno

Stadio Azzurri d'Italia

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Livorno travel north to Lombardy as they take on Atalanta at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia in Week 19. Both teams have had a decent season so far and are now holding 9th and 11th in the table. The Bergamaschi will be keen to capitalise on the chance to overtake their Tuscan rivals by winning this home tie.

The Amaranto desperately needed the break as they only gained two points in their previous five fixtures. Their last match against Torino at the Stadio Armando Picchi ended 1-1. On the other hand, the Nerazzurri played incredibly well in Week 18 against leaders Inter but were still defeated 2-1.

Coach Stefano Colantuono is asking his players to start the New Year on the right foot and this home game is a great opportunity for them to do so. There shouldn’t be any big surprises in the Orobici’s 4-5-1 formation.

Towering defender Simone Loria should be selected in the centre next to Claudio Rivalta. Former Fiorentina player Luca Ariatti will most probably play in the right-back spot.

In midfield, Brazilian winger Ferreira Pinto has recovered from an injury and may play on the right. Star man Cristiano Doni will take his usual place behind lone striker Riccardo Zampagna.

Nicola Ventola may sit on the bench in a match that could be his last game for the club given his contractual situation. Christian Vieri still isn’t ready for first team action as the powerful striker won’t start full training until late January after more knee surgery.

Livorno boss Daniele Arrigoni will have to do without Dario Passoni and Ghanaian defender Samuel Kuffour because of suspension. Midfielder Stefano Argilli has been sold to Frosinone, while Kuffour may leave the team soon too.

The defensive trio should be formed by Fabio Galante, Alessandro Grandoni and Iranian Rahman Rezaei. Carmine Coppola, signed from Messina, will have to wait for his debut. Cristiano Lucarelli will play alongside Ibrahima Bakayoko in attack.

Man on fire: Cristiano Doni (Atalanta) – The 33-year-old Trequartista has been unstoppable so far this season. His goal against Inter in Week 18 was another demonstration of strength by the Orobici’s best player.

Last season: Not played

Form guide: Atalanta (L W D L L) Livorno (L L D L D)

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Atalanta (probable): Calderoni; Ariatti, Rivalta, Loria, Bellini; Ferriera Pinto, Migliaccio, Doni, Bernardini, Donati; Zampagna

Livorno (probable): Amelia; Grandoni, Rezaei, Galante; Pfertzel, Morrone, A.Filippini, Vigiani, Pasquale; Bakayoko, C.Lucarelli

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