[D-Kin]

Serie A Week 21 - 28/1/07 (14.00 UK)
Atalanta - Catania

Stadio Azzurri d'Italia

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Sixth-placed Atalanta will be hoping to continue their fine start to 2007 when they welcome Catania to the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia. The Orobici got off to a flier in the New Year with thumping wins over Livorno and Ascoli, while their Sicilian opponents are yet to open their account after the winter break.

Things are unlikely to get any better for the Elefanti in the short-term though, as their attack has been hit by suspension. Top scorer Gionatha Spinesi, who is just two goals shy of Serie A Capocannoniere Francesco Totti, will miss the club’s next three League games after picking up a ban for his actions at the end of the disappointing defeat to Cagliari, which including diving and abusing the referee.

Also out of action due to suspension is Giuseppe Colucci. Therefore the Catania attack is likely to feature Giuseppe Mascara alongside Giorgio Corona and Francesco Millesi. But there is some good news on the bans front, as both Lorenzo Stovini and Fabio Caserta are available for selection once more. Mauro Minelli and Mariano Izco are expected to be the men to miss out.

Atalanta boss Stefano Colantuono has few issues of his own to contend with, apart from how to keep his high-flying stars’ feet on the ground. Having exceeded all expectation this term – without summer signing Christian Vieri, no less – the next step will be to cement themselves in the final Champions League qualifying berth.

Aiding their cause against Catania will be returning duo Simone Loria and Claudio Rivalta, both of whom didn’t feature in the 3-1 win over Ascoli. Leonardo Talamonti and Moris Carrozzieri look set to be the men to make way at the heart of the Nerazzurri’s defence. They’ll be hoping to make a big impact, as only four clubs have a worst record at the back than Atalanta, who have conceded 31 goals in just 20 games.

Man on fire: Cristiano Doni (Atalanta) – Santa must have been kind to the veteran, as he has been in fine form since the winter break with three goals in two games.

Last season: In Serie B

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

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

Catania (probable): Pantanelli; Silvestri, Sottil, Stovini, Vargas; Edusei, Caserta, Baiocco; Mascara, Corona, Millesi

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