[D-Kin]

Serie A Week 26 - 28/2/07 (14.00 UK)

Sampdoria - Atalanta
Stadio Ferraris

It should be a fierce battle for the three points when Sampdoria and Atalanta come face to face at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, with both teams desperate to keep their European hopes alive. Only one point currently separates these two sides, putting them in direct competition for a coveted place in Europe next season.

It has been a difficult week for Samp boss Walter Novellino. Just as his team’s form starts to pick up the Blucerchiati are rocked by the news that club captain Francesco Flachi tested positive for cocaine in a routine doping test. That revelation was immediately followed by defeat to Milan at the weekend meaning the Coach could have a lot of work on his hands to restore morale in Genoa.

Novellino’s task will not be helped by the numerous absences in his first team. As well as Flachi’s ban, Ruben Olivera, Gennaro Delvecchio and Emiliano Bonazzoli are also suspended for this vital match. Add to that the injuries to Cristian Terlizzi and Ivan Franceschini and the Doria line-up is likely to have a makeshift look to it on Wednesday. The likes of Pietro Accardi, Alessandro Bastrini and Reto Ziegler are expected to fill in, but many fans will be wondering if they are up to the task.

Atalanta will have to deal with significantly less problems going into this game, although they will be without star man Cristiano Doni who has picked up a suspension. There is still no news on when veteran striker Christian Vieri will return from his lengthy knee injury and make his second Nerazzurri debut, but Coach Stefano Colantuono will be relieved that defender Simone Loria escaped his nightmare collision with Palermo ‘keeper Alberto Fontana with nothing more serious than a few bruises and should be available for selection.

The newly-promoted Bergamaschi have been a revelation this season, showing they are not content with their reputation as a perennial yo-yo side. In joint seventh place alongside Fiorentina, Udinese and Catania, they are just four points away from the top six and a guaranteed place in Europe for next term. However, they will need to pick up the pace if they are to keep up the pressure on the likes of Empoli and Milan as a dip in form has seen them draw their last four fixtures.

Man on fire: Fabio Quagliarella (Sampdoria) – The Azzurri hopeful keeps popping up with vital goals for Sampdoria to silence his critics. And with Flachi facing a lengthy ban, Quagliarella could blossom as he steps out of the captain’s shadow.

Last season: Not played

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

Sampdoria (probable): Castellazzi; Zenoni, Falcone, Accardi, Bastrini; Maggio, Palombo, Volpi, Ziegler; Bazzani, Quagliarella

Atalanta (probable): Calderoni; Rivalta, Talamonti, Loria, Bellini; Ferreira Pinto, Migliaccio, Donati, Ariatti; Tissone; Zampagna

channel4.com - Football Italia