[D-Kin]

Serie A Week 27 - 4/3/07 (14.00 UK)

Cagliari - Atalanta
Stadio Sant'Elia

In Week 27 Cagliari and Atalanta will both be desperate to come away from the Stadio Sant’Elia with all three points, but for very different reasons. While the Isolani are just a few points away from the relegation zone, the Nerazzurri seem to have forgotten what victory tastes like and are rapidly falling down the table.

Marco Giampaolo has been recalled to Coach the Rossoblu by President Massimo Cellino, but in the match against Torino last Wednesday the Sardinians were once again defeated.

Meanwhile, the Orobici suffered a 2-1 defeat to Sampdoria after being 1-0 ahead. However, Atalanta were left fuming at the referee who wrongly awarded Doria a late penalty. In protest, the Bergamo boys have enforced a Press silence.

Giampaolo will probably line up a 4-4-2 formation. In defence Michele Ferri and Francesco Pisano are both right-back options. In the midfield, Davide Biondini should play on the left flank with Antonio D’Agostino on the opposite side. In attack Simone Pepe and Andrea Capone are in competition to partner David Suazo.

Atalanta boss Stefano Colantuono is likely to make several changes to last week’s formation. Gianpaolo Bellini and Leonardo Talamonti are banned, so Brazilian ace Adriano should play on the right with Claudio Rivalta moving to the central position. Luca Ariatti is also likely to move from the midfield to the left-back spot.

After missing last Wednesday’s tie due to suspension, Cristiano Doni should take his usual role behind Atalanta’s lone striker, who is set to be Nicola Ventola. Riccardo Zampagna will have to watch from the bench, but may find some space during the second half. There is no news about Christian Vieri, who was supposed to be ready by February but he still isn’t available.

Man on fire: The Honduran striker may leave the Isolani this summer, but for now he will be eager to keep the team away from the relegation zone. His form hasn’t been great in the last few games, but he still has a deadly touch.

Last season: Not played

Form guide: Cagliari (L D L L L) Atalanta (D D D D L)

Cagliari (probable): Fortin; Ferri, Bizera, Bianco, Agostani; D’Agostino, Conti, Colucci, Biondini; Pepe, Suazo

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

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