Livorno vs Atalanta
December 22, 2007
Livorno and Atalanta face off in a match between clubs struggling to find an identity as the season reaches the New Year’s break. Livorno have been playing well of late but are still well within the reach of the pack struggling to stave off relegation, while Atalanta have been impressive at times but remain unable to jump into the UEFA Cup slots of the Serie A table.
Livorno did not play in week 16 as their match against AC Milan was rescheduled given that Milan were participating in the World Club Cup. They remain in 17th place of the league table with 14 points, just behind 16th place Siena on goal difference. Camolese’s side last played in Round 15 when they were held to a 1-1 draw at home by AS Roma at the Stadio Armando. They have been playing much better of late however and that draw at home stretched their current unbeaten run to 6 matches of which 3 have been victories. There are a lot of injuries this week for Camolese to deal with including Antonio Filipinni and Amelia. The loss of Amelia means that De Lucia will need to take over in goal. In addition, veteran striker Rossini has been ruled out due to injury and will not be able to face his former side.
The bergamaschi are in 8th place of the league table with 21 points, just 1 point off of the pace of Napoli. They were beaten at home in week 16 in their match to Palermo at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri D’Italia by a score of 1-3. The loss was their second straight and they have now lost 3 of their last 5 matches. The injuries are beginning to pile up for Gigi Del Neri’s squad and this is taking a huge toll on their performance. This week Talamonti, Costinha, Carrozzieri, Simon Inzaghi, Guarente, Zampagna, and Langella are all expected to miss out. In addition, Doni is out suspended. These absences will force Del Neri to go with a make shift starting eleven. Gaurente is the toughest player to replace and Padoin will be asked to do his best. Muslimovic is set to make his first ever start for the club in attack alongside Floccari as they keep the 4-4-2 formation.
Livorno may be at the bottom looking up at Atalanta but their current form is far superior given Atalanta’s two straight losses. When you factor in that Atalanta will have a number of players missing once more, Livorno look all the more attractive as a choice.
Prediction: Livorno (1-0)
