AS Roma vs Atalanta preview - Enrique eyes back-to-back wins

Posted Saturday, October 01, 2011 by PA

Roma coach Luis Enrique has called on his team to build on last weekend's first victory of the season when they host in-form Atalanta.

The Giallorossi go into the Stadio Olimpico encounter in high spirits after a 1-0 triumph at Parma last time out.

Luis Enrique's joy was understandable as his side had picked up only two points from their previous three games, and he now wants them to gain some momentum.

"We knew that sooner or later the win would arrive," the Spaniard said. "I dedicate our first win to all the Roma fans.

"It is an important win but it will be of little use if we don't build on this result.

"Now we must seek a second victory against Atalanta."

Luis Enrique will be hoping his team can show an improvement in front of goal.

The Eternal City giants have failed to score more than once in any game this season and strikers Francesco Totti, Marco Borriello, Bojan and Fabio Borini have yet to open their scoring account.

Rivals Atalanta are showing no signs of slowing down after continuing their impressive start to the campaign with a 2-1 victory over Novara last weekend.

The promoted outfit head to Rome unbeaten and on a three-match winning streak.

"It's true that had we not been punished with a six-point penalty (for a betting scandal) at the start of the campaign, we would be leading the standings," coach Stefano Colantuono said.

"But the reality is that we have four points and we cannot get carried away because defending our Serie A status remains our only aim this season."

The hosts hope to welcome back midfielder Simone Perrotta and Borriello, both doubtful with minor knocks.

Roma will be bolstered by the return of goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg, who missed last weekend's game with a head problem.

Colantuono is set to name an unchanged side to the team that won against Novara.