Lazio vs Atalanta preview - Bergamaschi boss expects Lazio backlash
Posted Sunday, January 15, 2012 by PA
Atalanta coach Stefano Colantuono expects Lazio to go all out for a win when the two sides meet at the Stadio Olimpico.
Lazio are eager to make amends following last weekend's 4-0 defeat at Siena and Colantuono is expecting a response.
"It will not be an easy game," he said.
"Lazio will be determined to prove that last weekend's result was just an accident.
"We can expect a Lazio backlash.
"They are a strong side, that must be respected and feared."
Lazio responded to Saturday's setback with a 3-2 triumph over Hellas Verona to progress to the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia.
"When you give away four goals as we did against Siena, clearly something is not well," manager Edoardo Reja said.
"My players nevertheless gave everything against Verona.
"We are not at our best but the victory gives us tranquility and a boost in confidence ahead of Sunday's game."
Atalanta are 12th in the standings.
The Bergamaschi have lost just three times this season, their last a 2-0 defeat at home to AC Milan last weekend.
"Despite the loss, it remains a positive performance as we worked hard and created good football against Milan," Colantuono said.
"We cannot forget that we were facing the Italian champions.
"We must put this defeat behind us and focus on the game at Lazio."
Reja's men, who are fourth in the table, will be without midfielder Lorik Cana for the game against Atalanta.
Cana sustained a back injury and has joined midfielders Stefano Mauri and Christian Brocchi on the sidelines.
However, Reja has recovered defender Stefan Radu and playmaker Hernanes, who missed Lazio's last two games through injury.
The visitors will be without injured defender Thomas Manfredini.
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