This is a relegation dogfight but while victory would virtually secure survival for Empoli, Atalanta's need for points is far more pressing.

Empoli's 1-1 draw with Modena last week brought survival almost within touching distance for the Tuscany club but they know defeat against Atalanta would put them back in trouble.

Empoli midfielder Fabrizio Ficini said: "The match with Atalanta is not an all-or-nothing game, the three points at stake with them will only be crucial in the event of us winning.

"So to a point we are quite calm going into this match but we will go onto the pitch determined to win so we can start thinking about our holidays a few weeks ahead of schedule."

Atalanta fought like lions last weekend but had to settle for a 1-1 draw with Inter.

But they must get something out of this game to keep ahead of Reggina who occupy the fourth and last relegation spot.

The two clubs are level on points and if that remains the case at the end of the season a two-legged relegation play-off will take place between the fourth and fifth-bottom clubs.

Empoli boss Silvio Baldini, who reportedly could seek a new challenge in the summer, must change his side because of several injuries.

Andrea Cupi and Stefano Lucchini join Luca Saudati, Gianluca Atzori, Ighli Vannucchi and Marco Barollo on the sidelines.

The versatile Antonio Busce could be converted into a left-back rather than his more usual midfield role.

Tommaso Rocchi might also win a midfield berth and would be one of three men playing behind Francesco Tavano.

As for Atalanta, their coach Giancarlo Finardi, who replaced the sacked Giovanni Vavassori last month, will be deprived of the services of striker Fausto Rossini who is suspended.

Gianni Commandini is injured as is Paolo Tramezzani for the visitors from Bergamo who know failure could allow Reggina to leapfrog them.

In Rossini's place, Finardi might well start with Croatian World Cup star Davor Vugrinec alongside youth team prospect Osvaldo Bianchi, a player Finardi helped to groom before his recent promotion.

Otherwise, Finardi is likely to persist with the team that performed so heroically against Inter.

Atalanta midfielder Luciano Zauri said: "Empoli are in a better situation and against us they also have home advantage.

"It will be much easier for them in terms of the psychological aspect. But I remain convinced that we must not go hell for leather for a victory.

"Even a draw could help us secure our survival. If Piacenza beat Reggina we will have our Serie A fortunes in our own hands and will only lose if we blow it as Reggina have a very difficult run-in."

Teams:
Empoli (probable): Berti; Belleri, Cribari, Pratali; Busce’, Grella, Giampieretti, Di Natale; Cappellini, Tavano; Rocchi

Atalanta (probable): Taibi; Foglio, Natali, Sala, Zauri; Zenoni, Berretta, Dabo, Doni; Vugrinec, Bianchi