Saturday 6 December 2014 14:06, UK
Atalanta have suffered a blow ahead of Sunday's home game against Cesena with veteran midfielder Cristian Raimondi ruled out for six months.
Raimondi got hurt in last weekend's goalless draw at Empoli and tests conducted this week confirmed the 33-year-old has ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
The 33-year-old will have to undergo reconstructive surgery and will be sidelined until May.
Raimondi's injury is a blow for Atalanta coach Stefano Colantuono, who only two months ago lost Paraguay midfielder Marcelo Estigarribia to the same injury.
Atalanta players dedicated Wednesday's 2-0 triumph over Avellino in the fourth round of the Coppa Italia to Raimondi.
"This win is for Raimondi," Atalanta captain Gianpaolo Bellini told the Italian press. "We are really going to miss him and we hope he will return as soon as possible.."
Colantuono will also be without defender Boukary Drame and striker Richmond Boakye, who are both suspended this weekend.
Atalanta have not won since October 19 and have collected four points since then - all from draws.
They go into this weekend's encounter looking for their third league win, knowing that a defeat could see them drop to the relegation zone.
"This is a must-win game for us," Bellini said. "We must beat Cesena."
The Bergamaschi are 17th in the standings, one place and one point clear of Chievo, who are in the danger zone.
Cesena travel to Bergamo desperate to return to winning ways.
The Emilia-Romagna outfit have won just one of their opening 12 games so far.
Cesena have collected just five points since their 1-0 triumph over Parma on August 31 and last weekend's 3-0 home defeat to Genoa left Pierpaolo Bisoli's side in 19th place, three points adrift of Atalanta.
Cesena were also in Coppa Italia action this week but lost 4-2 in extra time against Udinese to bow out of the competition.
