Empoli lose ailing Atzori
Friday, February 14, 2003
Article summary
Empoli FC defender Gianluca Atzori requires surgery on a knee injury and will miss the rest of the season.
Article body
Empoli FC will be without Gianluca Atzori for the remainder of the Serie A campaign after it was revealed that the 32-year-old defender will need to undergo surgery on a cruciate ligament injury.
Second season
Atzori has made eleven appearances for Silvio Baldini's side this term and will be sorely missed as Empoli battle to maintain their top-flight status. The Tuscan club are 12th in the table, four points clear of fourth-bottom Reggina Calcio.
Lucchini steps in
The Collepardo-born centre-back was enjoying his second season at the Carlo Castellani stadium following his move from US Ravenna in 2001. Atzori, who has also played for Ternana Calcio, AC Perugia and Reggina during his career, looks likely to be replaced by Italy Under-21 international Stefano Lucchini at the heart of Empoli's defence.
