Taibi gives Atalanta hope
Friday, May 30, 2003
Article summary
Massimo Taibi was Atalanta BC's saviour in a 0-0 first-leg draw at Reggina Calcio in the Serie A relegation play-off.
Article body
Taibi save
The southern side created the clearer chances in an open first half and could have gone ahead in the 41st minute had Atalanta goalkeeper Massimo Taibi not pulled off a fine reflex save to deny striker David Di Michele from the edge of the box.
Balance shifted
The balance of the match shifted decisively, however, 20 minutes after the break when Atalanta defender Luigi Sala was red-carded for a second bookable offence. As Atalanta coach Giancarlo Finardi quickly replaced striker Davor Vurgrinec with defender Cesare Natali, the home side laid siege to the goal.
More heroics
Twice in the final ten minutes Taibi saved his team from defeat, first parrying a close-range header by striker Erjon Bogdani before tipping a powerful drive by defender Aimo Diani over the crossbar.
Away goals
The two sides have now drawn all three of their encounters this season. Their futures hinge on the result of the second leg in Bergamo on Sunday (19.30CET), when away goals scored by Reggina will count as double in the event of yet another draw.
Two suspended
Though Atalanta have home advantage, they will be forced to cope without Sala and Italian international midfielder Cristiano Doni, who picked up a yellow card on Thursday.
