Bari are in buoyant mood ahead of their match with Atalanta as they look to build on their excellent season so far.

Few predicted at the start of the campaign the promoted club would lie ninth in Serie A in February, and only eight points away from the 40-point threshold that is usually enough to secure top-flight status.

Bari claimed their eighth win in last weekend's 4-2 triumph over Palermo.

The result ended a four-match winless run for the Galletti and lifted Giampiero Ventura's side to within two points of Palermo, who hold the last European qualifying spot.

"I have a group of players that deserve all the praise they get from the fans, from myself and from everyone else," Ventura said.

"For many of my players, this is their first season in Serie A, many are young and they are having a tournament above all expectations."

One player that has stood out is Brazilian forward Paulo Barreto. The South American has been pivotal for Bari, scoring 10 goals in 18 league appearances.

Barreto's goal tally could increase with the arrival of midfielder Alessio Sestu on a six-month loan deal from Vicenza.

Sestu played for two years alongside Barreto at Treviso.

"Barreto is a friend of mine," Sestu said.

"We did well together at Treviso and I hope I can provide him with many assists for him to score."

Sestu is delighted to have joined Bari.

"I watched their game against Palermo," he said. "They played a great game, just like they have done so far this season.

"It has been a pleasure to watch them play.

"Now I hope I can give my contribution to the team."

If there is one area that Bari could improve on, it is their away form.

Bari have not won on their travels since beating Chievo 2-1 in Verona on October 19.

Getting that away victory will not be easy in Bergamo where Atalanta need to start pulling out all stops if they are to avoid relegation.

Atalanta are have lost two matches in a row, and last weekend's 2-0 loss at Sampdoria left the Bergamaschi second from bottom, four points behind Udinese, who hold the last position of safety.

Atalanta have failed to score in the last two league games while conceding four goals.

"We must continue to battle to avoid the drop," said Atalanta striker Ernesto Chevanton.

"It will not be easy but we have to try to make less mistakes and fight until the end to help Atalanta defend their Serie A status."

The Bergamaschi have reinforced the squad with the signing of defender Henri Toivomaki, midfielder Sergio Volpi and striker Nicola Amoruso this week.

Atalanta coach Bortolo Mutti could hand Volpi and Amoruso a place in his starting XI on Sunday.

The hosts will be without midfielder Tiberio Guarante, who must serve a one-match ban.

Bari will have to overcome the absence of suspended midfielder Sergio Almiron as well as injured duo Alessandro Parisi and Vitalii Kutuzov.