Atalanta could face six-point penalty

Serie A side Atalanta could be given a six-point penalty this season if they are found guilty of attempted match-fixing last term, the Italian soccer federation (FIGC) said yesterday.

Livorno, relegated last season, may suffer the same points deduction in Serie B if an Italian federation commission decides against them.

A ruling is expected at the start of next week, FIGC said in a statement.

Atalanta's Gian Paolo Bellini and former Livorno captain David Balleri were charged by the federation earlier this month with seeking to fix the results of the two league games between the clubs last season.

The first on Dec. 23 ended in a 1-1 draw while Atalanta won their May 4 home encounter 3-2 with a late goal. After the match some Livorno players chased their opponents into the dressing rooms.

Balleri and Bellini could face bans of three years if found guilty while Livorno brothers Antonio and Emanuele Filippini could be suspended for five months along with team mate Alessandro Grandoni for their involvement.

The clubs and the players have denied the accusations.