Atalanta geared up for their upcoming match against Manchester United in comfortable fashion by beating Empoli 4-1 in Serie A on Sunday afternoon.
The Italian side travel to Old Trafford on Wednesday night for their third match of the Champions League group stages and will be looking to pile more misery on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side.
Striker Josip Ilicic bagged a brace in the win over Empoli and sent a warning to United with his stunning second goal as he played a one-two on the edge of the box before blasting a beautiful effort into the far top corner of the net.
The home side got a goal back minutes later through winger Federico Di Francesco before an own goal from Mattia Viti and a late strike from Duvan Zapata secured the three points for Atalanta on the road.
Victory temporarily lifted Gian Piero Gasperini's side up to sixth in the Serie A table and looks to be the perfect preparation ahead of facing an out-of-form United in midweek.
Atalanta head into the match as the current leaders in Champions League Group F and are the only side out of the four which is yet to lose in this season's competition.
The Italians drew 2-2 away at Villarreal on matchday one before defeating BSC Young Boys 1-0 in Bergamo before the international break.
United lost 2-1 away at Young Boys in their opening match but struck deep into stoppage time to defeat Villarreal 2-1 at Old Trafford last month.
