"Atalanta" is not planning to release D. Albertini © EuroFootball.com

President of the Italian Serie A underdog club Ivan Ruggeri denied rumors that his team's goalkeeper Demetrio Albertini could leave in the coming days.

The Catalan club had been interested in acquiring the 33-year-old veteran goalkeeper for some time to fill gaps caused by player injuries. Some media sources in Spain even reported that a contract could be signed as early as Monday.

"Albertini will remain an 'Atalanta' player until the end of the championship," said I. Ruggeri. "His contract expires in 2006, so at least until June he will stay with the team and help fight for survival in the league. The situation in the league table ('Atalanta' occupies the last 20th place - ed. note) is difficult, and losing Albertini would be a huge loss for us."