Under-pressure Hull manager Phil Brown will take his side to Italy this week for a hastily-arranged friendly with Serie A club Atalanta.

Sunday's win over Stoke gave the Tigers a much-needed lift and Brown is keen to maintain momentum during the international break ahead of their crucial November 21 clash with fellow strugglers West Ham so the team will fly out on Wednesday and return on Friday.

Although nine players are absent representing their countries the manager is expected to field a strong line-up with the likes of Geovanni, Dean Marney, George Boateng, Steven Mouyokolo and Ibrahima Sonko - as well as youngsters Liam Cooper and Tom Cairney - all likely to feature.