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On Thursday, Atalanta BC will host Hapoel Tel Aviv of Israel at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo for the first leg of their UEFA Conference League playoff match.
The Italian side enter continental action eager to establish a firm advantage on home soil, despite not playing any competitive game yet this term.
On the other hand, the visiting Red Demons arrive in Lombardy having already navigated demanding qualifying ties against Ludogorets Razgrad and GKS Katowice.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Atalanta vs. Hapoel Tel Aviv key stats
- Atalanta have failed to keep a clean sheet in five of their last seven games across all competitions.
- Hapoel Tel Aviv have only one win in their last four away games across all competitions.
- Hapoel Tel Aviv have conceded two or more goals in three of their last four away games across all competitions.
Atalanta vs. Hapoel Tel Aviv: Sarri looking to start new era with a win
Atalanta vs. Hapoel Tel Aviv — Tale of the Tape
| Atalanta | vs | Hapoel Tel Aviv |
|---|---|---|
| 7th | Position | 4th |
| 59 | Points | 60 |
| 51 | Goals For | 55 |
| 36 | Goals Against | 35 |
| 13 | Clean Sheets | 14 |
| 6th/9th | Home / Away Rank | 1st/6th |
Atalanta begin a new era under Maurizio Sarri as they look to rediscover the consistency that made them one of Italy's most impressive sides in recent years.
Their previous campaign fell below expectations, with the Bergamo club missing out on a top-four finish in Serie A after several seasons of regular Champions League involvement.
The season began poorly under Ivan Juric, leaving Atalanta struggling to make Europe before Raffaele Palladino took over and gradually lifted the team into the continental places.
Palladino's spell was short-lived, however, as the club opted against extending his contract, with experienced coach Sarri arriving to start a new chapter at the Gewiss Stadium.
Sarri has enjoyed a reasonably encouraging pre-season, guiding Atalanta to three victories from four matches. Their latest outing ended in a 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao.
With their Serie A opener against Sassuolo coming on Sunday, this European tie will provide Sarri with his first competitive test before the domestic campaign begins.
Hapoel Tel Aviv, meanwhile, have had to work considerably harder to reach the playoff round.
The Israeli side began their Conference League journey in the second qualifying round, where they eliminated Ludogorets before overcoming GKS Katowice in the following stage.
A 3-2 aggregate success over the Polish side secured their place in the playoffs. Their return to European competition comes after finishing fourth in the Israeli Premier League last season.
Elyaniv Barda's team have continued their positive momentum domestically, defeating Ironi Kiryat Shmona in the Toto Cup semi-finals on Sunday.
However, they now face a considerably tougher challenge against an Atalanta side eager to begin the Sarri era with a strong European performance.
Atalanta vs. Hapoel Tel Aviv form guide & betting tips
| Atalanta | vs | Hapoel Tel Aviv |
|---|---|---|
DWLWW |
Form | WDWLW |
| 9 | Goals For | 9 |
| 5 | Goals Against | 5 |
NA |
Conference League qualification | DWL |
Whispers predicts: Atalanta 3-1 Hapoel Tel Aviv
Atalanta have had a decent run in their friendly games and will be looking to take the momentum into this first-leg clash.
Although they do not have enough competitive games in their belt, their quality should be enough to see them through this game.
However, Hapoel Tel Aviv have demonstrated consistent scoring form throughout their qualifying fixtures and could get a crucial away goal.
Bookmakers have made Atalanta heavy favourites to win the match at odds of 7/50 (1.14), while a draw is offered at 6/1 (7.00).
An unexpected away victory for Hapoel Tel Aviv is priced at 14/1 (15.00), with the bookmakers seeing them as the underdog.
Given the attacking record of the home team and the goalscoring streak of the visitors, over 2.5 goals is priced at 11/25 (1.44).
Both teams to score (yes) is valued at 6/5 (2.20), considering that Hapoel Tel Aviv have scored in their last six matches.
Additionally, an option for home team total goals (over 1.5) is offered at 11/50 (1.22) odds.
> Home to win at 7/50 (1.14) | Likelihood: Possible
> Over 2.5 goals at 11/25 (1.44) | Likelihood: Possible
> Both teams to score at 6/5 (2.20) | Likelihood: Probable
> Home team total goals (over 1.5) at 11/50 (1.22) | Likelihood: Possible