H. Tel Aviv vs Atalanta – News and Probable Lineups

After last week’s first leg ended in a stalemate, the decisive fixture between Atalanta BC and Hapoel Tel Aviv in the Conference League playoffs will take place on Thursday night.

With neither team able to score in Bergamo, this week’s victor in Hungary will advance to the group stage of the league.

Match overview

Atalanta’s new head coach, Maurizio Sarri, expressed disappointment following a 0-0 draw in the home leg of the Conference League playoff, questioning his squad’s resolve.

Having adapted to competing in UEFA’s premier tournaments, the 2024 Europa League champs did not achieve another top-six finish last season in Italy, amidst a phase of ongoing managerial changes.

After Gian Piero Gasperini’s nine years ended, Ivan Juric and Raffaele Palladino had brief tenures, with Palladino at least securing European qualification.

Sarri has taken charge of La Dea and has begun his term unbeaten.

Following the draw against Hapoel, Atalanta kicked off their domestic season over the weekend, hosting Sassuolo on the opening matchday of Serie A.

With goals from Giacomo Raspadori and Nikola Krstovic, they secured a 2-1 victory, and Sarri will aim for a similar outcome in Europe.

While Atalanta entered at the playoff stage, Hapoel Tel Aviv has navigated through two qualifying rounds to reach this point.

After eliminating Ludogorets in the second round, they advanced past GKS Katowice with a 3-2 aggregate score despite a loss in the second leg.

Hapoel finished fourth in last season’s Israeli Premier League, marking a strong comeback after relegation in 2024, although they have not yet commenced the 2026-27 season.

Following their trip to Italy, Elyaniv Barda’s team, who recently triumphed over Ironi Kiryat Shmona in the Toto Cup semi-finals, had the weekend off to recuperate and prepare for the ‘home’ leg.

Due to UEFA sanctions, the match will take place in Miskolc, Hungary, and it will determine whether their journey in European competition will continue.

Team News

Atalanta’s summer acquisition Thomas Kristensen picked up an injury in the first leg, joining defenders Isak Hien and Honest Ahanor on the treatment list.

Giorgio Scalvini also had to be substituted due to an ankle problem, but he is cleared to start against Sassuolo on Sunday.

Winger Kamaldeen Sulemana is expected to be sidelined until October, but Sarri can include new signing Eljif Elmas, who made a late appearance last weekend.

In attack, either Krstovic or Gianluca Scamacca is anticipated to feature, with support from Charles De Ketelaere; collectively, this trio boasts a career tally of 31 goals in UEFA competitions.

For Hapoel, Emmanuel Boateng is projected to lead the attack, with both the Ghanaian striker and Stav Turiel having scored twice in the qualifying campaign thus far.

The latter, recently linked to a move to league rivals Lecce, missed the previous match due to a hamstring issue and remains uncertain for this fixture.

Congo international Fernand Mayembo will again captain the team from central defence.

Hapoel Tel Aviv probable starting XI:

Tzur; Coconut, Maybe, Boy, Leidner; Kraev, Falcao; Owusu, Alkoukin, Altman; In the presence

Atalanta BC probable starting XI:

Carnesecchi; Bellanova, Kossounou, Scalvini, Bernasconi; Ederson, Gaetano, Samardzic; De Ketelaere, Krstovic, Raspadori

Atalanta’s sluggish performance last Thursday can be attributed to a lack of sharpness and Sarri’s new tactical system, but they are expected to elevate their game this week.

Hapoel’s threat was minimal in the first leg, and a significant gap in quality is likely to see them eliminated.