Hapoel Tel Aviv
AtalantaAtalanta travel to Israel for a UEFA Europa Conference League qualifying clash against Hapoel Tel Aviv on Thursday at 21:30. The Italian side finished seventh in Serie A last season and enter this final qualifying round directly, bypassing earlier stages. Hapoel, who finished fourth in their domestic league, have already progressed through two qualifying rounds, eliminating Ludogorets and Katowice. New Atalanta manager Maurizio Sarri has implemented a possession-based approach with compact zonal defence, contrasting sharply with the previous decade of intense pressing tactics. Hapoel arrive with recent match fitness from their domestic cup campaign but lack significant European experience, having made their first continental appearance since 2014.
Form and Head-to-Head
Atalanta have lost just one of their last five matches and scored in five consecutive outings. Hapoel have suffered only one defeat in ten matches and scored in six straight games. These sides have never met before. In away fixtures this season, Hapoel have yet to record a victory across two qualifying rounds, typically deploying a low defensive block against stronger opponents. Atalanta's home record shows five wins in their last ten matches with an average of 1.40 goals scored per game. The Italian club's attacking players, even squad rotation options, make faster decisions in the final third than Hapoel's defence, which committed errors even against modest Polish opposition.
Best Bet
Atalanta are clear favourites and should dominate possession and territory. The gap in class between a consistent European competitor and Israel's fourth-placed side is substantial. Hapoel will likely sit deep defensively, but Atalanta's positional attacking play should break them down. Consider backing Atalanta with a -2.5 handicap at 1xBet (2.18 odds) or Mostbet (1.53 odds), reflecting the expected comfortable margin of victory for the hosts.
Odds to Watch
Straight match odds favour Atalanta heavily across all partners. Melbet offer 1.57 for an Atalanta win, 1xBet at 1.59, 1Win at 1.57, and Mostbet at 1.53. For those seeking value, the draw is available at 4.14 with Melbet, 4.2 with 1xBet, 4.1 with 1Win, and 3.74 with Mostbet. Hapoel's odds range from 4.8 to 5.8 across the same operators. Given Hapoel's defensive approach and limited away-game success, goals may be restricted despite Atalanta's attacking intent—monitor total goals markets accordingly.
