Ajax seek European revival against Atalanta as both teams’ attack promises goals

Ajax Amsterdam will host Atalanta Bergame on Thursday, 22 October 2026, in the second round of the UEFA Conference League phase, with Mahamad Sangare, presenter of sports debate programme La VAR on Burkina info TV, predicting an entertaining contest.

Ajax are looking to recover from their 2-1 defeat by Hajduk Split in their opening European fixture, while Atalanta arrive with greater confidence after beating Pafos 3-1.

Contrasting form

Ajax returned to winning ways with a convincing 5-2 victory over FC Groningen on 18 October. Their attack has shown it can score regularly, but defensive inconsistency remains a concern.

The Dutch side will need to control the match at home without leaving space behind their back line. Oscar Gloukh, Davy Klaassen and Marcos Leonardo provide attacking quality and can test an Atalanta defence that has also made mistakes in recent matches.

Atalanta have scored three goals against both Venezia and Pafos, while they also found the net twice in their defeat by AC Milan. Their fast, vertical football could be effective against Ajax in transition, although their away form has been less reliable and defensive errors could give the hosts opportunities.

Maurizio Sarri’s side are expected to rely on Marco Carnesecchi in goal, Davide Zappacosta and Raoul Bellanova in the wide positions, and Ederson in midfield. Gianluca Scamacca, Charles De Ketelaere and Nikola Krstovic offer attacking strength, mobility and technical quality.

Both teams have injury concerns. Ajax could be without Kasper Dolberg, Anton Gaaei, Daley Blind and Steven Berghuis, while Dolberg’s prolonged absence limits their options up front. Yves Bissouma is also ineligible because he was not registered on the UEFA list.

Atalanta’s unavailable players include Isak Hien, Odilon Kossounou, Giorgio Scalvini, Sead Kolasinac, Franck Kessie, Giacomo Raspadori, Kamaldeen Sulemana and Pompei. The shortage of centre-backs could leave them vulnerable against Ajax’s attacking players.

Previous meetings and betting angles

The clubs met twice in the 2020-2021 Champions League season. Atalanta won 1-0 in Amsterdam after a 2-2 draw in Bergamo, giving them one victory and one draw from the two matches. Five goals were scored across those meetings.

The headline statistical price is 1.53 for both teams to score. Other listed options include an Ajax win at 2.2, both teams scoring two or more goals at 4.00, and Ajax winning at least one half at 1.57.

The recommended total is over 1.5 goals at 1.148, while the double chance of Atalanta or a draw is priced at 1.70. More than 7.5 corners is available at 1.69.

Scamacca is the suggested anytime goalscorer at 3.00, having already scored once in the Conference League. The proposed correct score is 2-3 at 26, based on the possibility of Atalanta exploiting gaps in the Ajax defence.

Odds may change.