Arguably the standout fixture on Matchday 2 of the UEFA Conference League sees Dutch giants Ajax host Italian side Atalanta at the Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam.Both teams enter this European tie eager to use continental success as a catalyst to overcome mixed domestic campaigns. Ajax suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Hajduk Split on matchday one, but responded emphatically over the weekend with a 5-2 Eredivisie win over Groningen.Download our MozzartSport App For More NewsAtalanta, on the other hand, enjoyed a perfect start to their Conference League campaign with a dominant 3-1 victory over Pafos FC.##NAJAVA_MECA_10046934##Despite domestic setbacks in Serie A—including a narrow 3-2 defeat to AC Milan last weekend—the Bergamo club's potent attacking setup makes them a formidable opponent on the road.With both teams consistently finding the net and struggling to maintain defensive shutouts, Thursday's encounter promises to be an entertaining and open affair in the Dutch capital.Kick-off: 10:00 PM (Kenyan Time), ThursdayVenue: Johan Cruijff ArenA, AmsterdamGroup: UEFA Conference League (League Phase)Current standings: 4th (Atalanta – 3 pts) vs 25th (Ajax – 0 pts)Who is worse: Spalletti, Allegri or Sarri?Qualification implications: A victory for Atalanta would keep them firmly in the top automatic qualification spots, while Ajax urgently need points to kickstart their campaign and push into the knockout play-off positions.Form GuideAjax✅ Win vs Groningen❌ Loss vs Hajduk Split➖ Draw vs NEC Nijmegen➖ Draw vs Excelsior✅ Win vs Willem IIAtalanta❌ Loss vs AC Milan✅ Win vs Pafos FC✅ Win vs Venezia❌ Loss vs Juventus❌ Loss vs CagliariHead-to-Head Stats (Last Two Meetings)❌ Ajax 0-1 Atalanta (2020 Champions League)➖ Atalanta 2-2 Ajax (2020 Champions League)##NAJAVA_MECA_10047134##Team NewsAjax❌ Daley Blind – Out.❌ Caio Henrique – Injured (out).❌ Anton Gaaei – Out.❌ Steven Berghuis – Injured (out).❌ Kasper Dolberg – Injured (out).❌ Oliver Edvardsen – Out.❌ Simon Adingra – Out.Atalanta❌ Tommaso Pompei – Out.❌ Sead Kolašinac – Knock (out).❌ Isak Hien – Out.❌ Odilon Kossounou – Injured (out).❌ Giorgio Scalvini – Injured (out).❌ Franck Kessie – Out.❌ Giacomo Raspadori – Out.❌ Kamaldeen Sulemana – Out.Player to Watch: Gianluca Scamacca (Atalanta)Gianluca Scamacca remains the central focal point of Atalanta's attacking system in major European competitions.The Italian international recently reached a milestone by netting his tenth European goal for the club during their 3-1 victory over Pafos FC, demonstrating his lethal threat inside the penalty box.Scamacca's aerial presence, physical holds-up play, and clinical ball-striking present a stern test for an Ajax backline that has failed to keep a clean sheet in recent weeks. If supplied effectively from the wide areas, Scamacca possesses the physical and technical profile to decisively sway Thursday's match in Amsterdam.🟢 Safe Bet (Low Risk)Both Teams to Score – Yes🟡 Smart Bet (Medium Risk)Over 2.5 Goals🔴 Long Shot (High Risk)Atalanta to Win and Both Teams to Score – YesDisclaimer: Whilst we do our utmost to offer good advice and information, we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling.
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