Atalanta’s rotten recent record in European competition means that they may have some doubts about their ability to correct course against a Kairat Almaty side who could make history here.
Match News and Current Form
Middling would perhaps be the best way to describe Atalanta’s season so far, with a sluggish Serie A start matched by an indifferent record in the UEFA Conference League so far (W1, L1). That defeat came on matchday two when they went down 2-0 against Ajax, and tasting defeat on the European scene is nothing new for La Dea, who have now lost six of their last eight outings in major European competition (W2), as many as in the 35 prior! This game looks much more favourable on paper though, as Atalanta have lost just one of their last 16 home matches against sides from outside of Europe’s top-five leagues (W9, D6).
Kairat’s domestic season came to an end on Saturday, with their 1-1 draw against Altai the final game in a campaign which ended in a second-placed finish. That at least gives them a chance to qualify for Europe once more next season, but success beyond qualification has proven limited this season for a side who’ve picked up just a single point across the opening two rounds (D1, L1). Struggling at this stage is nothing new for the Kazakhs, who have never won a major European game before (D4, L12), and a mere two wins in eight competitive away games (D2, L4) hint at more misery here.
Head-to-Head History
This will be the first time Atalanta have faced a Kazakh side in major European competition, while Kairat lost their only previous meeting with Italian opposition away to Inter Milan in last season’s UEFA Champions League.
Hot Stats and Streaks
Atalanta’s last four major European home games produced over 3.5 goals.
Atalanta conceded all three of their league phase goals this term after the 85th minute.
Four of Kairat’s five European away matches this term produced under 2.5 goals.
Six of Kairat’s last seven games in the Conference League proper saw both teams score.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Charles De Ketelaere could have a growing impact on this game for Atalanta, with five of his last six goals arriving after the 40th minute. Edmilson could prove to be a good luck charm for Kairat, who have won by a 2+ goal margin on nine of his last 11 scoring appearances.
Giacomo Raspadori and Gianluca Scamacca headline Atalanta’s injury list, while Kairat remain without Jorginho.
For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.
Betting Analysis
Atalanta’s form may not be sparkling, but they should have enough to overcome a -1 handicap here.
Author: Chris Wilson