Atalanta vs Hapoel Tel Aviv: Prediction, Betting Tips and Match Preview
Atalanta
Hapoel Tel AvivMatch events
Match statistics: Atalanta vs Hapoel Tel Aviv
💡 Match preview Atalanta vs Hapoel Tel Aviv
By Babatunde Sowole — Football Expert on European & South American Cups
Italian clubs have built a remarkable reputation for navigating the Conference League qualifiers since the tournament’s inception, and Atalanta are keen to uphold that tradition. However, Hapoel Tel Aviv have very different plans. The Israeli side have faced Serie A representatives four times in European competition, winning twice and losing only once, proving they are no pushovers.
A New Tactical Identity for Atalanta
For a decade, Gian Piero Gasperini and his disciples forged Atalanta into a machine built on intense man-to-man pressing, relentless verticality, and raw athleticism. But the summer appointment of Maurizio Sarri as head coach signals a radical shift in philosophy. The Bergamaschi are now embracing possession-based football, compact zonal defending, and build-up play through short and medium-range passes. So far, Sarri’s men have only played friendlies, but the results are encouraging: three wins (1-0 against Athletic Club, 3-0 versus Schalke, and 3-2 over Arezzo) and a single defeat (1-2 to Feyenoord). Notably, Atalanta won every friendly in which they deployed Sarri’s trademark 4-3-3 formation, while their only loss came when they reverted to the old 3-4-2-1 setup.
The season’s primary objective is a return to the Champions League, and that path runs exclusively through Serie A. The Conference League, therefore, will serve as a testing ground and a platform for reserve players to gain minutes. But that approach only applies once the group stage is secured. For Thursday’s clash, Sarri is expected to field his strongest available XI. With the domestic campaign kicking off this weekend, he won’t pass up the chance to give his side a competitive run-out. The only notable absentee is Charles De Ketelaere, who is recovering from a minor knock. His spot on the right flank will likely be taken by Nicola Zalewski.
Hapoel’s Away-Day Struggles
The Israeli Premier League has yet to begin, but Hapoel have already played six official matches in the 2026/27 season, giving them a clear edge in match fitness. In the local Toto Cup, Elianiv Barda’s side reached the final, overcoming Beitar (2-2, win on penalties) and Ironi (2-1). In the Conference League, they dispatched Ludogorets (2-0 and 2-2) and Katowice (2-0 and 1-2). Yet European experience remains scarce for the Red-and-Whites—this is their first foray onto the continental stage since 2014. That inexperience is most glaring in away matches: they have yet to win a single road game across two qualifying rounds.
Barda has been in charge for nearly two years, instilling an aggressive style built on man-to-man pressing and rapid transitions. However, against stronger opponents, only the second element comes into play. Even against Israel’s top sides, Hapoel avoid pressing high, preferring to park the bus. Expect a deep defensive block in Bergamo. On the personnel front, Barda fielded an identical starting XI in both legs of the previous round. With no injuries or suspensions to worry about, the same eleven should take the pitch at the New Balance Arena.
Predicted Lineups
Atalanta (4-3-3): Carnesecchi – Zappacosta, Kossounou, Scalvini, Bernasconi – Samardzic, Gaetano, Ederson – Zalewski, Scamacca, Raspadori
Unavailable: Hien, De Ketelaere, Ahanor, K. Sulemana (all injured)
Head Coach: Maurizio Sarri
Hapoel Tel Aviv (4-2-3-1): Tzur – Ried, Mayembo, Chico, Leidner – Falcao, Krayev – Turiel, Alkukin, Altman – Boateng
Unavailable: None
Head Coach: Elianiv Barda
The Referee
Javier Alberola Rojas of Spain will officiate. This is only his fourth European assignment, but early signs suggest he is lenient with cards—averaging just 2.33 yellow per match. He also calls very few fouls, with an average of 19.33 per game.
Prediction and Bet
Main Bet: Atalanta to win with a -2.5 handicap at 2.24
The odds accurately reflect the gulf in quality between these sides. Hapoel may be far more motivated to achieve something in the Conference League, but the gap between Israel’s fourth-best team and a perennial Serie A European contender is simply too wide.
As usual, the visitors will drop into a low block against a superior opponent. However, Atalanta’s positional attack should be more than capable of breaking it down. Even the Bergamaschi’s reserve attackers make decisions in the final third far quicker than Hapoel’s defenders, who committed numerous errors even against modest Polish side Katowice. Add in Atalanta’s vast European experience versus Hapoel’s near-total lack of it, and a comfortable home victory looks likely. The -2.5 handicap offers solid value at 2.24.
Total Goals Bet: Under 3.5 at 1.78
Still, a goal-fest isn’t expected. Matches involving Hapoel in this European campaign have averaged 2.75 goals per game. Meanwhile, Atalanta have not scored three or more goals in any of their last three summer friendlies. The under 3.5 market, priced at 1.78, is worth considering.
Babatunde Sowole has been closely monitoring international club competitions for over a decade, with a particular focus on the Conference League, Europa League, and Copa Sudamericana. In his analysis, he prioritizes squad depth, tactical adjustments, and fixture congestion, believing these factors often outweigh raw statistics. His approach to predictions is grounded in studying team form and head-to-head trends, avoiding overreliance on single-match data.
All articles by this author →The editorial prediction is provided for informational purposes only and should not be treated as a direct call to action. Every reader should do their own analysis before deciding on a bet.
Probable lineups: Atalanta vs Hapoel Tel Aviv
Atalanta4-3-3Hapoel Tel Aviv4-2-3-1Match odds Atalanta vs Hapoel Tel Aviv
Result (1X2)
Double chance
Both teams to score
Over
Under
Handicap 1
Handicap 2
Correct score
Predictions for Atalanta vs Hapoel Tel Aviv
Atalanta’s corner output stays consistently low, and the statistics reflect that pattern clearly. I’m backing under 6.5 corners for the hosts at 1.87 — the numbers point to another quiet day from set-pieces.
This is a Conference League clash, and while Hapoel Tel Aviv may try to frustrate early, the gap in class is simply too wide. Atalanta are a Champions League-level side facing a team from a far weaker league.
I'm backing the hosts to cover a -1.5 handicap. The quality of Atalanta's squad ensures a comfortable victory, and they shouldn't need a late winner to get the job done.
Under 7.5 corners is the right call for Atalanta vs Hapoel Tel Aviv. I see this match producing very few corner kicks.
Atalanta face Hapoel Tel Aviv in the Conference League, and there’s no doubt in my mind about the outcome. The hosts are on a completely different level, and anything other than a straightforward win would be a major surprise. I’m backing the home side to take care of business without any drama.
Atalanta and Hapoel Tel Aviv should kick off with a fast-paced, high-energy opening. I'm backing over 1.5 goals in the first half at 2.09.
The matchup between Atalanta and Hapoel Tel Aviv sets up perfectly for a home side looking to put on a dominant show. My bet is on Atalanta to cover a handicap of -2.5 goals, and I’m backing it at 2.15 odds. I expect them to win this with real authority and a convincing scoreline.
Atalanta at home is a completely different beast, and they’ll be looking to put a serious dent in Hapoel Tel Aviv’s defense. Knowing their attacking intent, I’m backing the hosts to pile on the goals. The bet here is on Atalanta’s individual total over 2.5, and with the odds at 1.72, it’s a solid play for a Conference League clash where the Serie A side should dominate.
The Conference League clash between Atalanta and Hapoel Tel Aviv should see goals at both ends. I'm taking the 'Both Teams to Score' bet at 2.10, as it offers a solid risk-reward balance.
Atalanta and Hapoel Tel Aviv are unlikely to combine for more than three goals in this Conference League tie. Under 3.5 at 1.74 is the play here.
Atalanta take corners in bulk, and Hapoel Tel Aviv shouldn’t stop them here. I’m backing the total to clear 10.5 — the hosts are aggressive from wide positions and that margin looks well within reach at 2.56.
Atalanta is the heavy favorite here, and I expect them to score at least twice against Hapoel Tel Aviv. The quality gap is clear, and with home advantage, there’s no reason they shouldn’t put in a dominant attacking performance.
Atalanta will handle Hapoel Tel Aviv and cover the -1.5 handicap in this Conference League fixture. I'm backing them to win by at least two goals.
Atalanta hosting Hapoel Tel Aviv — I’m taking the hosts with a -3 handicap at 2.98. The opposition will likely sit deep and try to stay compact, but that strategy rarely holds up against a side of Atalanta’s caliber. The price looks generous for a multi-goal victory.
After the first leg, Atalanta already have this tie firmly in hand. I expect them to finish the job without any drama, which is why I'm backing the hosts with a -2.5 handicap at 2.15.
Hapoel Tel Aviv’s disciplinary record makes the over 2.5 yellow cards line a strong angle. With the way they play, they’re perfectly capable of racking up that many bookings — and at 2.75, the price is worth backing.
Atalanta should put three past Hapoel Tel Aviv in this Conference League clash. I'm backing them to score over two goals — the price is short, but the expectation is clear.
Atalanta’s edge in individual quality, tactical discipline, and European experience is simply too wide for Hapoel Tel Aviv to bridge. That makes the -2.5 handicap a very realistic target here. I’m backing the hosts to cover that spread comfortably.
Atalanta pick up far fewer yellow cards than Hapoel Tel Aviv. That's why I'm backing the total to land on exactly two.
Atalanta hosting Hapoel Tel Aviv in the Conference League? I'm taking the hosts with a -2.5 handicap at 2.18. This feels as close to a lock as it gets today.
Atalanta are back in European competition but under a new manager, and Maurizio Sarri is still in the early stages of implementing his system. They’ve only had one pre-season win, 1-0 against Athletic Club, which is far from a real competitive test. Add in a Serie A opener just days later, and the timing feels off for a sharp performance.
Hapoel Tel Aviv, meanwhile, are already battle-hardened. They’ve played several official qualifiers, including wins over Ludogorets and GKS Katowice, and they’ve even contested a Toto Cup semi-final. Even though they lost the second leg against Katowice 1-2, they managed the tie — they’re used to pressure and grinding out results. Atalanta have injury issues too, with Hien, Ahanor, De Ketelaere, and Sulemana all out, and Sarri is still trying to figure out his best defensive setup after moving away from a back three. Given the circumstances, I don’t see Atalanta blowing anyone away. The class difference is real, but this is a cautious start for the hosts in a new era. That’s why I’m backing Hapoel Tel Aviv with a +2 handicap.
Despite the gap in class between Atalanta and Hapoel Tel Aviv, both teams can be dangerous going forward. I’m expecting enough attacking intent from each side to push the corner count into double digits. Over 9.5 corners at 1.85 looks well within reach.
Atalanta have bigger priorities and won’t be going all out in this Conference League fixture. I expect them to win by the bare minimum, which makes the +1.5 handicap on Hapoel Tel Aviv the clear play here.
This is a confident "Both Teams to Score" play for the Atalanta vs. Hapoel Tel Aviv matchup. Atalanta's attacking power is a given in this Conference League tie, so that side of the bet feels secure.
The tricky part is whether the visitors can find the back of the net. I believe they will. The odds of 2.10 offer decent value here, and I expect Hapoel Tel Aviv to make their mark on the scoreboard despite being the clear underdog.
Atalanta's attack should have no problem slicing through Hapoel Tel Aviv's defense, and the visitors always push forward in these kinds of games. That combination points to a high-scoring affair, so over 4.5 goals at 3.10 is the clear play.
Atalanta hosting Hapoel Tel Aviv in the Conference League is a clear mismatch. I confidently back the hosts to cover the -2.5 handicap, expecting them to dominate from start to finish and win by at least three goals.
Atalanta versus Hapoel Tel Aviv in the Conference League — I’m backing both teams to find the net here. The odds sit at 2.10, and I see real value in that.
Both sides have the firepower to score, plain and simple. This one’s got goals written all over it.
Atalanta are being overrated here. Hapoel Tel Aviv will dig in and avoid a heavy loss, so I'm backing them with a +2 handicap at 2.00.
Hapoel Tel Aviv's record speaks for itself: 34 of their last 37 matches ended with a margin of one goal or less. That's why I'm confident taking them with a +2 handicap against Atalanta at 1.99.
The visitors' corner count will stay low in this Conference League clash. I'm backing Hapoel Tel Aviv to finish with under 2.5 corners at 2.27.
Let me be direct: Atalanta at home will bury this tie early. Hapoel Tel Aviv simply don't have the defensive structure to withstand ninety minutes at the Gewiss Stadium, let alone the opening forty-five.
The market is pricing a quiet start at even money, but that’s too generous. I expect Atalanta to come flying out of the blocks, put at least two on the board before the break, and take any drama out of the second leg before it even begins. Over 1.5 first-half goals at 2.09 is the obvious play here.
Atalanta will dominate possession in Bergamo, but Hapoel Tel Aviv consistently generates set-pieces when defending deep on the road. Against a side playing short corners, the visitors should get multiple opportunities to clear and counter. The line is set at just over three corners for the away team, and their ability to win set-pieces in transition makes this a solid call. Backing Hapoel to take more than three corners at 1.84 is the right play.
There will be plenty of corner kicks when Atalanta host Hapoel Tel Aviv in the Conference League. I'm backing the over 11.5 corners at 2.92.
Atalanta hosting Hapoel Tel Aviv in the Conference League — I'm keeping my approach simple. Betting on over 1.5 goals in the first half at 2.09 is the straightforward play here; no need to complicate things by guessing the final result.
Atalanta are heavy favorites here, and I expect them to wrap things up early. If they put the game to bed in the first half, the second half could easily turn into a low-intensity affair with very few chances.
That’s why I’m backing under 1.5 goals in the second half at 2.23. Once the result is settled, there’s a strong chance we see at most one goal after the break.
Atalanta vs. Hapoel Tel Aviv in the Conference League is a mismatch on paper. I see the home side putting on a dominant display and winning by a margin of at least four goals. The price of 2.53 for over 4 total goals reflects the high chance of a blowout, and I'm backing that outcome.
The total corners market for this match is the play. I’m backing Under 9.5 corners, as recent form suggests there won’t be many set-piece opportunities. Both sides have been delivering low corner counts lately, and this trend should continue here.
Result: Predictions and Odds for Upcoming Matches
Atalanta face Hapoel Tel Aviv in the Conference League, and there’s no doubt in my mind about the outcome. The hosts are on a completely different level, and anything other than a straightforward win would be a major surprise. I’m backing the home side to take care of business without any drama.
Over: Predictions and Odds for Upcoming Matches
Atalanta and Hapoel Tel Aviv should kick off with a fast-paced, high-energy opening. I'm backing over 1.5 goals in the first half at 2.09.
Atalanta at home is a completely different beast, and they’ll be looking to put a serious dent in Hapoel Tel Aviv’s defense. Knowing their attacking intent, I’m backing the hosts to pile on the goals. The bet here is on Atalanta’s individual total over 2.5, and with the odds at 1.72, it’s a solid play for a Conference League clash where the Serie A side should dominate.
Atalanta take corners in bulk, and Hapoel Tel Aviv shouldn’t stop them here. I’m backing the total to clear 10.5 — the hosts are aggressive from wide positions and that margin looks well within reach at 2.56.
Atalanta is the heavy favorite here, and I expect them to score at least twice against Hapoel Tel Aviv. The quality gap is clear, and with home advantage, there’s no reason they shouldn’t put in a dominant attacking performance.
Atalanta should put three past Hapoel Tel Aviv in this Conference League clash. I'm backing them to score over two goals — the price is short, but the expectation is clear.
Despite the gap in class between Atalanta and Hapoel Tel Aviv, both teams can be dangerous going forward. I’m expecting enough attacking intent from each side to push the corner count into double digits. Over 9.5 corners at 1.85 looks well within reach.
Atalanta's attack should have no problem slicing through Hapoel Tel Aviv's defense, and the visitors always push forward in these kinds of games. That combination points to a high-scoring affair, so over 4.5 goals at 3.10 is the clear play.
Let me be direct: Atalanta at home will bury this tie early. Hapoel Tel Aviv simply don't have the defensive structure to withstand ninety minutes at the Gewiss Stadium, let alone the opening forty-five.
The market is pricing a quiet start at even money, but that’s too generous. I expect Atalanta to come flying out of the blocks, put at least two on the board before the break, and take any drama out of the second leg before it even begins. Over 1.5 first-half goals at 2.09 is the obvious play here.
Atalanta will dominate possession in Bergamo, but Hapoel Tel Aviv consistently generates set-pieces when defending deep on the road. Against a side playing short corners, the visitors should get multiple opportunities to clear and counter. The line is set at just over three corners for the away team, and their ability to win set-pieces in transition makes this a solid call. Backing Hapoel to take more than three corners at 1.84 is the right play.
There will be plenty of corner kicks when Atalanta host Hapoel Tel Aviv in the Conference League. I'm backing the over 11.5 corners at 2.92.
Atalanta hosting Hapoel Tel Aviv in the Conference League — I'm keeping my approach simple. Betting on over 1.5 goals in the first half at 2.09 is the straightforward play here; no need to complicate things by guessing the final result.
Atalanta vs. Hapoel Tel Aviv in the Conference League is a mismatch on paper. I see the home side putting on a dominant display and winning by a margin of at least four goals. The price of 2.53 for over 4 total goals reflects the high chance of a blowout, and I'm backing that outcome.
Under: Predictions and Odds for Upcoming Matches
Atalanta’s corner output stays consistently low, and the statistics reflect that pattern clearly. I’m backing under 6.5 corners for the hosts at 1.87 — the numbers point to another quiet day from set-pieces.
Under 7.5 corners is the right call for Atalanta vs Hapoel Tel Aviv. I see this match producing very few corner kicks.
Atalanta and Hapoel Tel Aviv are unlikely to combine for more than three goals in this Conference League tie. Under 3.5 at 1.74 is the play here.
The visitors' corner count will stay low in this Conference League clash. I'm backing Hapoel Tel Aviv to finish with under 2.5 corners at 2.27.
Atalanta are heavy favorites here, and I expect them to wrap things up early. If they put the game to bed in the first half, the second half could easily turn into a low-intensity affair with very few chances.
That’s why I’m backing under 1.5 goals in the second half at 2.23. Once the result is settled, there’s a strong chance we see at most one goal after the break.
The total corners market for this match is the play. I’m backing Under 9.5 corners, as recent form suggests there won’t be many set-piece opportunities. Both sides have been delivering low corner counts lately, and this trend should continue here.
Handicap: Predictions and Odds for Upcoming Matches
This is a Conference League clash, and while Hapoel Tel Aviv may try to frustrate early, the gap in class is simply too wide. Atalanta are a Champions League-level side facing a team from a far weaker league.
I'm backing the hosts to cover a -1.5 handicap. The quality of Atalanta's squad ensures a comfortable victory, and they shouldn't need a late winner to get the job done.
The matchup between Atalanta and Hapoel Tel Aviv sets up perfectly for a home side looking to put on a dominant show. My bet is on Atalanta to cover a handicap of -2.5 goals, and I’m backing it at 2.15 odds. I expect them to win this with real authority and a convincing scoreline.
Atalanta will handle Hapoel Tel Aviv and cover the -1.5 handicap in this Conference League fixture. I'm backing them to win by at least two goals.
Atalanta hosting Hapoel Tel Aviv — I’m taking the hosts with a -3 handicap at 2.98. The opposition will likely sit deep and try to stay compact, but that strategy rarely holds up against a side of Atalanta’s caliber. The price looks generous for a multi-goal victory.
After the first leg, Atalanta already have this tie firmly in hand. I expect them to finish the job without any drama, which is why I'm backing the hosts with a -2.5 handicap at 2.15.
Atalanta’s edge in individual quality, tactical discipline, and European experience is simply too wide for Hapoel Tel Aviv to bridge. That makes the -2.5 handicap a very realistic target here. I’m backing the hosts to cover that spread comfortably.
Atalanta hosting Hapoel Tel Aviv in the Conference League? I'm taking the hosts with a -2.5 handicap at 2.18. This feels as close to a lock as it gets today.
Atalanta are back in European competition but under a new manager, and Maurizio Sarri is still in the early stages of implementing his system. They’ve only had one pre-season win, 1-0 against Athletic Club, which is far from a real competitive test. Add in a Serie A opener just days later, and the timing feels off for a sharp performance.
Hapoel Tel Aviv, meanwhile, are already battle-hardened. They’ve played several official qualifiers, including wins over Ludogorets and GKS Katowice, and they’ve even contested a Toto Cup semi-final. Even though they lost the second leg against Katowice 1-2, they managed the tie — they’re used to pressure and grinding out results. Atalanta have injury issues too, with Hien, Ahanor, De Ketelaere, and Sulemana all out, and Sarri is still trying to figure out his best defensive setup after moving away from a back three. Given the circumstances, I don’t see Atalanta blowing anyone away. The class difference is real, but this is a cautious start for the hosts in a new era. That’s why I’m backing Hapoel Tel Aviv with a +2 handicap.
Atalanta have bigger priorities and won’t be going all out in this Conference League fixture. I expect them to win by the bare minimum, which makes the +1.5 handicap on Hapoel Tel Aviv the clear play here.
Atalanta hosting Hapoel Tel Aviv in the Conference League is a clear mismatch. I confidently back the hosts to cover the -2.5 handicap, expecting them to dominate from start to finish and win by at least three goals.
Atalanta are being overrated here. Hapoel Tel Aviv will dig in and avoid a heavy loss, so I'm backing them with a +2 handicap at 2.00.
Hapoel Tel Aviv's record speaks for itself: 34 of their last 37 matches ended with a margin of one goal or less. That's why I'm confident taking them with a +2 handicap against Atalanta at 1.99.
Both teams to score: Predictions and Odds for Upcoming Matches
The Conference League clash between Atalanta and Hapoel Tel Aviv should see goals at both ends. I'm taking the 'Both Teams to Score' bet at 2.10, as it offers a solid risk-reward balance.
This is a confident "Both Teams to Score" play for the Atalanta vs. Hapoel Tel Aviv matchup. Atalanta's attacking power is a given in this Conference League tie, so that side of the bet feels secure.
The tricky part is whether the visitors can find the back of the net. I believe they will. The odds of 2.10 offer decent value here, and I expect Hapoel Tel Aviv to make their mark on the scoreboard despite being the clear underdog.
Atalanta versus Hapoel Tel Aviv in the Conference League — I’m backing both teams to find the net here. The odds sit at 2.10, and I see real value in that.
Both sides have the firepower to score, plain and simple. This one’s got goals written all over it.
Yellow cards: Predictions and Odds for Upcoming Matches
Hapoel Tel Aviv’s disciplinary record makes the over 2.5 yellow cards line a strong angle. With the way they play, they’re perfectly capable of racking up that many bookings — and at 2.75, the price is worth backing.
Atalanta pick up far fewer yellow cards than Hapoel Tel Aviv. That's why I'm backing the total to land on exactly two.
Match poster
❓ Frequently asked questions
When and where is the Atalanta vs Hapoel Tel Aviv match?
The match is on 20 August 2026 at 19:30, taking place at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo.
Who is the favorite to win and what is the main betting recommendation?
Atalanta is the clear favorite. The main bet is Atalanta to win with a -2.5 handicap at odds of 2.24.
Are there any key injuries or suspensions for Atalanta?
Yes, Charles De Ketelaere is out with a minor knock, and Hien, Ahanor, and K. Sulemana are also unavailable. Nicola Zalewski is expected to replace De Ketelaere.
How has Hapoel Tel Aviv performed in away matches this European campaign?
Hapoel have not won any away game across the two qualifying rounds, showing a clear weakness on the road.
What is the predicted total goals bet and why?
The under 3.5 goals market is recommended at 1.78, as Hapoel's matches average 2.75 goals and Atalanta scored fewer than three in their last three friendlies.
Which tactical formation is Atalanta expected to use under new coach Maurizio Sarri?
Sarri is expected to field his trademark 4-3-3 formation, which brought wins in all friendlies when used, unlike the old 3-4-2-1 setup.
