Atalanta – Sturm Graz : Preview & Prediction
UEFA Europa League (UEL) Group D leaders Atalanta (G2, E1) will be hoping to get back to winning ways against Sturm Graz after losing 2-1 to Serie A leaders Inter at the weekend. The “Bergamasco” missed the chance to make it three wins out of three two weeks ago in Austria (2-2), but a victory here would guarantee them European action next season.
That recent loss to Inter marked not only Atalanta’s first official home defeat this season (G4, E1, P1), but also the first time Gian Piero Gasperini’s side conceded goals in front of their fans. However, with a record of just one goal conceded in their last four home matches in the UEL group stage, “La Dea” should be confident of keeping another clean sheet.
While a 3-1 loss to LASK on Sunday marks a less than ideal preparation, Sturm Graz travel south with a balanced record (G1, E1, P1) knowing that a defeat could complicate matters for them, particularly as they currently have a worse head-to-head record against rivals Sporting CP. They are at least better positioned than in previous UEL campaigns, as each of their last four group stage appearances saw them prop up the group standings.
The visitors would love to repeat their only win against Italian opposition (E2, P3), which came in 2002/03 against Lazio. Sturm could perhaps take inspiration from their only UEL win this season, which once again came away to Raków, but was only their third in their last 19 appearances in European competitions (E5, P11).
Players to watch: Gianluca Scamacca has contributed to each of Atalanta’s last four goals (three goals, one assist), while scoring after the break in each of his three scoring appearances for “La Dea”. In contrast, Alexander Prass opened the scoring in the first leg, scoring four of his last five competitive goals for Sturm before the break.
Key stat: Four goals have been scored before the 15th minute in Atalanta’s last five matches.
Atalanta – Sturm Graz : Betting Tips
Atalanta – Win Odds: 1.35
