Atalanta vs FK Sarajevo Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Just five days ago, Atalanta were set to kick off their season in the group stage of the Europa League. Now, they’re waiting for the visit of Sarajevo, as they face three ties before they can make their way back to the group stage. With AC Milan banned from Europe, Atalanta were set to move straight past the qualifiers this term. However, the Court of Arbitration for Sport overturned Milan’s ban, and that knocked la Dea down a peg, and into Thursday’s qualifying clash. Can they claim a victory against the Bosnian side at short notice?

Atalanta started their first Europa League campaign last season, and they impressed on their way to the last 32. After finishing up seventh in the league, they’re set for another season in Europe, after taking a huge leap forward in recent years. Another strong run in this tournament would be huge for la Dea, and they’re heavy favourites to see off Sarajevo this week.

The visitors fell at the first hurdle in Europe last term, losing out to Moldovan side Zaria. This time around they beat Armenian outfit Banants, but there’s a massive step up in quality here as they prepare to face Serie A opposition. La Dea went through their group campaign unbeaten last term, winning four of six games, including 3-0 and 5-1 victories over Everton. They have lost just once in eight games in this competition, so they are set for another positive result this week. That’s reflected in their odds, with la Dea huge favourites to come away with a result in this clash.

Atalanta had little trouble adapting to playing at the MAPEI Stadium last term, with their stadium not up to UEFA’s guidelines. They were entertaining to watch in this competition, racking up at least three goals in each of their two clashes with the Toffees, while they hammered Apollon here. This is by far the easiest clash Atalanta have faced in Europe, and the final score should reflect that.

Atalanta have previous in racking up big wins against poor sides, hitting 18 goals across six meetings with the bottom three in Serie A last term. After a strong European campaign and with a poor Sarajevo outfit travelling here, we expect plenty of goals for the hosts. The likes of Gladbach and Kukesi have racked up big wins at home to the Bosnian side in this competition is recent years, and Atalanta have enough quality to join that list. Over 2.5 home team goals is our tip here, while we see Atalanta racking up an impressive 4-1 win.