FC Copenhagen vs Atalanta Predictions

Can Atalanta book their place in the group stage of the Europa League when they head to Denmark on Thursday night? They visit Copenhagen this week, with this tie delicately poised at 0-0 after a drab draw in Italy a week ago. La Dea had a fantastic run in this competition last season alongside their Serie A form, but their hopes of another European adventure are under threat in this trip. Can Atalanta book their place in Friday’s group stage draw, or are they going to suffer a defeat in Copenhagen?

The hosts have made a great start domestically, as they lead the way in the Superliga. Copenhagen are no slouches in Europe, having matched Atalanta’s run to the last 32 last season. They have a stronger European record than the Italian side, as the Danes were in the Champions League in 2016/17. Their European run last term also came to an end against eventual winners Atletico Madrid, so there’s no great shame in that exit. They would be quite unhappy with an exit before the group stage draw, and with home advantage, everything is set up for the Danes to succeed.

The visitors are expected to qualify here, they are odds on favourites to win on Thursday and progress. It’s easy to see why, a top Italian side shouldn’t really struggle in a match like this. They make this trip having tested themselves against some top European opposition along the way last season, so La Dea have improved their knowhow in European competition. Their qualifying run has seen them avoid defeat in every game so far, while they make this trip on the back of a strong start in their domestic league.

Atalanta kicked off the new Serie A season by putting four goals past Frosinone. They followed that up with another strong night in front of goal, as they drew 3-3 away to Roma on Monday night. That impressive forward play sets them up for this trip to Denmark, where la Dea need to get forward. They have got an excellent attacking record this season, with their European matches seeing them have plenty of joy up front. They’ve scored 16 goals across their five games, with 12 of those coming in two away trips. They’ve scored at least twice in four of five qualifiers, and we expect a strong display up front from Atalanta.

Over their last four European trips, Atalanta have scored 19 goals. They should be able to trouble Copenhagen here, and we expect the attacking talent of the visitors to shine through. We’re backing over 1.5 goals for the away side, along with a 2-1 win for the Italians.