Will Ajax claim their first win? Prediction for the match against Atalanta on October 22
On Thursday, October 22, as part of the second round of the UEFA Conference League's league phase, Dutch side Ajax will host Italian club Atalanta at the famous Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam. This clash is of major importance to both teams: the hosts are desperate to recover from their disappointing start to their European campaign and claim their first points, while the Bergamo side will be looking to cement their place near the top of the table and confirm their status as one of the tournament's main contenders.
Ajax entered their European campaign with high ambitions, but the opening round turned into a painful disappointment for the Amsterdam club. In their first match, the Dutch side suffered a shock 2-1 away defeat to Croatian club Hajduk Split, showing serious problems when defending their own box against intense pressing. Now, the coaching staff's players will have to show character in front of their demanding supporters, as another slip-up could seriously complicate their bid for direct qualification to the next stage of the competition.
Atalanta, by contrast, made a highly confident and assured start to this edition of the Conference League, underlining their strong European pedigree. In the opening round, the Bergamo club gave Cypriot side Pafos no chance at home, securing a convincing 3-1 victory through a high tempo and total control of the game. The Italian team are in excellent physical and emotional shape, boasting a formidable attack and extensive experience of successful European campaigns, making them an incredibly dangerous opponent even away from home.
The tactical script for the upcoming match promises to be highly dynamic and entertaining, as both teams traditionally rely on attacking football and intense pressing. Ajax will try to take control of possession from the opening minutes, using quick combination play and attacks down the flanks to force mistakes from the visitors' defense. Atalanta will respond with aggressive man-oriented pressing across the pitch, instant transitions from defense to attack and high intensity in the central areas. The abundance of individual attacking quality on both sides, combined with Ajax's vulnerability to the opponent's quick counterattacks, should lead to an open game featuring plenty of dangerous chances.
Prediction
Both teams have been playing high-scoring football in their recent matches and have plenty of defensive problems, but they are effective in the final third. My prediction: both teams to score – YES at 1.55
