Atalanta will take on Hapoel Tel Aviv in the first leg of the Europa Conference League playoff at 01:30 on August 21. This match marks a significant moment as Maurizio Sarri returns to the managerial scene, leading Atalanta in this crucial encounter.

Despite Sarri's extensive experience, including previous successes with Napoli, there are concerns about how much he can rejuvenate Atalanta at the age of 67. His last tenure with Lazio did not yield the desired results in the Champions League, but his tactical acumen remains valuable, especially in a competition like the Conference League.

Atalanta boasts a solid squad, but they must remain vigilant against Hapoel Tel Aviv's attacking threats. Notably, Stav Torial has been a standout player for the Israeli side, scoring twice in the third qualifying round against Katowice and finishing the previous season as their top scorer with 12 goals and 6 assists. Hapoel's defense is also formidable, having the best record in the Israeli Premier League last season.

In terms of team news, Atalanta will be without defender Isak Hien due to a hamstring injury, while Hapoel Tel Aviv has a full squad to choose from. The expected lineups for the match are:

• Atalanta (4-3-3): Carnesecchi; Bellanova, Scalvini, Kossounou, Bernasconi; Samardzic, Ederson, Gaetano; Raspadori, Scamacca, Zalewski.
• Hapoel Tel Aviv (4-2-3-1): Tzur; Coco, Mayembo, Chico, Leidner; Falcao, Kraev; Turiel, Boateng, Alkoukin; Altman.

The historical context shows that these two teams have never faced each other before, adding an element of unpredictability to the match. Hapoel Tel Aviv has been in good form, with only one loss by a margin of more than one goal in their last six official matches. Although Atalanta is the stronger side, they are still adjusting to Sarri's tactics, making it unlikely for them to secure a victory by more than one goal.

In conclusion, the match is expected to be competitive, with predictions leaning towards a close scoreline. A likely outcome could be Atalanta 2-1 Hapoel Tel Aviv, with both teams showcasing their strengths and tactical approaches.