Sturm Graz vs Atalanta prediction: EUROPE: Europa League – Group Stage betting tips on match 2023-10-25 16:45.
Sturm Graz got off the mark in the second group stage round of the 2023/24 UEFA Europa League (UEL) with a 1-0 win against RakĂłw CzÄstochowa, the side who were expected to be Group Dâs âwhipping boysâ. But this next UEL assignment against group leaders Atalanta (W2) looks tougher on paper, particularly as Sturm Graz historically perform poorly at home to Italian opposition, with none of their six encounters on home soil against a Serie A (SA) side in any UEFA competition ending in victory (D3, L3).
That run ties in with the Austrian teamâs less than impressive overall record in continental action, which has them hoping this season to avoid a fifth straight UEL group stage appearance ending with a last-placed finish. Their victory over RakĂłw last round should have boosted their confidence that such a fate can be avoided, particularly as it came as part of a five-game winning run across all competitions for the Austrian Bundesligaâs current leaders.
While morale in the home dressing room should be high, opponents Atalanta look like a side on a mission as they aim to make up for last seasonâs omission from any form of European action for the first time in six years. Most of their continental fixtures during that time came in the Champions League, but they did thrive in their last UEL group stage appearance back in 2017/18 when they finished top of their group (W4, D2).
Their chances of repeating that success this time around got off to the perfect start after they followed up their 2-0 opening round win against RakĂłw CzÄstochowa with a 2-1 victory away at Sporting CP. Intriguingly, those matches continued a quirk which has seen Atalanta net exactly two goals in six of their last eight matches across all competitions (W5, D1, L2), a run they kept up in Sundayâs 2-0 SA win against Genoa.
Players to watch: Sturm Grazâs midfielder Alexander Prass grabbed his third competitive goal of the season in his side's 2-1 win over Hartberg this past weekend, with the two most recent being his teamâs second of the day. Meanwhile, Atalanta wing-back Matteo Ruggeri has registered two goal contributions across their two UEL group stage matches so far (G1, A1).
Hot streak: Each of Sturm Grazâs last six competitive matches saw at least one first half goal scored (HT: W4, D1, L1).