Atalanta arrive in Amsterdam confident despite recent upheaval
The European campaign resumes for Ajax this week with Atalanta travelling to the Johan Cruijff ArenA in the UEFA Conference League. The match offers Ajax an immediate chance to respond after last week’s 2-1 loss to Hajduk Split, a result that left the Amsterdam side needing a stronger showing at home.
Atalanta arrive under the stewardship of Maurizio Sarri, who took charge following a turbulent period at the Bergamo club. The Italians have seen several managerial changes since the departure of long-serving coach Gian Piero Gasperini, whose reign included a first Champions League qualification for the club and an emphatic 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the 2024 Europa League final.
Speaking to Voetbalzone, Italian journalist Fabio Gennari summed up the view from Bergamo: there is respect for Ajax’s name and history, but no fear. That distinction will matter on Thursday when both teams look to consolidate their positions in the group stage.
“Atalanta do not fear Ajax, but they do respect them. That respect is always there,”
Recent form and personnel
Atalanta’s managerial roller-coaster after Gasperini included brief spells under Ivan Juric and Raffaele Palladino. Juric’s appointment did not work out and he left after only a short time. Palladino guided the team through a mixed campaign — securing a sixth-place finish in Serie A and a place in the Conference League, while also reaching the Coppa Italia semi-finals. However, his side suffered heavy defeats to Bayern München in the Champions League round of 16, losing 1-6 at home and 4-1 away.
Sarri’s arrival in the summer has not erased those recent inconsistencies. Atalanta most recently lost 3-2 at AC Milan on the weekend before the trip to Amsterdam. Still, Gennari pointed to the club’s attacking options as a reason for caution — particularly Gianluca Scamacca, who has scored for Italy in the Nations League and struck against Pafos in a recent 3-1 win.
What this fixture means for Ajax
For Ajax, the home fixture offers an immediate test of character after the setback against Hajduk Split. Playing at the Johan Cruijff ArenA should be an advantage, but the visitors’ belief and recent scoring threats mean the Amsterdam side cannot approach Thursday’s kick-off lightly. The match is scheduled to start at 21:00.
- Fixture: Ajax vs Atalanta, Conference League
- Kick-off: Thursday, 21:00
- Context: Ajax recovering from 2-1 loss to Hajduk Split; Atalanta reorganised under Sarri
Head-to-head and historical note
Ajax and Atalanta have met in European competition in recent seasons. The 2020/21 meetings are a reminder that matches between the clubs can be tight affairs — a draw in Bergamo followed by an Atalanta win in Amsterdam.
| Season | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2020/21 | Bergamo | 2-2 draw |
| 2020/21 | Amsterdam | Atalanta 1-0 Ajax |
Those earlier meetings are relevant for local supporters travelling to the ArenA or watching in Ajax (Ontario) pubs and living rooms: history shows that these matches can be unpredictable, and Atalanta’s recent domestic and European pedigree explains why they remain a dangerous opponent despite managerial disruption.
Local fans will be watching for how Ajax manage the match tactically and whether they can turn the disappointment of the Hajduk Split result into a more assertive performance at home. From the Atalanta perspective, the priority appears to be consolidating the new coaching project under Sarri and ensuring the team produces a steady run of results.
Coverage of the match will be followed closely by supporters both in Amsterdam and abroad. For Ajax residents and supporters in our city, the fixture is a reminder that European nights remain central to the club’s identity — and that form can shift quickly in a competition where momentum is often decisive.
