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Sturm Graz invite Atalanta to the Merkur Arena in the group stage of the UEFA Europa League on Thursday (October 26).
The hosts fell to a 2-1 home loss to Sporting in their campaign opener but returned to winning ways with a 1-0 triumph at Rakow Czestochowa. William Böving has scored both goals for his side in the competition.
Sturm resumed their Austrian Bundesliga campaign following the international break with a 2-1 win over Hartberg. That extended their winning run to six games across competitions.
Atalanta, meanwhile, have a 100% record in the competition after two games. After beating Rakow 2-0 in their campaign opener, they eased past Sporting 2-1 away.
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The Serie A side had 2-0 win over Genoa in their first league game after the international break, thanks to second-half goals from Ademola Lookman and Ederson
Sturm Graz vs Atalanta Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- The two teams will meet for the first time.
- Sturm have one win in 12 meetings against Italian teams, losing six.
- Atalanta will meet an Austrian team for the first time.
- The visitors have one defeat in seven games across competitions, with that loss coming in their away game against Lazio in the Serie A earlier this month.
- Atalanta are unbeaten in four away games in the Europa League, winning three.
- Sturm have one defeat in five home games in the Europa League, keeping three clean sheets.
Sturm Graz vs Atalanta Prediction
Sturm head into the game on a six-game winning run, scoring 13 times and conceding just thrice. They have won just once against Italian teams in Europe, though. Sturm have not won back-to-back European games ince the 2000-01 season.
Atalanta, meanwhile, have enjoyed a winning start to their Europa League campaign and are unbeaten in four away games in the competition. They have never met an Austrian team before.
El Bilal Toure remains a long-term absentee for the Gian Piero Gasperini, while Jose Luis Palomino joined the treatment table after a thigh injury earlier this week.
With both teams heading in with good form and meeting for the first time, expect them to settle for a low-scoring draw.
Prediction: Sturm Graz 1-1 Atalanta
Sturm Graz vs Atalanta Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Draw
Tip 2: Goals - Over/Under 2.5 Goals - Under 2.5 goals
Tip 3: At least a goal to be scored in the first half - Yes
Tip 4: Éderson to score or assist any time - Yes
