FC Copenhagen vs Atalanta 31/08/18
31 August 2018
Thanks to an impressive defensive performance in Bergamo last week, FC Copenhagen have walked away from Mapei Stadium – Città del Tricolore with a scoreless 0-0 draw, and they now have the chance to eliminate Atalanta in the Europa League qualifying playoffs in front of the home supporters at the Telia Parken. Probably the best Danish side at the moment is undefeated in the last twelve matches, as they achieved nine victories while drawing three times in the process, and Ståle Solbakken hopes his players can maintain an outstanding form against the favored Italian opponents. Only last weekend, Copenhagen secured a 3-2 win over Sonderjyske at home, thus cementing the top spot in the Danish Superliga. Meanwhile, the Goddess, who started off the Serie A campaign on the right foot, demolishing Frosinone 4-0 at home, played out a 3-3 draw with AS Roma on the road despite having a two-goal lead before the break. Gian Piero Gasperini believes his team can repeat the same displays like the ones against Sarajevo and Hapoel Haifa, where they managed to score twelve goals on the road, and thus reach the Europa League group stage for the second year in a row.
Jonas Wind will be the only player to skip the match in the home squad, while Josip Ilicic and Marco Varnier won’t be available for the visitors.