Atalanta's Israeli Connection Emerges Ahead of Potential Conference League Clash with Hapoel Tel Aviv

Hapoel Tel Aviv learned on August 3, 2026, that if they defeat Katowice and advance to the Conference League playoff stage, they will face Atalanta, one of the strongest teams expected in the playoffs. Atalanta, based in Bergamo, Italy, has been a top contender in Italian football for years and recently appointed the respected coach Maurizio Sarri. The potential match against Hapoel Tel Aviv in Bergamo would be Atalanta's first official game of the season. Between the two Conference League matches, Atalanta will play Sassuolo in the Serie A opener and Bologna away.

Coach Sarri stated that he plans to implement his well-known tactical system at Atalanta, aligned with the club's philosophy, which may involve significant player rotation. Atalanta lost their first preseason match 2-1 to Feyenoord. This will not be Atalanta's first encounter with an Israeli team; in 2021, they played a friendly against Bnei Reineh, a newly promoted Israeli club from Liga Alef North to the National League. In that match, Israeli player Salim Amash scored against Atalanta, with veteran Josip Iličić starting for the Italian side. Bnei Reineh had conducted a training camp in Italy during which the friendly took place, ending on good terms.

Atalanta's ultras group is not politically affiliated and maintains friendly relations with the ultras of Frankfurt and Terna. The upcoming potential clash offers Hapoel Tel Aviv a significant challenge and an opportunity to face a top European club with a notable Israeli connection.