Ajax vs Atalanta: Kick-Off Time and Conference League TV Coverage

Atalanta travel to Amsterdam on Thursday, 22 October, with an early chance to give their Conference League campaign shape. Maurizio Sarri’s side began the league phase with a 3-1 win over Pafos, while Ajax arrive at the Johan Cruijff Arena still without a point after defeat away to Hajduk Split.

The decision

Sarri has named a 4-2-3-1 for the 21:00 kick-off, with Gianluca Scamacca leading the line and Charles De Ketelaere operating behind him. Ederson and Gaetano are set to form the midfield base, while Nicola Zalewski and Eljif Elmas complete the attacking support around De Ketelaere.

Marco Carnesecchi starts in goal. Raoul Bellanova, Kristensen, Obric and Davide Zappacosta make up the back four in front of him.

Atalanta’s selection has been narrowed by a substantial injury list. Giorgio Scalvini, Isak Hien, Odilon Kossounou, Sead Kolasinac, Giacomo Raspadori, Franck Kessie and Pompei are unavailable. There are no suspensions or players at risk of suspension listed for the Bergamo club.

Ajax coach Sanchez also goes with a 4-3-3. Ter Stegen starts behind a defence of Rosa, Bouwman, Baas and Wijndal. Amrabat, Klaassen and Mokio are selected in midfield, with Brandt, Leonardo and Gloukh in the front three.

The Dutch side are without Dolberg, Edvardsen, Adingra, Blind and Berghuis. Ajax have no suspended players and no names listed as one booking away from a ban.

Portuguese official Antonio Norbe will referee the match in Amsterdam.

Sunday’s picture

There is no domestic weekend result in the immediate frame here; this is instead a European evening that can influence the rhythm of Atalanta’s season. A second successive league-phase victory would strengthen Sarri’s position before the competition begins to demand more from the squad, particularly with several senior defenders already absent.

For Ajax, the contest carries a different pressure. Their loss in Split left them playing catch-up after one round, and home advantage at the Johan Cruijff Arena gives Sanchez’s team an opportunity to reset their European course.