Milan and Atalanta shared the spoils after a 1-1 draw at San Siro. The Rossoneri came into this match after a minor blip in their form. They were involved in a dramatic defeat away at Monza last Sunday.
On Thursday night they suffered a 3-2 loss away in Rennes in the Europa League but did enough to progress to the next round where they face Czech side, Slavia Prague.
In the 2nd minute, a piece of individual brilliance from Rafael Leao lit up San Siro. Using excellent close control he was able to beat two defenders on the left wing before cutting in on his right foot and curling the ball into the top corner.
Midway through the first half Sead Kolasinac was forced off for treatment after a clash with Ruggeri led to a cut on his head. The Bosnian’s wound was hastily patched up and he slotted back into the Atalanta backline.
Just before halftime, Atalanta whipped in a corner with wingback Holm making first contact before falling to the floor clutching his face. Upon closer inspection, the replay showed that Olivier Giroud made minimal contact with the Swede’s upper Torso.
However, the referee awarded a somewhat controversial penalty against Milan. Teun Koopmeiners then calmly dispatched a penalty down the middle past Mike Maignan.
Atalanta started the second half in lively fashion before Milan regained their grip on the game. The Rossoneri continued to push. 10 minutes before time Leao played a looping crossfield to Christian Pulisic who controlled the ball well before poking the ball just wide of the Atalanta goal.
Atalanta continued to sit deep and defend the edge of their box. Milan tried to make things happen but to no avail.
Milan (4-2-3-1)
Mike Maignan – 5.5
Conceded from the penalty spot against Koopmeiners. The French international made a few straightforward saves and claimed some hopeful crosses.
Alessandro Florenzi – 6
Provided some good crosses into the box giving the Atalanta defenders some food for thought. Was swiftly substituted for Calabria after struggling a little bit against Lookman.
Malick Thiaw – 6
A much-improved performance from last week looking more calm and composed. Did well in the air at times.
Matteo Gabbia – 6.5
Contained Atalanta to few limited chances he also moved the ball out well from back into midfield. Has shown improvements in every game since his introduction into the Milan defence.
Theo Hernandez – 6.5
The full-back made his 200th Milan appearance this evening. Continued to link up with Leao. He used his pace to recover balls and make some impressive tackles.
Yacine Adli – 7
The first half was arguably the midfielder’s best in a Milan shirt. Demonstrated more ambitious passing than usual. Was a little quieter in the second half.
Ismael Bennacer – 6
Looked after the ball well in midfield. It was a more dynamic performance than usual from the Algerian looking to create chances.
Christian Pulisic – 6.5
His running in behind stretched the opposition. A persistent threat on the right wing getting a couple of shots away.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 7.5
Continued his good vein of form, he moved the ball quickly and was an ariel threat. He used his pace, power and athleticism to ride tackles and created several good chances.
Rafael Leao – 7.5
Lit up San Siro for his goal by beating two defenders and whipping the ball into the top corner. Displayed flashes of brilliance every time he got the ball and ran at defenders. Scalvini in particular had a tough time dealing with the Portuguese winger.
Olivier Giroud – 5.5
As usual some good hold-up play linking with Leao. Unfortunately and somewhat controversially conceded a penalty after making contact with Holm.
Substitutes:
Calabria – 6.5
Came on in the 56th for Florenzi to deal with Lookman. Good to see the club captain’s back injury after being sidelined for a couple of weeks. Almost had an immediate impact after stinging the palms of Carnesecchi on the hour mark.
Musah – N/A
Substituted in on the 80th minute for Bennacer. Did not get enough time to impact the game.
Okafor – N/A
Came on with a few minutes to go and struggled to make a difference.