Milan vs Atalanta 2-0: Stunning Theo Strike Puts Diavolo on the Cusp of Glory

AC Milan, Atalanta, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2021-2022

In the 37th round of Serie A, Milan hosted Atalanta at the San Siro Stadium in a crucial clash between the two Lombardian rivals with major Scudetto implications. Following an uneventful first half, the Rossoneri took the lead through Rafael Leao early in the second period and Theo Hernandez sealed the win with a second strike following an absolutely stunning run, putting the Diavolo on the cusp of their first Scudetto title since 2011.

Stefano Pioli maintained the 4-2-3-1 formation that sealed his side’s latest win over Verona. Olivier Giroud led the line supported Alexis Saelemaekers, Rade Krunic and Leao. In the middle of the park, Franck Kessié took the field for what is expected to be his final home fixture in the famous black and red jersey, with Sandro Tonali alongside him.

Mike Maignan started in goal, while the back-four consisted of stand-in captain Davide Calabria, Fikayo Tomori, Pierre Kalulu and Hernandez.

On the opposite side, Gian Piero Gasperini deployed a cautious version of his 3-4-2-1 formation, with Matteo Pessina and Mario Pasalic starting behind Luis Muriel. Hans Hateboer and Davide Zappacosta took the wingback slots, while Remo Freuler and Teun Koopmeiners were entrusted with the midfield roles.

At the back, Marten de Roon acted as a makeshift defender alongside José Luis Palomino and Berat Djimsiti. As usual, José Musso started in goal.

Cagey First Half

During the first half, Milan and Atalanta traded jabs but neither side threw the big punches with both teams adopting a conservative approach. At the half-hour mark, Muriel threatened with a long-range shot, but Maignan’s dive was superior to it. Few minutes later, Saelemaekers tried his luck on the opposite end but it was too weak and central to trouble Musso.

At the half-time whistle the two rivals headed towards the locker-room with neither side able to produce a single clean-cut chance after 47 minutes dominated by cagey gameplay.

Milan Upfront

After the break, the Rossoneri returned to the pitch in a more energetic approach. At the 53rd minute, a cheeky freekick from Theo Hernandez left Musso stranded, but it only hit the side netting.

But few minutes later, Milan broke the deadlock thanks to their man of the hour, Rafa Leao. Substitute Junior Messias sent a long ball towards the young Portuguese who managed to ward off Koopminers before storming into the box and slotting the ball in-between Musso’s legs. Atalanta were left livid, believing that Kalulu had committed a foul on Pessina ahead of the goal, but the VAR didn’t challenge Daniele Orsato’s decision.

Extraordinary Theo

While the visitors were beginning to build some momentum that would guide them towards an equalizer, Theo unleashed his inner George Weah as he doubled his lead following an 80-yard run that left his opponents in his wake before finishing it with a clinical shot that skipped past Musso’s dive.

Milan On the Cusp of Glory

Following a couple of wasted chances on both ends, Milan sealed their fifth straight win in Serie A the expense of Atalanta with two unanswered goals as they now temporary lead the table by five points.

While Inter will have to beat Cagliari to maintain a glimmer of hope, Pioli’s men only need a draw at Sassuolo in the final round of the season to lift the title regardless of their rivals’ result.

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