TIME MACHINE: AC MILAN v ATALANTA

Another big match on the horizon, following Napoli and Fiorentina it's time for AC Milan v Atalanta. We prepare for the clash against Gasperini's side with our Time Machine, reliving the previous fixture from the 2009/10 season. During the fight for the Scudetto, Leonardo's AC Milan hosted Atalanta at San Siro in a bid to confirm their ambitions and consistency. The Atalanta side that we faced at the time were completely different compared to today's side, as they found themselves in a fight for survival, which they went on to lose. After a complex start, the Rossoneri found their identity and the right results, helped by the quality in the attacking midfield and a very attacking formation, switching between either a 4-3-3 or the famous "4-2-fantasia". 

It was 28 February 2010, matchday 26. AC Milan took to the field with Beckham, Pirlo and Ambrosini in the midfield and a brilliant attacking three made up of Ronaldinho, Borriello and Pato. After half an hour of domination and a Ronaldinho overhead-kick saved by Consigli, it was a moment of brilliance from the Brazilian: his backheel played in Ambrosini who found Pato to make it 1-0. The second goal came but moments later after a brilliant lone move from Ronaldinho. His cross to the back post found Pato who beats the keeper to make it 2-0 and score a brace. Atalanta responded early in the second half through the Chilean Valdés, making the scoreline 2-1.

It was 3-1 by the 62nd minute: Ronaldinho had a chance from the penalty spot, but Consigli pulled off a save, Borriello was the quickest to react as he scored his ninth goal of the league season. It wasn't all great though, Pato was forced off with a muscle injury, an all too common occurrence during the city. The win put AC Milan on 54 points, four behind the leaders Inter, allowing Leonardo to keep the Scudetto dreams alive. The win was one of the most convincing for the Rossoneri, with Ronaldinho embodying a fun and brilliant side, who would go on to finish 3rd in the league. 

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