HONOURS EVEN AGAINST ATALANTA
Serie A
A tough game. It was hard-fought, tight and a draw was the right result. It ended 1-1 between AC Milan and Atalanta in a match that only served to reinforce the Rossoneri's continued technical and mental growth, which, in spite of all the absentees, has made them one of the in-form sides in Serie A. Çalhanoğlu's free kick in the 14th gave the Diavolo the lead, but Zapata equalised for the away side (34'). In between the goals, Gigio made a miraculous save to deny Malinovskyi from the penalty spot on the occasion of his first appearance with the captain's armband. With just two games left to go now, the Rossoneri currently have 60 points, one behind Roma. AC Milan's last two games of the season: Sampdoria at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, then Cagliari at San Siro.
MATCH REPORT
AC Milan started well, playing some positive football, and took the lead early on. In the 14th minute, Çalhanoğlu's magnificent free kick crept under the bar, much to Gollini's suprise. Laxalt's decent left-footed attempt in the 19th minute was dealt with by the Atalanta goalkeeper. There was action at the other end in the 25th minute: Biglia brought down Malinovskyi and, after a VAR check, the away side were awarded a penalty. The man who won the penalty stepped up to the spot to take it, but Gigio, in his first game as captain, stood strong and denied the Ukranian. However, Atalanta got themselves level in the 34th minute. Zapata latched onto the rebound from Freuler's deflected shot, and the striker put the ball past Donnarumma after two bites at the cherry.
Shortly after the break, Atalanta put the hammer down, but it was the Rossoneri who had the first chance of the second half. In the 56th minute, Çalhanoğlu found some space on the edge of the box, but Djimsiti blocked the Turk's shot. Pioli opted for a triple change 61 minutes in, and you could immediately see the effect. Leão found some space down the left-hand side and played in an inviting ball for Saelemaekers, who couldn't finish from close range. Zapata threatened again in the 72nd minute with a powerful effort, which was blocked by Kjær. As the Rossoneri went in search of a winner, Bonaventura hit the post from the edge of the area after a swift break, started by Leão. There was not much more action and it ended 1-1 between AC Milan and Atalanta.
MATCH DETAILS
Milan (4-2-3-1): G. Donnarumma; Calabria, Kjær, Gabbia, Laxalt; Kessie, Biglia (61' Krunić); Saelemaekers (69' Castillejo), Çalhanoğlu (61' Bonaventura), Rebić (61' Leão); Ibrahimović. Subs.: Begović, A. Donnarumma; Duarte; Brescianini, Olzer, Paquetá; Castillejo, Colombo, Maldini. Coach: Pioli
Atalanta (3-4-2-1): Gollini; Toloi (46' Sutalo), Caldara, Djimsiti; Hateboer, De Roon, Freuler (69' Pašalić), Gosens (69' Castagne); Malinovskyi (57' Muriel), Gomez (90' Colley); Zapata. Subs.: Sportiello, Rossi; Tameze, Palomino, Cyzborra, Da Riva, Bellanova. Coach: Gasperini
Referee: Doveri from Roma.
Goal: 14' Çalhanoğlu (M), 34' Zapata (A).
Booked: 25' Biglia (M), 38' Toloi (A).
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