AC MILAN v ATALANTA: KEYS TO THE MATCH

Much has changed since the 1-1 draw earlier in the season - Malinovskyi and Bennacer the scorers on that occasion - but even more so, from both teams, since the 2-0 win at San Siro that took AC Milan nearer to Scudetto number 19. In that game, two pieces of individual brilliance broke the balance of a tight, evenly-fought game to give the home side the required result. But also this season, though, the Rossoneri and Bergamaschi both rely on group togetherness and compact play to allow their individuals' quality to shine. Coach Pioli's AC Milan are looking to keep their good run of results going, while Gasperini's Atalanta have already shown they are capable of stepping up to the plate when important points are at stake. Let's take a look at three possible keys to the match that could make the difference on matchday 24 in Serie A:

LONG PASSES FORWARD AND ATTACKS FROM DEEP
AC Milan have shown many faces this year and, depending on the observer, often like to mix it up going forward. On the other hand, Atalanta, who were more used to building up play and getting men into the box, now prefer to be direct and counter-attack strongly, relying on their individuals skills. Both sides' formations are similar in many ways, and the duels will be key: Malick Thiaw - alongside his teammates in the centre of defence - will have to choose carefully when to drop further back and when to press and squeeze the play, with Højlund always looking to get beyond the last line of defence, and Lookman enjoying one-on-ones. Conversely, the Rossoneri will be counting on Rafa Leão's pace and influence and Krunić and Tonali's excellent ability to make late runs into the box to surprise the compact Atalanta rearguard. Statistically, AC Milan keep the ball better than Atalanta, and they will need to try and create space for their trequartisti to get between the lines, in particular Brahim Díaz. But they also need to be aware of the movement of Boga, an expert in finding space ahead of the midfield and attacking defences head on.

DEFENSIVE SOLUTIONS
The San Siro will once again see two sides lining up with three at the back, and another chance to strengthen the fortress for the Rossoneri trio. Kalulu - on the right - will have to guide Messias, scorer at Monza, and support him when pushing forward, while it should be enough for Tomori to provide back-up when needed for the advancing Theo Hernández, guaranteeing defensive cover. But it won't just be the normal work that is needed, as Atalanta possess players who can strike from distance, able to hit the target regularly and accurately. For this reason, pressing the opposition at the right moment, without leaving time and space needs to be the primary aim for the Rossoneri defence. With Demiral missing, Djimsiti will step into the role of guiding the movement of Toloi and Scalvini out wide for the Dea. Timely runs and attacking support will be the order of the day for the Bergamaschi's two defensive central defenders, both dangerous at set-pieces, but can also concede, inevitably, spaces to attack. AC Milan and Atalanta possess two of the most prolific strike-forces in the league, and benches that can change a game on its head. For both sides, it will not be easy to keep the opposition quiet.

FITNESS AND GAME MANAGEMENT
Atalanta's physical freshness, and the desire for payback, should not be over-estimated, after a lack of midweek fixtures this season, allowing them focus solely on Serie A action. The Rossoneri, who have restored some belief and spirit recently, will have to manage their energy supplies and make the most of every single resource available, from keeping possession to the use of substitutes. Instead, Atalanta are somewhat inconsistent and have had a mixed bag of results recently, and will be looking for their men in form to show up. Their win over Lazio at Olimpico and the home defeat to Lecce, in their last two games, clearly highlight this. But, the Orobici have the second best away record in the league, collecting 24 points so far on the road. The game is set to be hard-fought and, like every top of the table clash, full of expectations: what might just make the difference is a boisterous San Siro crowd. The game's episodes may well turn out to be decisive, and the Rossoneri will need to play patiently and make sure that those episodes fall on the right side.

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