FOUR WINS ON THE SPIN
Serie A
AC Milan made it four wins on the spin in all competitions as they beat Atalanta 2-0 at San Siro. The Rossoneri scored either side of half time, first through a Musso own goal, forced by a stunning long-range volley from Theo Hernández, and then a delightful Junior Messias dink in the final minutes of the game. Stefano Pioli's side dominated the game by and large, and never really looked threatened by the Dea. It was a night made even sweeter by the return of Mike Maignan between the sticks.
All in all, it was a very positive showing from the Rossoneri, who showed marked improvement all over the pitch on a special evening at San Siro, during which our new Fourth Kit made its first appearance. As well as Maignan, Zlatan Ibrahimović, applauded by the 72,000 spectators at San Siro, also returned after 280 days out for his first appearance since the title-winning game last season. February has been kind to the Rossoneri and there's a buzz around the camp as we go into a busy month of March, which starts next Saturday away at Fiorentina.
CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM AC MILAN v ATALANTA
MATCH REPORT
Only 28 seconds had passed before AC Milan had their first chance of the game, a left-foot strike by Giroud that went wide. Five minutes in, Tonali’s free-kick went over the bar. There was another chance for Oli two minutes later, after being played through by Theo, but again it missed the target. The Rossoneri continued to dominate possession as they looked to find the breakthrough. And on the 25th-minute, it came: Giroud’s lay-off to Theo was wonderfully volleyed in by Hernández with his left from 20 yards out, first hitting the inside of the post and then the back of a diving Musso. The goal didn’t change the pattern of play and the home side almost doubled their lead after 33 minutes through Giroud and Leão combining well on the counter. Again Rafa had a good opportunity after 37’, but his swiveling right-foot effort was high. It was the last chance of a half dominated by the Rossoneri.
The second half started off at a slower pace, with Atalanta looking to get back on level terms. But AC Milan held firm, with only Koopmeiners’ free-kick worthy of note inside the opening 15 minutes. The Rossoneri slowly got a foothold and advanced further forward, first with Leão on the hour mark (saved by Musso) and then Messias’ attempt was blocked by the visiting defence. After 69’, a promising breakaway ended with Tonali setting up Leão, but he failed to connect in the six-yard-box. Soon after, Messias struck high over the bar from in front of goal, after Leão’s assist, before there was time for De Ketelaere to come on and a return for Zlatan Ibrahimović. AC Milan continue to not give anything away at the back and sealed the game after 86’: a long ball over the top by Leão fell to Messias who bore down on goal and clipped it over Mussa into the back of the net. It ended 2-0 to us!
MATCH DETAILS
AC MILAN 2-0 ATALANTA
AC MILAN (3-4-3): Maignan; Kalulu, Thiaw, Tomori; Messias (88' Saelemaekers), Tonali, Krunić, Hernández; Díaz (74' De Ketelaere), Giroud (74' Ibrahimović), Leão (87' Rebić). Subs: Mirante, Tătărușanu; Ballo-Touré, Gabbia, Kjær; Adli, Bakayoko, Pobega, Vranckx; Origi. Coach: Pioli.
ATALANTA (3-4-2-1): Musso; Tóloi, Djimsiti, Scalvini (84' Palomino); Zappacosta (84' Ruggeri), De Roon, Koopmeiners (84' Vorlický), Mæhle; Lookman (69' Muriel), Éderson (63' Boga); Højlund. Subs: Rossi, Sportiello; Okoli, Soppy; Chiwisa, Muhameti. Coach: Gasperini.
Referee: Mariani from Aprilia.
Goal: 25' o.g. Musso (M), 86' Messias (M).
Booked: 27' Tóloi (A), 28' Leão (M), 58' Gasperini (A), 65' Thiaw (M), 90' Krunić (M).
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