HONOURS EVEN IN BERGAMO
Serie A
AC Milan recorded a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Atalanta on Serie A matchday 9. The Rossoneri started strongly in their midweek fixture, taking an early lead through Samuele Ricci. However, Atalanta responded through Lookman, assisted by Pašalić. This result means that AC Milan extended their unbeaten run to nine games in all competitions. A point apiece is the right result, and it puts the Rossoneri in their place for the time being, level on points with our next opponents, Roma.
Massimiliano Allegri's side, still without much room to rotate, displayed determination and team spirit, despite the tribulations faced during the 90 minutes. The game started in a lively manner, as the Rossoneri were boosted by that early Ricci opener. But Atalanta reacted swiftly and strongly. The introduction of both Nkunku and Loftus-Cheek sparked the game back into life. Regardless of the chances for both sides, there was to be no further breakthrough. The Rossoneri, overall, looked solid at the back and very adaptable, but there's still room for improvement on the front foot.
CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM ATALANTA v AC MILAN
MATCH REPORT
The Rossoneri made a strong start, scoring with their very first shot on target: Samuele Ricci pounced on a clearance from a corner and, from the edge of the box, struck into the net on the half-volley via a deflection off Éderson’s knee. 1-0 to AC Milan after just four minutes. The goal sparked an intense reaction from Atalanta, who went close with a header from Hien. Allegri’s side tried to slow the tempo, but La Dea threatened twice more from just outside the area through Éderson (21’) and Zappacosta (26’). A huge chance fell to the hosts in the 27th minute: Ahanor fired over with his left foot from a very promising position after AC Milan had lost the ball playing out from the back. Atalanta drew level in the 35th minute through Lookman, who controlled well in a tight area and rifled home: 1-1, which was how the first half ended.
The second half began in a very balanced manner. Allegri reshaped his front line, bringing on Nkunku for Rafa and at the break and then introducing Loftus-Cheek for Giménez, who was struggling with a knock. In the 62nd minute, Fofana and Saelemaekers combined brilliantly, but the Belgian, on the edge of the box, misplaced his pass as he looked for Nkunku. Three minutes later, Loftus-Cheek met a Bartesaghi cross with a towering header, but Kossounou was able to chest it back to Carnesecchi. With 67 minutes on the clock, Bernasconi made an important intervention to thwart Loftus. AC Milan continued to build pressure as Fofana volleyed just wide after a knockdown from Bartesaghi. Jurić also made changes, and the hosts managed to contain AC Milan and push forward themselves. Their best chance fell to Zappacosta, whose curling strike was superbly saved by Maignan. After five minutes of added time, Doveri blew the final whistle: it finished 1-1 in Bergamo.
MATCH DETAILS
ATALANTA 1-1 AC MILAN
ATALANTA (3-4-2-1): Carnesecchi; Kossonou, Hien, Ahanor (71' Djimsiti); Zappacosta, De Roon (20' Brescianini), Éderson, Bernasconi (71' Bellanova); Pašalić (81' Musah), Lookman; De Ketelaere (81' Samardžić). Subs: Rossi, Sportiello; Kolašinac, Obrić; Maldini, Zalewski; Krstović, Scamacca, Sulemana. Coach: Jurić.
AC MILAN (3-5-2): Maignan; Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlović; Saelemaekers (90' Athekame), Fofana, Modrić, Ricci, Bartesaghi; Leão (46' Nkunku), Gimenez (62' Loftus-Cheek). Subs: Pittarella, Terracciano; De Winter, Odogu. Coach: Allegri.
Referee: Doveri from Roma.
Goals: 4' Ricci (M), 35' Lookman (A).
Booked: 9' Gimenez (M), 77' Modrić (M), 90'+2 Brescianini (A), 90'+3 Gabbia (M).
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