ATALANTA v AC MILAN: OPPONENT REVIEW

A month that began with a key away fixture ends the same way, with another high-profile match. After scraping a last-minute draw against Pisa, AC Milan will now face the only unbeaten team in the league so far, Ivan Jurić's Atalanta, in Bergamo. A solid and well-structured squad, they have settled into the season despite a summer of major changes and the demands of midweek Champions League matches. 

In Europe, the Nerazzurri recorded their only defeat of the first two months of the season at Parc des Princes to reigning European Champions PSG. Apart from that game in Paris, Atalanta have frequently drawn, seven times across both competitions, including four in a row in October. The Rossoneri will then face an ambitious team in the first midweek round of the league, one that has been seeking a victory since September 21st. 

SOLID BUT ADAPTABLE, JURIĆ'S ATALANTA VULNERABLE LATE INTO GAMES
After nine years under Gasperini, the Orobici have begun a new era with one of his 'disciples' in terms of technique and tactics: Ivan Jurić, who began as a player and then became part of the coaching staff under Gasperini at Inter and Palermo. Over the years, Jurić's teams have been tactically similar to Gasperini's style of play, but his football has also demonstrated unique versatility, adapting its approach depending on the opponent. After a season beginning mainly featuring the classic 3-4-2-1 formation that has defined the recent Atalanta teams, the side has now changed strategy in the last two games, first by using a 'true' attacking trio in the Champions League against Slavia Praha (De Ketelaere-Krstović-Lookman, also used in the league), and then trying out an unusual back four in Cremona. 

At the Zini, Atalanta held plenty of possession, 64%, but they seemed to gain less from the game than they created in the end, and arguably deserved more than the full 90 minutes. Nonetheless, they stayed resilient by coming back to overturn Vardy's lead with just twelve minutes on the clock. Late goals have proved to be a point of weakness for Jurić's side this season: four of the six goals they've conceded have come from the final 15 minutes, while the other two took place in the middle of the first half. Clearly, an indicator of a team that takes in instructions well, whether it be pre-match or at halftime, but can struggle to cope with the momentum of the game. However, Atalanta have several tactical options available, and it is likely that Jurić's side will eventually find ways to iron out these issues. 

IMPRESSIVE ATTACK, A 'FAMILIAR' MIDFIELDER TO HOLD THINGS TOGETHER
As mentioned, the Nerazzurri have a variety of different options they can use; however, they are currently noticing the absences of Bakker, Kolašinac, and Scalvini. But there are still many other options available in attack. This summer, the club bid farewell to Mateo Retegui and brought in two high-profile signings: former Lecce striker Krstović and Ghanaian Sulemana, each of whom has scored twice so far this season (matching Samardžić and former Rossoneri De Ketelaere and Pašalić). Atalanta's attack is undoubtedly one of their biggest strengths, bringing both variety, with players like Scamacca and Lookman, and the ability to make an impact even as substitutes. Their goal tally in the first eight rounds is respectable (12 goals, trailing Inter, Napoli, AC Milan and Bologna), but despite the several chances they've created, including expected goals, they could have converted even more. 

Atalanta's midfield hasn't seen many changes over the summer, and it continues to be one of their underrated assets. The central three of Éderson, Pašalić, and captain de Roon, form the basis of Jurić's strategies as the Croatian player has featured in every Serie A game (missing only the last Champions League round), the Dutch player missed the Como game due to suspension, and the Brazilian international has been playing ever since he recovered from an injury to his meniscus, sustained during pre-season. There are also two new additions from the Gasperini era, both have played a key role so far this season and are players to keep an eye out for on the flanks: former Inter and Roma player Nicola Zalewski, and the very young (born in 2008) Honest Ahanor. Both are competent in defence, especially Ahanor, and can play perfectly as full-backs or wide midfielders. 

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