AC MILAN DEFEATS ATALANTA AT SAN SIRO
Serie A
An inspired and impressive AC Milan overcame Atalanta, despite fading in the second half, to get the league campaign back on track after the draw against Sassuolo. The team followed up its emphatic Europa League win in Salzburg with a 3-2 victory at San Siro. Ramos opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 24th minute, Rabiot doubled the lead in the 43rd and Gila made it 3-0 in the 57th. Gaetano (66') and Krstović (81') scored for Atalanta. AC Milan dominated until the third goal, laying the foundations with an impressive first-half display full of intensity, determination, quality and goals. For much of the first hour, the Rossoneri moved the ball well and played attractive football, combining width and energy with real grit when winning possession back.
Despite a nervy finale, with Atalanta refusing to give up and threatening to snatch a draw, this hard-fought victory was hugely satisfying and significant at a difficult stage of the season. There is still plenty to improve, but tonight is a night for celebration. The ongoing matchday seven takes AC Milan to 15 points, provisionally moving them up to fourth place, four points off the top. European action comes next, before Serie A returns: the Rossoneri travel to England on Thursday 22 October at 9 pm CEST, followed by a trip to Udinese on Sunday 25 October at 8.45 pm CEST.
CHECK OUT THE PHOTO GALLERY FROM AC MILAN vs. ATALANTA
MATCH REPORT
Rabiot had the first chance in the 7th minute, firing a left-footed effort off target. Pulisic thought he had put AC Milan ahead in the 13th minute, finishing from close range, but the goal was ruled out for offside. In the 16th minute, De Ketelaere broke forward before being crowded out by Pavlović. Three minutes later, Krstović raced through on Maignan, rounded the goalkeeper but missed the target from a tight angle. AC Milan finally broke the deadlock in the 24th minute. Musah shot and Obrić handled, prompting the VAR to award a penalty. Ramos stepped up and calmly slotted home. Samardžić tried his luck in the 42nd minute but failed to hit the target. Then, in the 43rd minute, the Rossoneri doubled their lead: Moreira played in Rabiot, who shifted the ball onto his right foot and beat Carnesecchi with a low shot. 2-0 at half-time.
In the 48th minute, Chukwueze fired wide. Carnesecchi then denied Pulisic in the 54th minute. Moments later, another handball led to another VAR review and a second penalty, this time for Kristensen’s infringement as Rabiot shot. Ramos stepped up again and went across goal, but Carnesecchi guessed correctly and saved. The Rossoneri scored anyway just seconds later: Modrić delivered the corner, Rabiot flicked it on with a header and Gila headed home from close range. In the 63rd minute, Krstović struck the post with a diagonal effort. Atalanta pulled one back in the 66th, as Zalewski set up Gaetano, who made a well-timed run and curled a left-footed finish into the corner. Samardžić fired over in the 74th before Krstović made it 3-2 in the 81st, meeting Bellanova’s cut-back with a first-time finish. In the 83rd minute, Maignan made a crucial block with his body to deny Zappacosta. Carnesecchi kept out Jashari in the 88th, and Maignan held another Zappacosta effort in the 92nd. Ramos missed a chance in the 95th, but AC Milan held on to win 3-2.
MATCH DETAILS
AC MILAN 3-2 ATALANTA
AC MILAN (3-4-2-1): Maignan; Gila (84' Tomori), De Winter, Pavlović; Chukwueze (53' Hutchinson), Modrić (75' Loftus-Cheek), Musah (75' Estupiñán), Moreira; Rabiot, Pulisic (75' Jashari); Ramos. S
ubs: Bouyer, Torriani; Bartesaghi, Diawara, Terracciano, Vladimirov; Cisse, Comotto; Camarda.
Coach: Amorim.
ATALANTA (4-2-3-1): Carnesecchi; Bellanova, Kristensen, Kolašinac (20' Obrić), Bernasconi (75' Zappacosta); Éderson, Pašalić (59' Gaetano); Samardžić (75' Scamacca), De Ketelaere, Rowe (59' Zalewski); Krstović.
Subs: Sonzogni, Sportiello; Plaia; Idele, Pounga.
Coach: Sarri.
Referee: Chiffi from Padova.
Goals: 24' pen. Ramos (M), 43' Rabiot (M), 57' Gila (M), 66' Gaetano (A), 81' Krstović (A).
Booked: 41' Rabiot (M), 68' Éderson (M), 78' Obrić (A).
Match kits, clothing, accessories, gift ideas and much more: visit the AC Milan online Store!
