This Friday, Serie A fans are in for a thrilling clash as Atalanta host AC Milan at the Gewiss Stadium. With both teams fighting for pivotal points in the league, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Atalanta, under Gian Piero Gasperini, are in scintillating form and eyeing a potential title charge. On the other hand, Milan, led by Paulo Fonseca, are battling inconsistency and struggling to keep their Scudetto hopes alive.
Atalanta have been the team to watch this season, showcasing electric form across competitions. With an impressive 13-game unbeaten streak (W11, D2), they are making a strong case for their first-ever Serie A title.
Their recent 2-0 victory over Roma highlighted their tactical discipline and attacking prowess, with Charles De Ketelaere and Ademola Lookman playing key roles.
Gasperini’s men have been lethal in front of goal, boasting a league-high 36 goals in just 14 matches. Their ability to score at least twice in every home game this season makes them a formidable opponent.
De Ketelaere, thriving after a tough stint at Milan, has become a linchpin in Atalanta’s attack. His redemption arc adds an extra layer of intrigue to this encounter.
The stakes are high for Atalanta. A win against Milan could temporarily put them at the top of the Serie A table, adding even more pressure to Napoli in the title race.
Milan’s Rollercoaster Season
Milan’s season under Paulo Fonseca has been a tale of ups and downs. After finishing as runners-up last season, expectations were high for the Rossoneri, but inconsistency has been their Achilles’ heel. Despite back-to-back emphatic wins, including a 6-1 demolition of Sassuolo in the Coppa Italia, Milan remain seven points off the top four.
Their defensive frailties have been a major concern. Milan have conceded two or more goals in four of their six away league games, resulting in a mediocre road record (W2, D2, L2). However, their attack has been firing, with the Rossoneri scoring in every away game this season.
Fonseca’s side will need to summon their best form if they hope to overcome Atalanta. With injuries sidelining key players like Alessandro Florenzi and Ismael Bennacer, the pressure will be on the likes of Rafael Leão and Alvaro Morata to deliver.
Key Players to Watch
- Charles De Ketelaere (Atalanta): The Belgian forward has been a revelation for La Dea, scoring crucial goals and creating opportunities. Facing his former club, he’ll be motivated to make a statement.
- Ademola Lookman (Atalanta): With his pace and clinical finishing, Lookman has been a nightmare for defenders this season.
- Rafael Leão (Milan): The Portuguese winger’s creativity and flair will be crucial for Milan’s attacking efforts.
- Christian Pulisic (Milan): The American playmaker has shown flashes of brilliance and will look to exploit Atalanta’s backline.
ALSO READ:Atalanta Edge Closer to Serie A Summit With Impressive 2-0 Victory Over Roma
Team News and Predicted Line-ups
Atalanta
Gasperini’s side will be without Gianluca Scamacca and Juan Cuadrado due to injuries. Davide Zappacosta is nearing a return but is unlikely to start. Expect Raoul Bellanova to feature prominently on the right wing.
Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Carnesecchi; Djimsiti, Hien, Kolasinac; Bellanova, Ederson, De Roon, Ruggeri; De Ketelaere, Lookman; Retegui.
Milan
In addition to long-term absentees Florenzi and Bennacer, Milan will also miss Luka Jovic. Ruben Loftus-Cheek is expected to start on the bench due to a fitness concern, with Alvaro Morata leading the attack.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Emerson, Gabbia, Thiaw, Hernandez; Fofana, Reijnders; Chukwueze, Pulisic, Leão; Morata.
Head-to-Head and Recent Form
Atalanta have struggled against Milan at home in recent years, with only one win in their last four league meetings at the Gewiss Stadium. However, current form heavily favors La Dea, who are unbeaten in their last 13 matches across all competitions.
Milan, by contrast, have struggled for consistency, but they’ve scored multiple goals in three of their last four visits to Atalanta.
Tactical Battle
Gasperini’s Atalanta thrive on high-intensity pressing and quick transitions, making them a threat both in open play and on the counterattack. Milan’s shaky defense will need to be at its best to contain Atalanta’s relentless attacking waves.
Fonseca, known for his attacking philosophy, will likely set up Milan to exploit spaces on the wings. The duel between Atalanta’s Bellanova and Milan’s Leão could prove decisive.
Prediction: Atalanta vs. Milan
Milan’s hopes of reigniting their Scudetto challenge hinge on this match. Unfortunately for Fonseca, Atalanta are in red-hot form and have shown no signs of slowing down. Their firepower, combined with Milan’s defensive vulnerabilities, tilts the scales in favor of La Dea.
Prediction: Atalanta 3-1 Milan
