Ademola Lookman’s 87th-minute winner sealed a crucial 2-1 victory for Atalanta over AC Milan at the Gewiss Stadium, propelling Gian Piero Gasperini’s side to the top of Serie A. The thrilling match extended Atalanta’s unbeaten run to 14 matches and left Milan struggling to regain momentum after slipping out of the top six.
Both managers, Gian Piero Gasperini (serving the second of his touchline ban) and Paulo Fonseca, reflected on the high-stakes game in their post-match comments, shedding light on their respective team’s performances.
First-Half Drama: Goals and Setbacks
Atalanta came into the game with their sights firmly set on overtaking Napoli at the summit of Serie A, and their intent was clear from the opening whistle. Early pressure from AC Milan saw Marco Carnesecchi make a critical save to deny Christian Pulisic. However, it was Atalanta who struck first.
Charles De Ketelaere, the former Milan player, rose above Theo Hernandez in the 15th minute to nod home Marten De Roon’s lofted free-kick. His emphatic header was Atalanta’s seventh goal inside the opening 15 minutes of a game this season, underlining their ability to start games strongly.
Alla corte di Principe Charles
At the court of Prince Charles#AtalantaMilan #GoAtalantaGo ⚫ pic.twitter.com/LNpuZynePP
— Atalanta B.C. (@Atalanta_BC) December 6, 2024
Milan responded quickly. Rafael Leao delivered a brilliant cross from the left wing, which Alvaro Morata converted with a sliding finish to level the score in the 25th minute. Despite the equalizer, Milan’s momentum suffered a blow when Pulisic was forced off injured before halftime, leaving the visitors without one of their primary attacking outlets.
Second Half: Missed Opportunities and Tight Defenses
The second half began with both teams looking to assert dominance. Milan created early chances, with Tijjani Reijnders testing the Atalanta defense. At the other end, Raoul Bellanova squandered a golden opportunity for Atalanta as the game grew increasingly tense.
Neither side managed a shot on target until the final quarter-hour, as the match became a gritty midfield battle. The tension in the Gewiss Stadium was palpable, with both sets of fans eager for a decisive moment.
Lookman’s Moment of Brilliance
Ademola Lookman provided the game’s turning point just minutes before full-time. In the 80th minute, the Nigerian forward forced Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan into a superb save with a fierce shot. However, Lookman was not to be denied. In the 87th minute, he rose at the far post to head home a Lazar Samardzic cross, sending the home crowd into raptures.
THIS MOMENT ⚽️#AtalantaMilan #GoAtalantaGo ⚫️ pic.twitter.com/18cr5gD0Aa
— Atalanta B.C. (@Atalanta_BC) December 7, 2024
The goal not only secured Atalanta’s ninth consecutive win across all competitions but also underlined Lookman’s growing reputation as a reliable match-winner for Gasperini’s side.
Gasperini’s Reaction
Speaking after the match, Gian Piero Gasperini praised his team’s resilience and ability to deliver under pressure. Although unable to be on the touchline due to his suspension, Gasperini expressed pride in his players’ discipline and execution.
“This was a fantastic result for us, especially against a strong team like AC Milan,” Gasperini said. “We knew it would be a tough game, but the players showed incredible determination. The late goal from Lookman is just a reflection of the fighting spirit this team has.”
When asked about Charles De Ketelaere’s performance against his former club, Gasperini added: “Charles has been exceptional for us. He continues to grow with every game, and today he showed why he is such an important player. His goal was crucial and well-deserved.”
Gasperini also acknowledged the significance of reaching the top of the Serie A table. “It’s a great feeling to be at the top, but the season is long. We need to keep our focus and continue improving. Every match is a challenge, and we cannot take anything for granted.”
Fonseca’s Reaction
AC Milan manager Paulo Fonseca, on the other hand, lamented his team’s missed opportunities and criticized their inability to capitalize on key moments.
“We had our chances to win this game, but we didn’t take them,” Fonseca said. “Atalanta is a strong team, and you cannot afford to waste opportunities against them. I felt we controlled parts of the game, but in football, it’s about taking your chances, and today we didn’t.”
Fonseca expressed frustration over Christian Pulisic’s injury, which disrupted Milan’s attacking rhythm. “Losing Pulisic before halftime was a big blow. He’s been a key player for us, and his absence was felt in the second half. We lacked the cutting edge in the final third, and that’s something we need to address.”
The Milan boss also highlighted the need for improvement in defensive situations. “Conceding late goals is something we need to fix. Lookman’s goal was avoidable, and we need to do better in those moments. We’ve dropped out of the top six now, and that’s not where we want to be. It’s time for us to regroup and respond.”
What’s Next for Atalanta and Milan?
For Atalanta, the victory is a statement of intent in the Serie A title race. With 14 matches unbeaten and nine consecutive wins, Gian Piero Gasperini’s side has established itself as a legitimate contender for the Scudetto. Their defensive organization, combined with moments of brilliance from players like Lookman and De Ketelaere, makes them a formidable opponent.
AC Milan, meanwhile, faces a critical juncture in their season. Dropping out of the European spots will undoubtedly put pressure on Paulo Fonseca and his players to turn things around quickly. With injuries mounting and confidence shaken, Milan must find solutions if they are to remain competitive in the league.
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