AC Milan suffered a 2-3 defeat at home to Atalanta, putting their Champions League qualification hopes in serious doubt. The result extends Atalanta’s unbeaten run against the Rossoneri in Serie A to six matches (four wins, two draws).
Adrien Rabiot of AC Milan reacts during the defeat to Atalanta.
Atalanta, who hadn’t won in their previous four league games (two draws, two losses), traveled to Milan desperate for a positive result under Raffaele Palladino. They got an early boost when Rabiot’s shot from the edge of the area hit the post in the opening minutes.
In the seventh minute, Ederson capitalized on a loose ball inside the box, finishing precisely into the corner to score his second league goal of the season. The visitors then doubled their lead just past the half-hour mark. Nikola Krstovic provided excellent vision to set up Davide Zappacosta inside the area, and the wing-back kept his composure to beat Mike Maignan with a clinical finish.
With two goals down, Milan tried to respond, but Rafael Leao couldn’t get past Marco Carnesecchi, who was solid in denying the Portuguese forward. Atalanta continued to dominate and added a third goal in the 51st minute. Giacomo Raspadori capped off a well-worked move with a curling shot into the top corner, assisted by Ederson.
Milan-Atalanta statistics.
Determined to avoid a heavier defeat, Milan stepped up their intensity in the final half-hour, but Carnesecchi again proved crucial, denying Christopher Nkunku what would have been his first league goal since February. The Rossoneri kept pushing, with Rabiot firing wide and Niclas Fullkrug having a goal disallowed for offside.
Their persistence finally paid off in the 88th minute. A free kick from Samuele Ricci was headed in by Strahinja Pavlovic at the far post. Encouraged by that goal, Milan pulled another back in stoppage time. Nkunku converted a penalty after a clumsy foul by Marten de Roon. Despite a late chance for Matteo Gabbia, Atalanta held on to claim just their third away league win in nine games.
Key moments from Milan vs. Atalanta.
Flashscore Player of the Match: Marco Carnesecchi (Atalanta).
Mentions: Football, Serie A, AC Milan, Atalanta, Ederson Lourenco, Adrien Rabiot, Christopher Nkunku, Rafael Leao.