Notes On Another Big Defeat At the Hands Of Atalanta
A strong start had Ibra miss a chance that would have been offside, Theo and Leao lively and Meite had a free header from a corner.
Atalanta roamed and tried to breach the Milan defense. Zapata was the usual strong forward all expect and Ilicic a threat. Kalulu and Kjaer were kept busy.
Eventually the possession and domination opened the way for Atalanta to score. Cristian Romero got a better position in front of Kalulu and took advantage of a cross to beat Donnarumma from close range, the goalkeeper had no time to deal with the ball that was headed right at him.
Atalanta remained the more dangerous team and had much more of the ball, the home team went into the half having to adjust.
Almost predictably Diaz came on for Meite for the second. Atalanta scored their second when Kessie’s elbow caught Ilicic in the box. The same player converted the penalty as Kalulu in pain and unable to even walk off the pitch was replaced by Musacchio. The young French defender had been struggling since a foul a few minutes earlier.
Mandzukic and Rebic came on for Castillejo and Leao to try to force the game into the Atalanta box but the best chances still fell to Zapata and Atalanta and it was the same player who hit the post and later made it 3-0.
A late mini charge by Milan had Mandzukic and Diaz come close. In the end Atalanta handed Milan another convincing (0-3) defeat and the Milan players and coach were left looking forward to the next match and a response.