Week 24: Milan – Atalanta

Milan have returned to winning ways, narrow 1-0 wins and not the most impressive but the shut outs have been encouraging. Even Tatarusanu has shown improved form. Now the injury numbers are easing with most notably Maignan back in the squad and getting the start.

The back three remains with hopes of another shut out. Kalulu, Thiaw, Tomori is youthful and with somewhat different characteristics. It is hoped that they will keep up the recent form. In the middle problems remain as always. Messias is getting the start representing more of a goal scoring threat than Saelemaekers. Bennacer’s continued absence mean Pioli will keep his trust in Krunic besides Tonali and Theo. Up front hold little surprise again with Diaz, Leao with Giroud representing the best Milan can offer for now. None of the three are in sparkling form and Leao’s much needed contract extensions remains in limbo but Pioli has little else to work with. Ibra is an option off the bench however.

Atalanta sit three points behind Milan and with Napoli’s run away form only the top four spots are very much up for grabs in a tight race. The visitors are missing Hans Hateboer, Duvan Zapata and Mario Pasalic and have Merih Demiral suspended.

There is always more about this match and others on the forums.