Milan: Strikes from Josip Illicic, Cristian Romero and Duvan Zapata helped Atalanta beating league leader AC Milan 3-0 at the San Siro stadium in Milan Monday(January 18). Gian Piero Gasperini’s side have returned to winning ways after a shaky start to their campaign.
Milan lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Pierre Kalulu being paired with Simon Kjær at the heart of the defence. Franck Kessié along with Sandro Tonali formed a double pivot in the midfield. Zlatan Ibrahimovic shared the forward line alongside Rafael Leao and Samuel Castillejo with Soualiho Maete playing as a no.10 behind them.
Atalanta started in their typical fashion pressing high up the pitch to win the ball. Milan although were having good possession on the ball, but were unable to make something out it which costed them soon after.
Gosens delivered a swerving ball finding Romero in the box who sneaked in like a ghost to head it past Milan goalie Donnarumma to break the deadlock.
Atalanta opened up quite after that creating seemingly good moves with Illicic being the creative hub for them. Best chance came in the half for the home side as Zlatan Ibrahimovic got to the end of a dipping delivery from a free-kick by Tonali but the big Swede failed to score.
Atalanta extended the lead through Illicic who converted his penalty after he was elbowed by Kessie in the box which looked to be a controversial one.
Mario Mandzukic came off the bench for his debut for the Rossoneri but wasn’t finding the rhythm.
Duvan Zapata put the icing on the cake beating Donnarumma at the near post after a well propelled move on the counters by the vistors taking full three points to sit behind Roma at fourth in the table while Milan still retain top spot.
