AC Milan survive Atalanta fightback to win 3-2 at San Siro
AC Milan held off a furious Atalanta comeback to win 3-2 at San Siro, preserving their unbeaten Serie A start after seeing a three-goal lead cut to one.
Milan stay fourth after late scare
Ruben Amorim’s team were in control for most of the contest and led 2-0 at half-time before stretching the margin to 3-0 early in the second half. Atalanta then struck twice as Milan’s defensive shape loosened, turning the closing stages into a tense finish.
- Milan remain fourth in Serie A, one point behind third-placed Lazio.
- The Rossoneri had 56% possession and completed nearly 601 passes.
- They produced 2.41 expected goals, compared with Atalanta’s 1.65.
- Atalanta managed only two corners but tested Milan with four efforts on target.
Milan’s captain made two saves and continued to distribute cleanly from the back, although he was given little chance with either Atalanta goal as gaps appeared late on.
Rabiot drives decisive first-hour display
Goncalo Ramos opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 24th minute, showing composure to give Milan the breakthrough. Adrien Rabiot then took over the contest.
- Rabiot was booked in the 41st minute.
- Moreira supplied the pass for Rabiot’s 43rd-minute finish, after repeatedly finding space between Atalanta’s lines.
- Rabiot played the assist for Mario Gila to score in the 57th minute and make it 3-0.
- Gila’s forward run and finish capped an outstanding first hour, but he was cautioned in the 84th minute and immediately replaced as Amorim sought to protect the lead.
Rabiot was also involved in the move that resulted in Ramos’ penalty and dominated the central areas alongside Luka Modric. The Croatian dictated possession with accurate passing and intelligent positioning, limiting Atalanta’s counter-attacking threat for long periods.
Amorim’s system works before Atalanta response
Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 shape dismantled Atalanta’s high press for around an hour. Milan’s midfield energy, particularly from Yunus Musah, helped them control transitions before the visitors’ greater tempo and fresh wide players changed the rhythm.
- Musah covered ground relentlessly in midfield before coming off in the 75th minute.
- Samuel Chukwueze’s direct running on the right created space for Rabiot and Christian Pulisic, despite the winger leaving in the 53rd minute without a goal involvement.
- Pulisic’s movement and combination play were central to Milan’s attacking threat. He was withdrawn in the 75th minute to warm applause.
- The replacement for Chukwueze showed attacking flashes but was forced into considerable defensive work as Atalanta surged forward.
At the back, De Winter was disciplined on the right side of the three-man defence and dealt well aerially while handling Rowe’s threat. Milan’s Serbian defender provided physical resistance against Krstovic, though the back line found the final phase more difficult when Atalanta increased the intensity.
What happens next
The late collapse will concern Amorim despite the victory. Milan introduced fresh players in the final 15 minutes to add strength, defensive cover on the left and greater midfield protection, while another substitute entered in the 84th minute for Gila to help close out the match.
Those changes eventually helped Milan withstand Atalanta’s pressure, but the focus will now be on restoring the defensive control that made their first-hour performance so commanding.
