AC Milan secured a fourth consecutive win across all competitions on Sunday as we sealed a 2-0 victory over Atalanta at San Siro in a crucial battle for a top-four finish.
The Rossoneri overcame the visitors through a brilliant strike from Theo Hernandez which ricocheted in off the goalkeeper, before Junior Messias added a second late on to wrap up the three points.
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That’s now four consecutive wins for Milan across all competitions as well as four straight clean sheets, and so Stefano Pioli will be delighted with the turnaround in recent weeks after going through a difficult period.
There were plenty of positives to take from this game too as it was our most convincing display yet, and so it’s hoped that we continue to build on this momentum and good form and extend it for as long as possible as we look to salvage something important this season in the shape of a top-four finish and progression in the Champions League.
AC Milan player ratings vs Atalanta:
Mike Maignan, 6.5 – Great to see him back as there is a heightened sense of solidity and reliability with him between the posts. Was relatively untroubled, but was alert when needed to snuff out danger.
Pierre Kalulu, 7 – Put in an excellent shift as he was aggressive and physical with his defending to deny Atalanta any joy getting past him while he also pushed up when possible to give us an extra option in our build-up play.
Malick Thiaw, 7 – Completely shut Hojlund down, as he produced yet another impressive performance. Was composed and clinical in his defending as he consistently broke play up and was calm throughout while also offering accuracy in playing out from the back.
Fikayo Tomori, 7 – As a unit, the back three were excellent as we didn’t allow Atalanta a chance to get into the game. A solid display from Tomori who has slotted back into the side brilliantly to add more resilience in that department.
Messias Junior, 6.5 – Took his goal really well as it was a delightful finish to make the game safe. However, while he worked hard and had some moments, still fairly limited in his influence and missed a big chance earlier on that could have cost us on another night.
Rade Krunic, 7 – Big performance as he did all the dirty work in the midfield battle to not only disrupt Atalanta’s moves and win possession back, but was prepared to get stuck in and put himself about throughout to then set us on our way offensively. A really positive showing and a shame he picked up a suspension after a booking.
Sandro Tonali, 7 – Great composure and accuracy in his work as he kept us ticking in midfield with his passing and also battled hard to help us get a foothold and a sense of control in the game to not only limit Atalanta’s attacking threat but also give us the platform to create openings and cause them problems.
Theo Hernandez, 7 – A beauty of a strike for the goal as he showed great technique and power before getting a bit of fortune to break the deadlock. Did well defensively to apply pressure and force errors while he adds an important dynamic when in form to our attacking play down that left flank too.
Brahim Diaz, 6 – Bit of a mixed bag as he showed real quality at times but was disappointing in other moments. However, will rue some poor finishing from his teammates as well as he created some big chances on which we couldn’t capitalise.
Rafael Leao, 6.5 – A superb assist for the second goal as his ball through the heart of the Atalanta defence carved them open for Messias to score. A bit hit and miss and wasn’t helped by wayward finishing from others after creating some opportunities, while he also picked up a costly booking that will see him sit out next weekend.
Olivier Giroud, 6.5 – Really good play to set up the chance for Theo’s strike that opened the scoring, and did well throughout with his hold-up play and ability to lay off the ball to bring others into the game. Will be frustrated he didn’t get on the scoresheet though as he saw a big chance saved by Musso.
Substitutes:
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 6 – What a sight to see him finally back on the pitch. Showed great intent and positivity in his play whenever he got on the ball and he’ll hopefully play an increasingly important role as he builds his match fitness.
Charles De Ketelaere, 5.5 – Still struggling with a lack of confidence as he takes too long on the ball at times, but put himself about and helped us secure the win.
Ante Rebic, N/A
Alexis Saelemaekers, N/A
