Talking tactics: Dynamic Milan show real quality in three-goal showing vs Atalanta

   October 4, 2021

AC Milan were in fine form in front of goal on Sunday as we secured a 3-2 win over Atalanta in Bergamo, with Davide Calabria, Sandro Tonali and Rafael Leao firing us to victory.

The Rossoneri came storming out of the blocks with Calabria scoring after less than 30 seconds, while Tonali and Leao showed real class in getting their goals to give us a commanding lead.

READ MORE: Five key talking points as Milan battle to deserved win at Atalanta

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While the hosts did mount a comeback in the latter stages, we held out for a deserved three points and continue to enjoy an impressive start to the Serie A campaign.

Through our goals at the weekend though, we showed different ways in which we’re becoming a more ruthless and effective side going forward, with four key individuals stepping up and providing us with the quality in attack to secure the win.

Theo, Calabria combine as Milan full-backs find breakthrough

It took Milan just 30 seconds to open the scoring, and it was a goal made and finished by our two full-backs.

As seen in the image below, Hernandez wasted no time in bursting forward early on and picked out a great pass for Calabria who saw his persistence pay off as he tapped home at the second time of asking.

Milan clearly wanted to make a fast start by committing players forward, and it worked to perfection to set the tone for the game.

The Sandro Tonali show

This goal was all about Tonali. From his starting position as he prepares to press high up the pitch to his harassing of Remo Freuler to win possession in Atalanta’s half of the pitch.

Not only that though as after all that hard work, he still had the composure and coolness to settle himself and slot home the goal with real confidence.

It was a brilliant individual bit of play, and it was just another indication of Tonali’s growth and development this season as he has started in superb fashion.

Devastating counter-attacking football from Milan

For some time, Milan struggled to be clinical on counter attacks. We’d progress the ball into the final third but eventually lose our way and frustratingly see the move break down.

However, with the pace and quality in the current side, we’re becoming increasingly ruthless, as evidenced with our third goal in Bergamo on Sunday night.

Nine seconds separated Leao’s flick into the path of Hernandez and the Portuguese forward making contact with the ball to put us 3-0 up. It was a swift, direct and accurate counter-attack which was finished in emphatic fashion.